How can anyone know who is a false teacher vs. a true teacher of the words of Jehovah? The only true way is to know what is in the Bible, as false teachers will use just enough Bible to gain support. Also, how false teachers defend themselves is also important.
2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
False teachers often resort to confusion, arguing over small differences in understanding, and using sound bites from the Bible out of context. The biblically illiterate will get confused and often side with the smoothest talker.
2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
Accurately handling implies accurately understanding and defending. No out of context, no doctrines from a single verse, no doctrines from silence or between the lines, and a true desire to study and ask Jehovah for wisdom.
2:16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 2:17 and their talk will spread like gangrene.
Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2:18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Many false teachers use verses out of context to condemn all critics. They claim that no one can speak ill of them as they are Jehovah’s servant. Here Paul clearly refutes this as he calls out these two false teachers. As a reminder, Paul also confronted Peter to his face over his hypocrisy.
Galatians 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
2:12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.
2:13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy
2:14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?
There is really no defense for hypocrisy in regards to living according to the very words you are proclaiming. The party of circumcision, the majority party in Jerusalem, coerced both Peter and Barnabas to fall back to the traditions of men! Peter and Barnabas were not new ‘Christians’, but elders in the assembly of believers in Jerusalem. Even they could be backed into a traditional corner. We are responsible to defend the flock. Whenever we are afraid of offending men, we should reconsider if by that we are offending Jehovah.
2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
2:20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
We can be assured that false teachers and false believers are within every house of worship. Double agents either knowingly or ignorantly, ply their trade from the inside. Jehovah knows them by name. We can know them by their fruit.
2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
2:24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
True teachers are commanded to live, react, and respond in a manner that allows everyone to listen to the truth rather than quickly take sides. How we live must agree with how we teach. We should always strive to bring false teachers into the kingdom rather than just drive them away.
It is far easier to teach the truth than live by the truth. We should all understand that and strive to overcome our ‘sin nature’ that remains with us.
Only with the indwelling power of the very Spirit of Jehovah will we be able to resist sinning.
More next Saturday.