david_munson (david_munson)
06-27-2005, 04:11 AM
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Looking beyond the bright lights.
"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. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 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: 1-4
False teachers and false prophets do not go about with a sign advertising that they are false! In fact the ones that I have seen and met look very convincing as Christians, they say the right things and wear right the clothes, as wolves they are very cleverly disguised. With the plethora of electronic media available today, their pernicious heresies are quickly disseminated, and sadly followed by countless millions. A quick search of Christian Pages on the web will expose hundreds of these polluters of the brethren.
How can we be sure that we will not fall for the lies and ear tickling messages that these people bring? Scripture warns that many will follow their words. What can we look for to aid our discernment?
Fortunately we have not been left in the dark, there is a very clear guide in Gods word as to how to go fraud spotting! 2 Peter 2 contains a comprehensive psychological profile of these false men and women of God.
False teachers are contemptuous of authority and or accountability.
"Especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed." Verse 10 (2 Peter 2)
Their ministry is marked by an absence of accountability. They are unwilling to listen to, or comply with Godly authority. If they have them, their boards are stacked with sycophants and easily manipulated people only interested in furthering their own ambitions.
They are given to claiming a spiritual authority that they do not possess. They know how to play to an audience and often indulge in impressive displays of "Powerprayer" assaulting the heavenlies, or as Peter puts it. "They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord." 2 Peter 2 10(b)-11
Another oft claimed privilege is that afforded to the “the Lord’s Anointed” as in 1Chronicles16:22 “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
Anyone who questions a false teacher's credentials is accused of doing exactly this in an effort to scare the questioner into submission. … yet this verse and one similar in Psalm 105:15, is not talking about ensuring that a teacher or prophet is teaching good sound doctrine!
It is clear when one reads the context of this command that to touch the Lord's anointed is to commit an act of physical violence against the one anointed by God. It does not refer to those who verbally attack and criticize a preacher and his doctrine. Such verbal attacks may be wrong and sinful in many cases, but some cases they may be commendable and necessary (see Jesus criticizing the Pharisees in Matthew 23, Paul criticizing Peter in Galatians 2:14-21, Paul versus the Judaizers in Galatians 5:12, Philippians 3:2,) but they are not covered by the idea “Touch not the Lord's anointed.”
There is confirmation of this in I Samuel 24:6-7, where David had an opportunity to have King Saul killed, but refused to take advantage of it: “And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." Immediately afterward, David publicly criticized Saul in front of 3000 of Saul's troops, as well as his own 600 men, saying "The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As sayeth the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked, but mine hand shall not be upon thee." (1 Samuel 24:12-13.) No one seemed to feel that David was touching the Lord's anointed by this open rebuke of Saul. It is clear that to touch the Lord's anointed involved violence against his person, not criticism, rebuke or public disagreement.
False teachers revel in sensuous pursuits.
"Those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime." Verse 11(b)
The lifestyles of the rich and famous lure false prophets and teachers, ostentatious displays of wealth are presented as proof of the Lords blessing on their particular ministry. They use their ministry to advance their own wealth and position. They lust after others possessions, usually sheep from another sheepfold, and prestige in the eyes of others.
They are experts at extracting a dollar.
"Having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children."
Their appeals for money touch all the right buttons and emotional blackmail ensures that the dollars keep flowing into their bank accounts. Multi-level marketing appeals and mailing lists keep the faithful giving..giving. They sell their services and merchandise, "Jesus" becomes a brand, and a trademark to be exploited-"He's the real thing!" Books extol their ministry, and slick videos extort even more dollars. Christianity is an Industry to these merchants from the temple.
They are "Wells without water."
"These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest" 17 (a)False teachers enjoy being sought out by the needy, but their words of comfort are empty. They attract the crowds, putting on a show of charisma and flashy performances. Though their followers are many their disciples are few indeed.
They pick their target audience well.
"Enticing unstable souls." Verse 14 (b)
New born Christians, the emotionally immature, the unstable believer is music to ears of a false teacher. With cold, calculating precision those who do not know any better are stalked and lured into the clutches of false prophets. They are particularly adept at spotting a soul with any emotional void, which they fill with honeyed words, thus creating a co-dependent soul. Those so enticed are often flattered with great swelling words of emptiness, they "allure through the lusts of the flesh." 18(a) These deceived souls often become the false teachers best advertisement, forever praising the ministry of those who they seek to emulate.
False teachers are dangerous because they are that-- FALSE. Their promises are empty and their offers of salvation dubious. They are spiritual junk food hawkers. They lure the unsuspecting and those lacking discernment into the pit of destruction. I have seen souls lost to eternity because they followed a false shepherd whose fall and disgrace left his followers bereft of the willpower to go on. Those who question a false shepherd's methodology and actions are dumped like the plague, and often are totally spiritually violated in the process.
