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.

Revelation 2:14-15

Examples of false teachings

See also

Matthew 5:19
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
1 Timothy 4:1-3
Revelation 2:20
Matthew 15:9

Qualities of false teachings

They are valueless

See also

Isaiah 29:13

pp Mk 7:7

Ephesians 5:6
Colossians 2:20-23
1 Timothy 1:3-7
2 Peter 2:1

See also

They are destructive in their nature

Matthew 7:15
Acts 20:29-30
Titus 1:10-11
Acts 20:30

See also

They have the capacity to lead people astray

Ephesians 4:14
1 Timothy 6:20-21
Hebrews 13:9
2 Peter 2:14-15
1 John 2:26
2 Peter 2:2

See also

They may be popular

Matthew 24:4-5
2 Timothy 4:3
2 Peter 2:18-19

pp Mk 13:5-6

1 John 4:1-5
Matthew 24:24

They may be accompanied by miraculous signs

See also

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

pp Mk 13:22

Revelation 13:11-15
1 Timothy 4:1-2

The origin of false teachings

See also

Demonic inspiration

2 Corinthians 11:3-4
1 John 4:1-3
Revelation 16:13-14
2 Peter 2:3

See also

Human error

Colossians 2:8
1 Timothy 6:20-21
1 John 4:2-3

Discerning false teachings

See also

By their content

1 Corinthians 12:3
1 John 2:20-23
2 John 1:7-11
Matthew 7:15-20

See also

By the teacher's lifestyle

2 Corinthians 11:20
1 John 3:7-10
Jude 1:4
1 Timothy 6:3-5

See also

By their effects

1 Timothy 1:3-4
2 Timothy 2:16-18
Revelation 2:20
1 John 2:24

The antidote to false teachings

See also

Holding fast to the true gospel

Galatians 1:6-9
1 Timothy 1:18-20
2 Timothy 1:13-14
Romans 16:17-18

See also

Shunning false teachers

2 Timothy 3:1-9
Titus 3:9-11
2 John 1:9-11

See also

1461 truth, nature of
5442 pilgrimage
5795 bereavement
7775 prophets, lives
8239 earnestness
8704 apostasy
8750 false teachings
8767 hypocrisy
8776 lies
8784 nominal religion
8832 testing
9120 eternity