photo #1892991

  I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.--- Acts 20:29-31 NIV1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIVV1 - The “later times” began with Christ’s resurrection and will continue until his return  when he will set up his Kingdom and judge all humanity.V2 - False teachers were and still are a threat to the church. Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned against them (see, for example, Mark 13:21-23; Acts 20:28-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12;  2 Peter 3:3-7). It is not enough that a teacher appears to know what he is talking about, is disciplined and moral. Or says that he is speaking for God. If his words contradict the Bible, his teaching is fase. Like Timothy, we must guard against any teaching that causes believers to dilute or reject any aspect of their faith. Such false teaching can be very direct or extremely subtle. Believers ought to respond quickly when they sense false teaching being promoted. The truth does not mind honest questions. Sometimes the source may prove to be ignorant of the error and appreciate the correction. But a firm warning may at least keep potential victims from the disastrous results of apostasy that Paul described.--- Life Application Study Bible notes