Discernment and Truth: Guarding Against False Teachings
Summary
### Summary
In our summer series "Prove It," we are diving into the book of 1 John to explore how we can truly know and prove our relationship with God. Unlike proving we know a person through physical attributes or relationships, proving we know God requires a different approach. John provides us with various tests to examine our faith, such as loving our neighbor, obeying God's commands, and growing spiritually. These tests help us discern whether we genuinely know God or if we are merely going through the motions of faith.
Today's focus is on the danger of false teachers and the lies they spread. John warns us about the Antichrists—those who teach in opposition to Jesus. These false teachers are clear, close, confined, and confused. They are clear in their opposition to Christ, often coming from within the church itself. They are close, sometimes even participating in church activities, but their departure reveals their true nature. However, their influence is confined because believers have the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word to protect them. Lastly, false teachers are confused, denying fundamental truths about Jesus, such as His divinity, sinlessness, and resurrection.
To combat these false teachings, we must know the truth intimately. Just as bank tellers are trained to recognize counterfeit bills by studying the real ones, we must study God's Word to recognize false teachings. This involves understanding the voice of God and being able to discern when something doesn't align with His truth. The ultimate question we must ask ourselves is whether we are believing lies or spreading them. Knowing the truth is essential for our spiritual growth and for protecting the faith of others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Proving Our Faith Through Actions: John provides us with tests to examine our faith, such as loving our neighbor, obeying God's commands, and growing spiritually. These actions are evidence of our relationship with God. If we find ourselves lacking in these areas, it may be a sign that we need to reassess our faith and seek a deeper connection with God. [02:39]
2. The Danger of False Teachers: False teachers are not always obvious; they can come from within the church and appear genuine. They deny fundamental truths about Jesus, such as His divinity and resurrection. Recognizing these false teachers requires a deep understanding of God's Word and a discerning spirit. [14:20]
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit: Believers have an anointing from the Holy Spirit, which provides protection against false teachings. This anointing helps us discern the truth and recognize lies. The Holy Spirit is our guide and protector, ensuring that we remain grounded in the truth of God's Word. [17:35]
4. Knowing the Truth: To combat false teachings, we must know the truth intimately. This involves studying God's Word and understanding His voice. Just as bank tellers recognize counterfeit bills by studying the real ones, we must immerse ourselves in the truth to easily spot falsehoods. [19:07]
5. Self-Examination: We must continually examine our beliefs and teachings to ensure they align with God's Word. It's possible to spread false teachings unknowingly, so it's crucial to be diligent in our study of the Bible and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. This self-examination helps us grow spiritually and protects the faith of others. [30:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Proving Our Faith
[01:51] - The Challenge of Knowing God
[02:39] - Tests of Faith
[03:23] - The Importance of True Belief
[04:08] - The Danger of False Information
[05:36] - The Context of 1 John
[06:16] - The Impact of False Teachings
[06:56] - Studying 1 John
[07:41] - Identifying False Teachers
[08:34] - Characteristics of False Teachers
[09:33] - The Antichrist and Antichrists
[10:28] - The Casual Christian's Vulnerability
[11:28] - Denials of False Teachers
[12:59] - The Importance of Jesus' Divinity
[14:20] - False Teachers Within the Church
[15:52] - Biblical Warnings About False Teachers
[17:35] - The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
[19:07] - Knowing the Truth
[20:41] - Recognizing God's Voice
[22:02] - Practical Examples of False Teachings
[23:27] - The Importance of Authenticity
[25:09] - Common False Teachings
[27:02] - Comparing Ourselves to a Holy God
[28:36] - The Package Deal of God and Jesus
[30:11] - Self-Examination and Study
[31:49] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 John 2:18-23 (NIV)
> "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:18-23, what are the characteristics of the antichrists mentioned by John? How do they reveal their true nature? [07:41]
2. What does John mean when he says believers have an "anointing from the Holy One"? How does this anointing help believers? [17:35]
3. In the sermon, what are the four characteristics of false teachers that were highlighted? [08:34]
4. How does John describe the relationship between acknowledging the Son and having the Father in 1 John 2:23? [07:41]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to recognize and understand the characteristics of false teachers? How does this knowledge protect their faith? [08:34]
2. How does the anointing of the Holy Spirit help believers discern the truth from lies? What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding believers? [17:35]
3. What are the dangers of believing false teachings about Jesus, such as denying His divinity or resurrection? How do these false beliefs impact one's faith? [11:28]
4. How can studying God's Word help believers recognize false teachings? What practical steps can believers take to immerse themselves in the truth? [19:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you might be "going through the motions" rather than genuinely growing spiritually? How can you address these areas? [02:39]
