2 PETER 2:1-3

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2007

DO YOU UNKNOWINGLY FOLLOW FALSE TEACHING PASTORS?

Destructive Doctrines
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

The online New King James Version of the Bible that I use often has a caption for each grouping of verses. Normally I do not include these captions. The caption for our verses today is one that says so much in just two words that it is important to include it.

DESTRUCTIVE DOCTRINES, if understood in the correct way, can be most helpful. A doctrine is a system of belief that is taught. This not only applies to faith, but is probably equally as well known in the area of politics and government. The major problem is to know the difference between a good doctrine and a destructive doctrine. The frightening thing is that many times we do not discover that a doctrine is destructive until it is too late.

I will always remember the statement of a man who lived in a neighboring community. He was, what was called at that time, a German War Refugee. This gentleman was very active in the church and was willing to talk about the events that brought him to the United States. One question that he was probably asked more than any other was, “How could the people of Germany sit and do nothing while Hitler was leading the horrible Holocaust that killed so many people?” His response was that “in the eyes of the German people Hitler had been a great leader. He made many promises and was making Germany a better place. At the same time, we were so caught up in all of the good that we did not see the destruction that he was bringing about in our nation.” He was saying that there was so much good going on that the people did not see, and possibly were not told about, the destructive means by which these plans would be carried out.

This concept has been carried out throughout history, and all too often under the guise of religion. In matters of faith and belief, we call these false, destructive doctrines heresy. A Seminary Professor always told the class to be careful because every heresy contains some true teaching. If you enjoy fishing, this example might help. You place the bait on a hook and drop it in the water. The fish swims by, looks at the worm or the minnow or whatever the bait might be; it looks good so the fish takes it into the mouth, the hook sets, and the fish is reeled in. The hook was covered, and by the time it was set in the mouth of the fish, it was too late.

This is what happens with Destructive Doctrines. Just as the fish only sees something good to eat, we often only see something good that is on the surface of Doctrines that has the bait being something that appeals to our sinful human nature, and when we take the bait, instead of correcting us, it leads us farther and farther away from God.

So, then, how does a person know if the Pastor is teaching a true or a false doctrine? The answer is quite simple. You don’t know and I don’t know unless we have spent much time in the study of the Scriptures. It is only then that we can take what we hear, compare it with what we have read, and see if the two agree. If they do not agree, then it is time to discuss with the Pastor the issues on which you do not agree.

There have been times in my ministry where people have not agreed with me. When we have discussed the issue, there have been times where I discovered that the person was correct and other times I have been able to help the person to see errors in their thinking.

The wonderful thing about meditating on these words from St. Peter is that not one of us knows the whole truth of Scripture; only the Good Shepherd knows that. What a wonderful opportunity it is to have that Good Shepherd lead us together to the truth and away from false teachings. Remember the words of St. John 20:30-31 as there is no false teaching here. “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

WE PRAY:

Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit upon us that we might grow in the knowledge of Your Word. In discussing our faith, help us to be faithful to your word so that we do not lead others astray. AMEN.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Read about some of the controversial issues facing the Church today. As you read and Bible Passages are quoted, pause and read those verses along with enough verses that are before and after the quoted verse. Then consider if the verse really applies or if it is taken out of context and used falsely to support a false doctrine.