Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8750 false teachings

Bible > Themes > 8750 false teachings

8750 false teachings

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8750 false teachings

Scripture repeatedly warns against false teachings, which deny or distort some aspect of the gospel. The origin of such teachings is attributed either to human error or to demonic inspiration.

Examples of false teachings

Revelation 2:14-15 See also Matthew 5:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Revelation 2:20

Qualities of false teachings

They are valueless

Matthew 15:9 pp Mark 7:7 See also Isaiah 29:13; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 1:3-7

They are destructive in their nature

2 Peter 2:1 See also Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29-30; Titus 1:10-11

They have the capacity to lead people astray

They may be popular

2 Peter 2:2 See also Matthew 24:4-5 pp Mark 13:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:18-19; 1 John 4:1-5

They may be accompanied by miraculous signs

Matthew 24:24 pp Mark 13:22 See also 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 13:11-15

The origin of false teachings

Demonic inspiration

1 Timothy 4:1-2 See also 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 16:13-14

Human error

2 Peter 2:3 See also Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Discerning false teachings

By their content

1 John 4:2-3 See also 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 John 2:20-23; 2Jn 7-11

By the teacher's lifestyle

Matthew 7:15-20 See also 2 Corinthians 11:20; 1 John 3:7-10; Jude 4

By their effects

1 Timothy 6:3-5 See also 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Revelation 2:20

The antidote to false teachings

Holding fast to the true gospel

1 John 2:24 See also Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Shunning false teachers

Romans 16:17-18 See also 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Titus 3:9-11; 2Jn 9-11