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:
- 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
- Prioritizing Personal Feelings: Allowing emotional, cultural, or worldly perspectives to override biblical truths.
- Compromise: to avoid offending people
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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
- “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
- 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.
- 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.
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