Is That False Teaching or Is He Just Mistaken?
There is a difference between how we should react to false teaching vs. mistaken teachings in churches and ministries. A mistaken teaching is accidental with good intent, sincere before God. False teachings however are knowingly sinful. False teachings intentionally divide and try to make a fool of certain people. They intentionally line themselves up under men who are not Jesus Christ for the purpose of divisions.
- We are to listen to and forgive have a conversation around mistaken teachings, gently try to correct, help and discuss errors with a motive of love.
- But we are to expose false teachings directly.
I see divisiveness is one of those to expose. It’s one thing to accidentally be divisive with good intent. It’s another to openly teach and encourage divisiveness.
Divisiveness today is emphasizing and taking pride in “doctrinal distinctions”. It is arguing against others not present or able to respond (usually with mic in hand). They get the last word because they are who they are and their opponent is not. Divisive teaching is false teaching and it needs to be confronted.
“I follow this pastor or that denomination. I am of Paul, I am Calvinist, I am of Wesley, I am of the pope, I am orthodox, I am Pentecostal, I am of Apollos.”
Fleshly, jealousy motivation, using strife to gain and to keep your crowd.
“…you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?”
1 Corinthians 3:3-4 NASB
The Dividers Won
If you study church history the dividers won over the vast majority of Christians, the divisions immediately began. To the point where we are one of the most fractured and divided religions on the planet. I believe Jesus himself is undoing this and uniting us again under himself. Its time to recover our oneness under only Jesus Christ. Every teacher/ ministry who undermines this and openly intentionally divides his people will not be well with the Lord.
