Missionary Methods: Recognizing False Teachers

Acts 13:4-12

February 16, 1997

 

Divinely sent out - the "A team"

 

I.  Opposition to the Gospel

           

1. Persistent opposition (v. 8)

Imperfect middle.  This is a normal pattern:  light and darkness, righteousness and evil, so don't be shocked.  Example:  Pharisees to Christ; early movements; Paul's experience; evidence of history.

 

2. Distortion of truth (v. 8)

Namely, they do not attack the life, but rather the foundation.  His goal was to turn him away from the body of truth so that he would turn away from Christ.  You must know "true faith" if you are going to recognize error.  He attacked the message:  "the faith."  "Misrepresent and misapplied" (J. A. Alexander).  In verse 10, he tried to put a crook in a straight line.  Another religion is easy to spot; it is when there is a skeleton of truth mixed with distortions that you have trouble.

 

3. Use of deceit and pretension (v. 10)

 

The secondary way of recognizing false teachers is to go past the message to the methods and motives.  Example:  South African evangelist with laughing revival:  any bypassing of the mind to turn the will by emotionalism is wrong.

 

II. Proper Response

 

1. Face opposition in the Holy Spirit's power (v. 9)

We do not need to fear false teachers. 

a. Have a confidence in your message.

b. Have a dependence upon the Holy Spirit, for He is the spirit of truth. 

Example:  Luther at Worms.

 

2. Expose the deceit (v. 10)

This is an exhortation to cease his false actions.  When it comes to eternal issues it is no time to be Mr. Nice Guy.  Christ is our example in this.  Example:  "You err, not knowing...;" "You brood of vipers..."

 

3. Teach the truth

Emphasis on "the Word of God" v. 5, 7, "the faith" v. 8, "the teaching of the Lord" v. 12.  The church is not in the entertainment business.  We are ambassadors for Christ so that we are to faithfully represent Him and His truth.

 

III. A Few Observations

 

1. Discern truth and error: 

a. Context

b. Relationship to Bible, Systematic theology

c. Exegesis or eisogesis

d. Intent: manipulation (God doesn't need our help!)? Holiness? Glory of God or man?

2. Be bold to speak truth:

a. Eternal issues are at stake

b. Recognize difference in essentials and non-essentials

3. Recognize those who have an ear for truth v. 7, 12

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