"Looking For Fruit" Let us ask the question again, “What type of fruit should we look for?” The New Testament gives us a list of fruits for which to look. A false teacher is focused on money. It is surprising how many passages in the New Testament warn that false teachers are preoccupied with money (1 Tim. 6:5; Titus 1:11; 2 Pet. 2:3, 14; Jude 11). This is a very important sign of a false teacher. If you know a pastor who often talks about money, start looking for other fruits. Secondly, false teachers are often proud (2 Pet. 2:10-11,18). This is a sin that all of us have, but the false teacher is especially guilty. He or she is forever talking about their ministry, themself, their family, their experiences, or what God is “doing through them.” They are constantly making sure everyone knows that “God is using him or her.” They are the key. They are important. Thirdly, false teacher cause divisions (1 Tim. 6:14). They grumble, find fault with others, deceive others, flatter people to gain advantage, and are not submissive. They seek control. They divide people and are critical of others. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers . .Titus 1:10 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. Jude 16 Fourth, false teachers do not really understand scripture even though they study, teach and preach the Bible. . . . wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. 1 Tim. 1:7 So they stray from the truth (1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 2:16-18). To those Christians who do not know their Bible, a false teacher sounds great. It is amazing how the Bible has been twisted, bent, distorted, and mutilated by those who appear to know the book. Yet, they are wrong. As a result, they deceive many and many accept their error. If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain . 1 Tim. 6:3-5 Some years ago, some students from a Bible Institute in California went to a very large church in Berkeley, California. The Sunday morning service was pleasant and inspiring. The pastor baptized a baby. A missionary spoke about his work overseas. The music was familiar and encouraging, and the pastor’s message was very biblical. The pastor and church passed the tests that many would apply for concluding that the church was a “good church.” The pastor had charisma. He was humorous, pleasant, warm, and eloquent. Many would have returned and some might even have joined the church later. After the service, the students had the opportunity to meet the pastor and ask him questions. The meeting had been pre-arranged. The meeting was designed to teach the students an important lesson. During the question and answer period, the students were stunned to discover that the pastor did not believe Jesus was God. He rejected the virgin birth. He believed that Jesus was only a man. The pastor was a false teacher to the surprise of the students. He was on the wide road.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:45:53 +0000
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