True, or False Teaching?

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you."  - 2 Peter 2:1

"Do false teachers exist in today's church?" Recently, this question seems to be raised frequently in my Bible study groups. I believe that this is certainly something worth addressing, although not in depth here due to obvious constraints.

It's true that false teachers have managed to maneuver themselves into the Christian church since its inception. They cleverly use methods such as artful articulation and a captivating manner to deceive and mislead, for example.

Believers new to the faith are especially vulnerable to their alluring, but false teachings. I strongly encourage reading through 2 Peter, chapter 2. Here, the apostle Peter focuses on the infiltration of false teachers in the churches.

Peter, though imprisoned in Rome, wanted to protect his "flock" from deceptive teachers. Thus, he devotes a whole chapter (2 Peter 2) to unmasking these "religious frauds." 

The apostle sought to familiarize them with their methods, thereby enabling them to identify and avoid their flawed teachings. These unscrupulous teachers may appear to teach the gospel truth, but they do not! (Titus 1:16)

Using metaphors such as "springs without water" and "mists driven by a storm," Peter calls out these pretenders. They offer much, but produce little in the way of God's word. (2 Peter 2:17)

They promise things like delivery, pleasure, and life, but produce bondage, suffering, and death, instead. False teachers commonly spurn, or deny the gospel, manipulating and slanting it; even resorting to demonic influences. (Colossians 2:8)

Interestingly, Peter is not the only one to speak against false teachers. Apostle Paul, too, dedicates a good portion of his time and spirit denouncing them, as well (Ephesians 5:6).

Unfortunately, there are religious charlatans out there who peddle promises of satisfaction to yearning souls, but leave their victims deprived and unfilled. Dispensing teachings that are worthless and completely false.

As mentioned at the outset, this interesting and essential topic is too broad to treat properly here. Nevertheless, by being alert and grounded in the Word, you will be better able to recognize the truth. (John 8:32)

Scripture: Matthew 7:15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Galatians 1:8; Matthew 24:24; 1 John 2:26-27 

Prayer: "Lord, may you always guide and protect me from the false teachers of the world. Help me to follow only Your teachings and truths; the only true gospel there is. Amen."

May your days be blessed,

Bev