Should We Ignore Them?
I’ve been asked many times. “Why are you so hard on false teachers?” “Why don’t you just ignore them?” “After all, what harm do they do?”
“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” (2 Peter 3:16-17)
Let’s not be unlearned or unstable. You have evidently forgotten about Jim Jones. He was a false teacher that deceived many. When things got too ‘hot’ for him in America, he took his deceived followers to another country and set up his little domain. When our government was closing in on him, he talked many of his ‘believers’ into committing suicide. Those who would not kill themselves were murdered by his thugs. Now you tell me—what harm can they do!
Remember the guy in Waco, Texas—same thing—completely deceived people. There was loss of life in both cases mentioned. A lot of drugs and all kinds of sinful sex acts—what harm can they do?
One more—a comet was going to pass close enough to earth so people could see it. Twisting the scriptures, a ‘teacher’ in California persuaded some (I forgot the number) to commit suicide so they could be drawn up into the comet and have everlasting life.
If I were a gambler, I would bet the farm that all those that died following these ‘ravening wolves’ left loved ones behind that would have gladly given the farm if someone would have exposed these false teachers in time to save their loved ones.
That’s just three examples. Let’s notice what the Lord said in the greatest sermon man has ever heard. (Matthew 7:15-23) “15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
I’ve made it easy for you and put the scriptures right in front of you. Now, let’s analyze it:
- Christ said they look good just like little lambs. The reality is they are ravening wolves.
- The right kind of teaching brings forth good fruit—real Christians.
- Many kinds of teachers bring forth bad fruit—ones the Lord will not accept. How will we know the difference without knowing our scriptures?
- The bad fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.
- Remember these scriptures. (Matthew 7:21-23) Good people, trusting people, and folks that do a lot of good will be lost.
It’s a matter of authority—who do we trust and follow?—God’s word?—or do we let the wolf change a word here and there and teach us wrong?
Read this scripture carefully—James 2:8-12
Now if you really want to get your money’s worth, Read for yourself Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, and Revelation 22:18-19.
When you read from your own Bible it will stay with you longer and mean more to you.
Thanks for reading and God bless!