ONE OF THE MOST REPEATED WARNINGS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT is the warning against false teachers/teaching. Last time we mentioned the Acts 20:20 initiative and we looked at Acts, Chapter 20 in some detail. I must correct an error though: the Acts 20:20 initiative is a part of Jerry Robinson Ministries International and the correct website is www.jrmi.org His most recent book is entitled Bankruptcy of Our Nation. That said, we return to Paul's warning against false teachers in Acts 20. This warning was given after Paul had been in ministry for probably 20 years and the Ephesian Church was about 5-6 years old. About 10 years later, Peter wrote his second epistle in which we find these scathing words concerning false teachers: "These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.........Of them the proverbs are true" 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'" (2 Peter 2:17-18, 22)
The warnings have been with us for 1950-1960 years, and they are probably as pertinent in 2010 as they have ever been. Remember Jesus' words concerning these last days. "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ' and will deceive many....At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and false prophets will appear and deceive many people....For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. I am seeing these things take place right before my eyes. I hear (with my own ears because of the wonder of the Internet, mp3's, downloads, windows media player, etc.) powerful words being spoken about fresh streams of water flowing in and through the church, when at the same time clear mandates of Scripture and the church's own by-laws are being ignored. It brings to mind the words of James: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (James 3:9-10)
I see that the Lord has put me on a roll here, and that the subject of false teachers and false doctrine should be addressed in more detail than has been done here. By His grace, it will be done, but it will require restraint of tongue which only the Holy Spirit can bring. I do not have the ability to tame my tongue in my own strength. James exhorts us to not slander one another by speaking about someone that which we should speak to someone. (James 4:11-12) I pray that I will be able to point out things which are true and things which are false. Sometimes a name will be named as a caution, or as something in particular which should be examined. Then perhaps someone with ears to hear will hear and judge the matter themselves. I make no claim at being another man's judge. However, I leave you now with this exhortation which should help to bring things into balance. "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)
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