Christian

How to Protect Yourself from False Teaching

Cindy Dawson

As we move forward through the last days, it is vitally important that we know how to recognize false teachers and false teaching. There is only one way to do that. We must know what the Bible says because it is the only indisputable source of Truth. Therefore, the only way to protect ourselves from deception is to read and study God’s Word.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.  Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

Did you know that the average person can read the entire New Testament in 15 to 18 hours? To read the entire N.T. is a great place to start. If you spend only 30 minutes a day, you could do it in about one month! (I am not suggesting we don’t need to read the Old Testament.)

This is important because when you read the N.T. as a whole, you will notice things that may previously have escaped your attention. You will realize that the N.T. warns the believer about false teachers in every book except for one (Philemon).

The Apostles speak out against false teachers in the strongest language. Their warnings must not be ignored.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,” Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV. Read full chapter

Over the next few Saturdays, I will post articles about false teaching and the need for discernment in the Church.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

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

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

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15 thoughts on “How to Protect Yourself from False Teaching”

  1. Excellent post Cindy! You truly fulfil the role of a watchman of the Lord for this generation. I love the call to action to read the New Testament. It is an excellent starting point for anyone who hasn’t read their Bible. I pray that this post will touch hearts and challenge some to brush the dust off their Bible and read it with purpose. God bless you today my friend and sister 🙏

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    1. Alan, I believe that many Christians know they should read the Bible, but they don’t understand that it isn’t only our duty; It is our daily bread which is vital to our health. May God give them understanding. God bless you today, my friend and brother!

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      1. Our empathy can turn toxic when what sounds like help produces unintended consequences.

        For example, when someone is hungry, we can empathize with their need for food. However, the person feeling empathetic also has a choice to make.

        For example:
        (1) hand them a fish or
        (2) teach them to fish.

        The first option addresses the immediate need—hunger. However, just giving a fish can lead to a toxic relationship.

        Unfortunately, empathy that results in the equivalent of just giving a fish decreases the receiver’s self-esteem, and it also burdens the giver with an ongoing obligation that’s hard to sever once established.

        When a welfare state develops, that can turn empathy into a toxic, lose-lose relationship.

        Some teachers expect quick, empathetic responses to suggested short-term solutions. Too often people don’t assess the emotional words and recommendations. The immediacy of needs discourages scrutiny of long-term consequences. I believe that qualifies as false teachings.

        We see this happening across a wide spectrum of issues in politics, culture, and churches.

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        1. I see what you mean and I agree. You said, “The immediacy of needs discourages scrutiny of long-term consequences.” That’s true, but I am beginning to see that some of these empathetic responses (like the welfare state) resulted in consequences that were, in fact, intended! Wise words, Grant. Blessings!

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  3. Amen, Cindy. This is such an important message, especially at a time when there is so much teaching and so many different voices competing for our attention. I completely agree that the best defence against false teaching is to know God’s Word for ourselves. We need to test what we hear against Scripture rather than simply accepting something because it sounds good, feels right, or comes from someone we respect.

    I particularly appreciate your point about reading the New Testament as a whole. Sometimes we can know individual verses very well but miss the bigger picture of what Scripture is actually teaching. God’s Word is our foundation, and the more deeply we know it, the better equipped we are to recognise what doesn’t belong.

    I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. Discernment is something the Church desperately needs, and these warnings should never be taken lightly. Blessings, Cindy. 🙏 😀

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    1. Steve, Thank you for your thoughtful comments. New Christians are especially vulnerable. They haven’t had time yet to know what the Bible says for themselves. They are at the mercy of false teachers who seem sound, but aren’t. That’s why they must be warned. I also believe our youth need to study the Bible instead of being encouraged to read popular Christian authors. It’s so easy to depend on “Christian books” and TV preachers instead of God’s Word. This is how they are led astray. This is the wide gate.
      God bless you and Sarah, my friend! ✝️

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      1. Absolutely, Cindy, and I think you are right about new Christians being particularly vulnerable. When we first come to faith, we naturally look to others to help us understand what we are reading and believing, which makes it all the more important that we are pointed towards Christ and His Word rather than becoming dependent on personalities.

        I also agree about our young people. There is nothing wrong with Christian books, sermons or teaching when they help us grow, but none of them should ever replace opening the Bible and allowing God’s Word to speak for itself. Every teacher, author and preacher should ultimately point us back to Scripture, not make us dependent on their interpretation alone.

        Thank you again for starting this important series, Cindy. I think these conversations are desperately needed in the Church today.

        God bless you too, my friend, and Sarah sends her blessings as well! 🙏😀

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          1. Thank you, Cindy. That means a lot to both of us. We are very grateful for your friendship too, and for the way you faithfully encourage others to keep Christ and His Word at the centre. God bless you, my friend. 🙏

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