False Teachers Abound Within the Church

Moe Bergeron

One of the most sobering truths in Scripture is that not all who speak in the name of God do so with pure hearts or sound doctrine. Some of the most dangerous people misusing God’s Word are found not in the world at large, but within our churches. This is a reality that calls for discernment and vigilance among believers, as the consequences of such misuse can lead many astray.

The Subtlety of Deception

The danger of misusing God’s Word is often subtle. False teachers and leaders may appear sincere, knowledgeable, and even devout. Jesus Himself warned us about this in Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (BSB). These individuals may look and sound like faithful servants, but their true motives are destructive, seeking to lead people away from the truth of the gospel.

Paul echoed this warning in his farewell to the Ephesian elders, saying, “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). Notice that these wolves come from within the church, distorting the truth and drawing people away from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

Misusing God’s Word

The misuse of God’s Word within the church can take many forms. It can be as blatant as twisting Scripture to justify sin or as subtle as emphasizing certain doctrines while ignoring others, leading to an unbalanced and incomplete understanding of God’s truth. The apostle Peter speaks of this danger, saying, “There are some things in [Paul’s letters] that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).

This distortion often comes from a desire for personal gain, power, or influence. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns that “the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths”. This is a chilling reminder that false teachers can thrive in an environment where people prefer comforting lies over challenging truths.

The Impact on the Church

When God’s Word is misused within the church, the consequences can be devastating. Believers can be led into error, developing a distorted view of God, themselves, and the world. The church can become divided, with factions forming around charismatic leaders who preach a message that deviates from the gospel. The witness of the church to the outside world can be severely compromised as well, as hypocrisy and falsehood undermine the credibility of the Christian faith.

Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees and religious leaders of His day serves as a stark warning. These were men who were well-versed in Scripture, yet Jesus condemned them for using God’s Word to burden others while failing to live by it themselves. He said, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13). Their misuse of Scripture not only harmed themselves but also those they were supposed to lead.

The Call to Discernment

In light of these dangers, believers are called to be discerning. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 are commended for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. This kind of careful, prayerful study of God’s Word is essential for protecting ourselves and our churches from deception. We must not accept any teaching blindly, no matter how persuasive or popular the teacher may be. Instead, we are to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Church leaders, in particular, bear a heavy responsibility to handle God’s Word rightly. Paul’s instruction to Timothy is clear: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This involves not only accurate teaching but also living in a way that reflects the truth of the gospel. A leader’s life and doctrine must be in harmony, bearing witness to the transformative power of God’s Word.

Guarding the Flock

It is crucial for churches to cultivate an environment where truth is cherished, and where leaders are held accountable to God’s Word. This includes fostering a culture of humility, where leaders and congregants alike are open to correction and committed to growing in their understanding of Scripture. False teaching often takes root in places where people are more concerned with appearances or maintaining the status quo than with the truth.

Ultimately, the church is called to be a pillar and foundation of truth in a world filled with deception (1 Timothy 3:15). This requires vigilance, discernment, and a deep commitment to the Word of God. The enemy’s strategy has always included sowing lies among the truth, but Jesus promises that His sheep will recognize His voice (John 10:27). By staying close to the Good Shepherd and immersing ourselves in His Word, we can navigate the challenges of false teaching and stand firm in the truth.

May we be diligent in guarding our hearts and our churches against the misuse of God’s Word, so that we may walk in the light of His truth, bringing glory to His name and leading others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.