2. Have you ever encountered a false teacher or false teaching within the church? How did you recognize it, and what steps did you take to address it? [14:20]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of knowing God's voice to discern false teachings. What are some practical ways you can become more familiar with God's voice in your daily life? [20:41]
4. How can you ensure that you are not unknowingly spreading false teachings? What steps can you take to continually examine your beliefs and teachings? [30:11]
5. Think about a time when you believed a lie or false teaching. How did it affect your faith and actions? What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you in the future? [04:42]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of loving our neighbor, obeying God's commands, and growing spiritually as evidence of our faith. Choose one of these areas to focus on this week. What specific actions will you take to improve in that area? [02:39]
7. How can you support others in your small group or church community to recognize and combat false teachings? What role can you play in fostering a culture of truth and discernment? [06:16]
Devotional
### Day 1: Proving Our Faith Through Actions
John provides us with tests to examine our faith, such as loving our neighbor, obeying God's commands, and growing spiritually. These actions are evidence of our relationship with God. If we find ourselves lacking in these areas, it may be a sign that we need to reassess our faith and seek a deeper connection with God. The actions we take in our daily lives serve as tangible proof of our faith. When we love our neighbors, follow God's commandments, and strive for spiritual growth, we demonstrate that our faith is genuine and not just superficial.
These tests are not meant to be burdensome but are designed to help us reflect on our spiritual journey. They serve as a mirror, showing us where we stand in our relationship with God. If we notice that we are falling short in any of these areas, it is an opportunity to seek God's guidance and strength to improve. By doing so, we not only grow closer to God but also become better witnesses of His love and truth to those around us. [02:39]
1 John 3:18-19 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him."
Reflection: Think of a specific action you can take today to show love to your neighbor. How can you make this a regular part of your life?
### Day 2: The Danger of False Teachers
False teachers are not always obvious; they can come from within the church and appear genuine. They deny fundamental truths about Jesus, such as His divinity and resurrection. Recognizing these false teachers requires a deep understanding of God's Word and a discerning spirit. These individuals may seem sincere and even participate in church activities, but their teachings can lead believers astray. It is crucial to be vigilant and discerning, always comparing what we hear with the truth of Scripture.
False teachers often introduce subtle distortions of the truth, making it challenging to identify their errors. This is why a thorough knowledge of the Bible is essential. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we can develop the discernment needed to recognize and reject false teachings. The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in guiding us into all truth and protecting us from deception. [14:20]
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching that didn't align with Scripture. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to ensure you are grounded in the truth?
### Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Believers have an anointing from the Holy Spirit, which provides protection against false teachings. This anointing helps us discern the truth and recognize lies. The Holy Spirit is our guide and protector, ensuring that we remain grounded in the truth of God's Word. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a powerful assurance that we are not alone in our spiritual journey. He equips us with the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate the complexities of faith and to stand firm against deception.
The Holy Spirit's anointing is a gift that empowers us to live out our faith authentically. It is through His guidance that we can understand the deeper truths of Scripture and apply them to our lives. This divine assistance is crucial in a world where false teachings and misleading doctrines are prevalent. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can confidently discern what is true and reject what is false. [17:35]
1 John 2:27 (ESV): "But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him."
Reflection: How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to strengthen this connection?
### Day 4: Knowing the Truth
To combat false teachings, we must know the truth intimately. This involves studying God's Word and understanding His voice. Just as bank tellers recognize counterfeit bills by studying the real ones, we must immerse ourselves in the truth to easily spot falsehoods. The more familiar we are with the truth, the more readily we can identify and reject false teachings. This requires a commitment to regular Bible study and prayer, seeking to know God more deeply and to understand His will for our lives.
Knowing the truth is not just about intellectual knowledge but also about a personal relationship with God. As we grow in our understanding of His Word, we also grow in our relationship with Him. This intimate knowledge of the truth equips us to stand firm in our faith and to help others do the same. It is a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and applying God's truth to every aspect of our lives. [19:07]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's Word? How can you make Bible study a more integral part of your daily routine?
