Beware of False Doctrines

Background Scripture: Jude
Lesson Scripture: Jude 1-6, 16-25

Introduction

Our world is dominated by evil spirits who work contrary to God’s Word. Education systems that teach evolution and religions that condone sins clearly forbidden by the Scriptures are evidence of their influence. We must be careful so we are not influenced by the false teachings and scientific theories these spirits promote. Our challenge today is to keep the faith as it was delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

This faith includes believing in an all-powerful God who created the earth and the stars of the heavens as recorded in Genesis. Likewise, the plan of salvation and the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets are part of the faith. Many brethren of the faith have written treatises explaining the Bible doctrine that God’s people have believed for many years. To recognize false teachings, we must acquaint ourselves with the Word of God so we understand true doctrine.

Key Verse

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Jude, the author of this epistle, was inspired by God to exhort the brethren to faithfulness and to warn them of the false teachings presented by some among them who had become rebellious against the authority of God. Jude explained the serious consequences of disregarding God’s laws; this happened to the children of Israel as well as to the heavenly beings who lost their place in heaven because of their pride and rebellion.

We sometimes encounter people who rightly acknowledge that Jesus came to save everyone; however, their claim to salvation lacks the experience of putting off the old man and putting on the new (see Ephesians 4:22-24). Scripture teaches that to be saved, we must bring forth the fruits of repentance, be born again, and transformed into the image of Christ. The proper appreciation in those who believe their sins are forgiven will be expressed by crucifying self. They will live humble lives in submission to God and in unity with those who have likewise experienced the love and salvation of God.

Many people in our world have a very limited knowledge of the Bible. Some of them, in their ignorance, consider Christians to be foolish because they believe in God. Nevertheless, as Christians we need to love them, remembering that if they would turn to God they could be saved. This is still the day of grace when “it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:15). If those who are unsaved will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will lead them to God.

Practical Truths for Today

True doctrine is Bible doctrine and could be referred to as the tenets of the faith. These tenets of faith could be divided into three groups. First, the doctrine of the Deity: There is an almighty God with no beginning or end who created everything. Jesus Christ His Son became the Savior of the world. The Holy Ghost is the Comforter and will reprove us and guide us to heaven if we follow Him. These three work together and are one. Second, the doctrine of man: Man is lost and in need of a Savior. By the death of Jesus, man can be reconciled to God. In Jesus’s resurrection, man finds power to live a holy life. Included are the Bible’s moral teachings together with how they affect our daily lives. Third, the doctrine of the hereafter: This includes the return of the Lord to judge the world and the separation of the saved and the lost.

While the Bible contains the dogma of the faith, it is also given to guide us every day of our lives, providing simple answers to the complex issues we face. The Scripture is inspired by God “and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Word of God, as printed in the Holy Bible, is the guide to prove the acceptable and perfect will of God (see Romans 12:2). Sometimes we have to seek the counsel of the brethren to help us find guidance, but this is also a Bible principle. “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14).

Who are teachers of false doctrine? Perhaps we think of those who claim there is no God or those who will not accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Admittedly, they are teachers of false doctrine because they believe such obvious falsehoods. However, they may not be our biggest threat. We are more likely to be influenced by our own intellect. Satan tempts us to follow our sin-loving, flesh-pleasing natural man. We need to refuse the reasoning that comes when we confer with flesh and blood.

It is deceptive to think that if no one knows about it, I am justified in disobedience. The seeds of deception germinate when one justifies a liberty he has allowed his flesh. “The Word of God is quick, and powerful . . . piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). The Word of God reveals to us the inner man and lays bare the secret thoughts of the soul. As the Holy Spirit applies the truth of the Bible to our hearts, may we be inspired to take up our cross and deny our flesh.

We would not intentionally teach false doctrine, but when we indulge the flesh and manifest pride and self-will, we are not teachers of good doctrine. Christians not so well established in the faith are especially vulnerable to a permissive example. Children readily take an adult Christian’s conduct as an acceptable example of godly behavior. We influence others by our lives perhaps more than we realize.

As the Lord tarries in returning, some Christians have become disillusioned with certain of the historic teachings of the church, feeling the gospel offers more liberty than they are finding in their spiritual lives. They read writings of authors who disregard some of the traditional tenets of the faith and who teach a watered-down version of justification by faith. Some of these teachers are pietistic and undermine the doctrine of God’s church on earth. These teachings appeal to the flesh and lead to independence and, ultimately, to apostasy.

The guidelines and conference decisions of the church, which are prayerfully and carefully established under the unction of the Holy Ghost, are to help us practice Bible doctrine in our day. Those who continue in the faith, remembering that true doctrine includes humility, submission, and unity with the brethren, have a beautiful promise. Our Lord and Savior will keep us from falling and give us a home in heaven if we follow Him in faith and obedience (Jude 24).

Everyone should read the preface to Bible Doctrine and Practice, published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. It will inspire one to study and appreciate the doctrine of the Word of God.

Questions

1. What are ways to show compassion to doubters?
2. What is an appropriate answer when asked, “What do you believe?”
3. Who are mockers today? Are they found in the church?
4. What are safeguards against false teachers?
5. Discuss: It is more important to understand true doctrine than to be familiar with false doctrine.
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).