1&2 Timothy: Priorities & Principles In LeadershipSample

Stop People from Teaching False Doctrine

Many people like to be looked up to as Bible teachers. Leaders have to be careful about what is being taught because not every one who teaches is competent to teach sound doctrine. There are also false teachers who do more damage than good with their teachings. Hearers should carefully test what is being taught before accepting it.

False teachers tend to major on the minor and promote controversies rather than God’s work. They are not sincere in their teaching and much of what they so confidently teach is meaningless talk. They try to impress with their cleverness and those who follow after them are led astray.

God’s Law is good if used properly. It is meant to turn sinners from their ways and helps them conform to the glorious Gospel of our blessed God. The false teachers will, however, use it to promote controversies and split Christians over minor and obscure points. They should be stopped. Our energies should instead be diverted to doing God’s work with a clear conscience and sincere faith issuing from a pure heart filled with love not bitterness.

There are two tests for any teaching. They are:
i) is it in accord with the rest of Scripture?
ii) what is its effect on its hearers?

Church leaders must be vigilant. They must guard the pulpit ministry and watch who they invite to teach and preach in their churches.

Pray for wisdom and discernment for your leaders in the planning of the pulpit ministry of your church. Pray for the Sunday speakers and teachers of the word that they will teach the word and the whole counsel of God.