Scripture and false teaching

II Peter 3:16-17--as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.  You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

     It may seem strange, but Scripture can, has and will continue to be used by men to teach a different doctrine.  Often it is difficult to detect and harder yet to distance oneself from it(often, for fear that the leader will shun you to hell).  Such false teaching thrives because Scripture can be taken out of context, sparsely used or twisted to fit one's thinking and no one checks it against God's Word.  The foundation for success in such circles is a congregation that does not read and study God's Word.  The problem...I fear most congregations fall into this category; leaving themselves susceptible to being deceived.

     Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."  We must learn to stop leaning and trusting in men, who are fallen; and return to dependence upon God, who is holy.  No matter how educated or eloquent a man may be, they must always be checked against the Scriptures.  We are surrounded today by those who teach a doctrine contrary to Scripture, who, "do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:18

     II Timothy 2:15 says, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  To protect yourself from false teaching, you must study the Word; you must read it.  You must see if what you are taught is true.  You must be accountable for your soul and the souls of your family.  Don't expect others to notice error.  I once heard a man say that surely if there were errors in their church, others in the church would see it.  Do not rest on the fact that others are searching the Scriptures for truth.  If you aren't, they may not be either.

     To close, if you notice teaching that you do not believe aligns with God's Word, ask questions.  If the answer enlightens you, great; if not, search it out more and seek guidance from others.  Next week I will describe what a believer should do if they believe their church is teaching false doctrine.