Christian

Why Do Christian Leaders Tolerate False Teaching?

Cindy Dawson

Did you know that every book in the New Testament (except Philemon) contains warnings against false teaching? This tells me that false teachers pose a severe danger to the church. These false teachers lead people away from the truth. Yet many Christian leaders blatantly tolerate them and refuse to contend for the faith.

“…I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” Jude 3 NASB

Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well!” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NASB

Because this tolerance is so widespread, I have been searching for the answer to this nagging question: Why do Christian leaders tolerate false teaching? Why? Here are a few possible answers:

  1. Lack of Discernment: While discernment can be a specific spiritual gift, it is also a skill developed through studying God’s Word.
    • “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NASB
  2. Prioritizing Personal Feelings: Allowing emotional, cultural, or worldly perspectives to override biblical truths.
  3. Compromise: to avoid offending people
  4. Prioritizing Popularity:
    • John 12:42-43 says, “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;  for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” NASB: “… they loved the approval of people rather than the approval of God.”
  5. The Love of Money
    • “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
  6. A spirit of ecumenism: This often comes from a flawed understanding of Biblical unity. It is impossible for true Christians to be in unity with false teachers.
  7. Relying on pop-psychology or worldly wisdom instead of Biblical truth
    •  “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” 1 Corinthians 3:19

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Where lies and deception abound, Truth is what the world needs, not a compromised gospel, not a “different Jesus”.

In His Love, Cindy

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

10 thoughts on “Why Do Christian Leaders Tolerate False Teaching?”

  1. I love the opening statement, that nearly every book contains a warning against false teachers/prophets…. that sounds like a Berean challenge!! The whole post is excellent, but I think Romans 12:2 hits the core problem in being conformity with the world, that is a subtle poison of the soul indeed. May we continue to shine God’s light in our lives, being His lighthouses exposing the rocks of conformity that threaten to wreck our eternal souls. God bless you today sister Cindy 🙏

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    1. Alan, I am very thankful for your continuing encouragement. God knows just what we need.
      The question continues to baffle me, though. Sometimes, I think that church leaders are more influenced by “Christian books” than by the Bible! I know that’s true of many Christians who aren’t leaders. They love books by their favorite “Christian writers”, but they themselves are Biblically illiterate!
      We will continue writing what God lays on our hearts. He is faithful to all His promises! His grace is sufficient! God bless you richly my friend and brother in Christ! 🙏🤗✝️

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  2. Excellent, Cindy. Christians tolerating falsehoods come in many forms. Next week I’m starting a four-part series on the work of our hands, and how the use of AI can lead to many dangers, including compromise. I love the answers why Christian leaders tolerate false teaching. You’ve inspired me. I’ll strive to convey why Christians risk the use of AI even though it can lead to spiritual adultery and slothfulness. Thanks for emphasizing that Truth is what the world needs!

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      1. On the topic of AI, I’m no expert. Instead, I’m more like the sixth-grade crossing guard who knows just enough to help the younger ones get home safely.

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  4. Oh, that flesh seeps into every point you made, Cindy. You really nailed some good ones.

    GOD BLESSES OBEDIENCE! We cannot obey Him unless we read His Word, so that we know how to obey. Without the discipline of reading Him daily, it is too easy to slip into our-own-god mode.

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    1. AMEN & AMEN! I’m convinced that most Christians prefer to read best-selling books by “Christian” authors, rather than reading the Bible. The authors get richer, but the readers get poorer! Thanks, Kathy, for adding your excellent comments. God bless you, my friend! 🤗

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