Beware of false doctrine

Acts 20:28"So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock-his church, purchased with his own blood-over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.”

On his way back to Jerusalem, Paul decided not to stop at Ephesus, fearing a lengthy delay. But this church was much on his heart, and he recognized that he might not see them again. In order to give them one last bit of instruction and encouragement, he called the elders to meet with him, where they had a most touching time together

Acts 20:30-32 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you-my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

What was Paul's main concern?

Acts20: 29-31"I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you-my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you."

Later, Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus,

1 Timothy 1:3"When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth".

The Greek word used here means “a different kind of doctrine” and is used only twice. Certainly, the false doctrine that concerned Paul the most was a works-oriented salvation.

Galatians 1:6I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News

Paul also concerned himself with lifestyle.

1 Timothy 6:3,5 "Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly lifeThese people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy"

The list of characteristics of the false teachers given in:

1 Timothy 6:4Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble

In contrast with those resulting from proper doctrine and life,

1 Timothy 1:5 “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith".

May our lives be characterized by these qualities.

The central theme for many pastors teaching is God guarantees protection for believers who submit to pastoral authority. On the flipside of the theme, failure to submit to the pastor places believers outside God’s protection, removing the protective hand of God. In other words, a believer who does not submit to and obey the pastor falls out from under the protective covering of God and that of the church. After researching the teaching, I found it to be pure heresy.……This heresy teaches that obedience to the pastor is on the same footing as obedience to God. To disobey the pastor, even when the pastor is wrong, is to disobey God because the pastor is always in authority and God the ultimate authority. In other words, the pastor stands in authority between Jesus and the body of believers, becoming the spiritual covering over his or her church.……Where in the Bible does God appoint men to rule over the body? The Bible does not teach it, although unscrupulous religious leaders have taken scripture out of context to teach that it does. As a for instance, the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 talks about the “tradition of head coverings” and its spiritual application showing Christ is our head and covering. Apostates twist this passage to say what it does not.

This view point is in line with the book "Under Cover teaching" by John Bevereand he advocates a belief system that is biblically and theologically abusive. His ‘talking points’ originate from what he believes God is telling him personally, which he then supports with Bible verses taken out of context. Of course, if you subscribe to this absurd teaching method you do not have the right to question Bevere’s claims because, after all, he is a ‘spiritual authority.’ The Under Cover teaching undermines the true gospel and breeds spiritual infancy because it forces believers to depend on an ‘authority figure’ to show the way. In other words, Bevere is saying you need a pastor who is more popular with God than you, to be your heavenly arbitrator.

A flood of false doctrine has lately broken in upon us. …Men are beginning to tell us:…That God is too merciful to punish souls for ever……That all mankind, however wicked and ungodly…will sooner or later be saved." …We are to embrace what is called "kinder theology," …Treat hell as a pagan fable………This question lies at the very foundation of the whole Gospel. …The moral attributes of God, His justice, His holiness, His purity, are all involved in it. …The Scripture has spoken plainly and fully on the subject of hell… …If words mean anything, there is such a place as hell. …If texts are to be interpreted fairly, there are those who will be cast into it……The same Bible which teaches that God i mercy and compassion sent Christ to die for sinners, does also teach that God hates sin, and must from His very nature punish all who cleave to sin or refuse the salvation He has provided.

…God knows that I never speak of hell without pain and sorrow. …I would gladly offer the salvation of the Gospel to the very chief of sinners. …I would willingly say to the vilest and most profligate of mankind on his deathbed, "Repent, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." …But God forbid that I should ever keep back from mortal man that scripture reveals a hell as well as heaven…that men may be lost as well as saved.