### Day 5: Self-Examination
We must continually examine our beliefs and teachings to ensure they align with God's Word. It's possible to spread false teachings unknowingly, so it's crucial to be diligent in our study of the Bible and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. This self-examination helps us grow spiritually and protects the faith of others. Regular self-examination is a vital practice for every believer. It involves reflecting on our beliefs, attitudes, and actions to ensure they are in line with the truth of Scripture.
By regularly examining ourselves, we can identify areas where we may have unknowingly accepted false teachings or where our understanding of God's Word needs to be corrected. This process requires humility and a willingness to be corrected by God's Word and the Holy Spirit. It is through this ongoing self-examination that we can grow in our faith and become more effective witnesses for Christ. [30:11]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take some time today to reflect on your beliefs and teachings. Are there any areas where you need to seek God's guidance for correction or deeper understanding? How can you make self-examination a regular practice in your spiritual life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Until you know what you do believe, you won't know what you shouldn't believe. I don't know if you guys know this, but there's a lot of false information in the world. Did you guys realize this? Of course you did. There's a lot of false information out there. There's false information when it comes to politics, obviously. There's false information when it comes to health, right? And you see one video, and it's like, the best thing you can do is take a nap." [03:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you believe bad political information, that's going to affect you, but for a small period of time, depending on what laws are passed, right? Like, it's going to affect you for a season. If you believe bad spiritual information, that could affect you for eternity. Do you see the difference? Like, bad political health, all the other information, it's bad. But bad spiritual information hurts forever." [04:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Those that know the Word, those that make it a habit of following Jesus, those who have counted the cost of following Jesus. We're not going to be surprised when we hear these Antichrists. We're going to know and be able to spot them easily. Why? Because false teachers are more deniers of Christ than they are claimers of any truth. More than them claiming something else is true, they deny what Jesus already taught." [10:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The best way to combat a false teacher is to know the truth. Well, how do you know the truth? Well, how do you know the truth? How do we know the truth? Well, a couple of ways. God gives us His truth through Jesus. Didn't Jesus Himself say, you shall find the truth and the truth shall set you free? And He said, I am the way, the truth, and the life." [19:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we don't know what we do believe, we won't know what we shouldn't believe. Let's pray. God, your word is clear, and I thank you that John cared enough about us to lovingly let us know that not everybody who walks in the doors of a church have proper motives. Some of them are teaching things because they don't know any better. Some of them are teaching false things because they do know better, and they are messengers of our enemy." [31:49] (596 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "That's why it's more difficult, and this is why John writes 1 John, because he wants us to know and to be able to know God. He wants us to be able to prove that we know God, and he does this by giving us different tests, different questions along the way that we can get from the Scripture, and when we ask ourselves these questions, how we answer them helps us determine whether or not we, in fact, know God or not." [01:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we can answer these questions in the positive, if we can look back and say, you know what? I am growing spiritually. I am loving my neighbor. I am obeying God's commands. Then that is proof that we, in fact, know God, because we have to know God to be able to do those things, but if we look back at those questions and we say, I really don't know. I don't know if I'm growing spiritually. I don't know if I'm loving my neighbor the way I should." [02:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "False teachers are clear, close, confined, and confused. Okay? We're going to go through each one of those. Number one, false teachers are clear. The Bible is very clear that in the end, towards the end, there is a person who rises up to oppose Jesus more than anyone has ever opposed Jesus, and that is the Antichrist. He is a real person. He is a very real person, and he literally could come at any time. The Bible's pretty clear about that." [09:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The casual Christian is the one who should be afraid of the Antichrists because they're not going to know that what they're teaching is false. The casual Christian that just comes to church when it's convenient for them and would claim that they're a Christian, but when you look at their life, there's no fruit coming from their relationship with Jesus. That person is the one that's going to be shocked and surprised by these Antichrists." [10:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The bad news was that these false teachers were very real, very toxic, and very close. The good news was that false teachers have limited power. Their influence is confined, and it has no power over believers, none. And why? Why is that? Well, because God gives us protection against false teachers. As believers in Christ, God protects us against false teachers." [17:35] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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