Guard your hearts and put on the full armor of God.EPH:6:11-18.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Dave</font>}
Looking beyond the bright lights.
"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. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 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: 1-4
False teachers and false prophets do not go about with a sign advertising that they are false! In fact the ones that I have seen and met look very convincing as Christians, they say the right things and wear right the clothes, as wolves they are very cleverly disguised. With the plethora of electronic media available today, their pernicious heresies are quickly disseminated, and sadly followed by countless millions. A quick search of Christian Pages on the web will expose hundreds of these polluters of the brethren.
How can we be sure that we will not fall for the lies and ear tickling messages that these people bring? Scripture warns that many will follow their words. What can we look for to aid our discernment?
Fortunately we have not been left in the dark, there is a very clear guide in Gods word as to how to go fraud spotting! 2 Peter 2 contains a comprehensive psychological profile of these false men and women of God.
False teachers are contemptuous of authority and or accountability.
"Especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed." Verse 10 (2 Peter 2)
Their ministry is marked by an absence of accountability. They are unwilling to listen to, or comply with Godly authority. If they have them, their boards are stacked with sycophants and easily manipulated people only interested in furthering their own ambitions.
They are given to claiming a spiritual authority that they do not possess. They know how to play to an audience and often indulge in impressive displays of "Powerprayer" assaulting the heavenlies, or as Peter puts it. "They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord." 2 Peter 2 10(b)-11
Another oft claimed privilege is that afforded to the “the Lord’s Anointed” as in 1Chronicles16:22 “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
Anyone who questions a false teacher's credentials is accused of doing exactly this in an effort to scare the questioner into submission. … yet this verse and one similar in Psalm 105:15, is not talking about ensuring that a teacher or prophet is teaching good sound doctrine!
It is clear when one reads the context of this command that to touch the Lord's anointed is to commit an act of physical violence against the one anointed by God. It does not refer to those who verbally attack and criticize a preacher and his doctrine. Such verbal attacks may be wrong and sinful in many cases, but some cases they may be commendable and necessary (see Jesus criticizing the Pharisees in Matthew 23, Paul criticizing Peter in Galatians 2:14-21, Paul versus the Judaizers in Galatians 5:12, Philippians 3:2,) but they are not covered by the idea “Touch not the Lord's anointed.”
There is confirmation of this in I Samuel 24:6-7, where David had an opportunity to have King Saul killed, but refused to take advantage of it: “And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." Immediately afterward, David publicly criticized Saul in front of 3000 of Saul's troops, as well as his own 600 men, saying "The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As sayeth the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked, but mine hand shall not be upon thee." (1 Samuel 24:12-13.) No one seemed to feel that David was touching the Lord's anointed by this open rebuke of Saul. It is clear that to touch the Lord's anointed involved violence against his person, not criticism, rebuke or public disagreement.
False teachers revel in sensuous pursuits.
"Those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime." Verse 11(b)
The lifestyles of the rich and famous lure false prophets and teachers, ostentatious displays of wealth are presented as proof of the Lords blessing on their particular ministry. They use their ministry to advance their own wealth and position. They lust after others possessions, usually sheep from another sheepfold, and prestige in the eyes of others.
They are experts at extracting a dollar.
"Having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children."
Their appeals for money touch all the right buttons and emotional blackmail ensures that the dollars keep flowing into their bank accounts. Multi-level marketing appeals and mailing lists keep the faithful giving..giving. They sell their services and merchandise, "Jesus" becomes a brand, and a trademark to be exploited-"He's the real thing!" Books extol their ministry, and slick videos extort even more dollars. Christianity is an Industry to these merchants from the temple.
They are "Wells without water."
"These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest" 17 (a)False teachers enjoy being sought out by the needy, but their words of comfort are empty. They attract the crowds, putting on a show of charisma and flashy performances. Though their followers are many their disciples are few indeed.
They pick their target audience well.
"Enticing unstable souls." Verse 14 (b)
New born Christians, the emotionally immature, the unstable believer is music to ears of a false teacher. With cold, calculating precision those who do not know any better are stalked and lured into the clutches of false prophets. They are particularly adept at spotting a soul with any emotional void, which they fill with honeyed words, thus creating a co-dependent soul. Those so enticed are often flattered with great swelling words of emptiness, they "allure through the lusts of the flesh." 18(a) These deceived souls often become the false teachers best advertisement, forever praising the ministry of those who they seek to emulate.
False teachers are dangerous because they are that-- FALSE. Their promises are empty and their offers of salvation dubious. They are spiritual junk food hawkers. They lure the unsuspecting and those lacking discernment into the pit of destruction. I have seen souls lost to eternity because they followed a false shepherd whose fall and disgrace left his followers bereft of the willpower to go on. Those who question a false shepherd's methodology and actions are dumped like the plague, and often are totally spiritually violated in the process.
Guard your hearts and put on the full armor of God.EPH:6:11-18.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Dave</font>}