SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2021

MEMORY VERSE: - “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

INTRODUCTION: - False teachers had come to the Galatians, trying to reject Paul’s teaching and accept “another gospel”. The church today is not spared of the terrible assault of the false teachers just as the Lord warned vehemently against their coming to the church especially in these last days (Matt 24: 45, 24, Acts 20: 28-31)

1. False Teachers And Their Teachings

One of the signs of these last days is that some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. People would not like sound doctrines, but after their own lust shall they heap up to themselves false teachers, having itching ears, turning away many from the truth and turning to lies or fables (1Tim. 4: 1-2; 2Tim. 4: 3-4).

Such false teachers and false teachings are very rampant these days in the church. People now believe “visions” and “prophesies” above the word of God. They believe what the prophets tell them than what God says in His word- the Bible. The fact is every vision or prophecy that is not rooted in the Bible is a false, fable or fallacy.

The Rechabites held tenaciously to the rules laid down by their progenitor over two hundred years. Even the coming of the national prophet – Jeremiah would not make them shift ground, even the bringing them to the temple by the Prophet would not change their stand on the ancient landmark.

There are many “another gospels” being peddled around in the church in these last days. The Bible clearly affirms that there is only one true message of salvation (Gal 1: 12) and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This gospel is defined and revealed in the Bible. Any teachings, beliefs or ideas originating from persons, churches or traditions and not expressed or implied in God’s word are not part of the true message and are not to be included in the gospel of Christ (Gal 1:11). To mix any man made notions, doctrines and philosophies with the original message of Christ is to pervert the gospel of Christ.

2. Divine Judgment On False Teachers

The word “accursed” (GK anathema) means one that is under God’s curse, and is doomed to destruction and will receive God’s Judgment, eternal punishment and everlasting and permanent separation from God. Those who try to twist the truth of the original gospel of Christ and change the truth revealed in God’s word are under God’s curse (Gal 1: 7-9; 2Pet 2, Jude 1: 3-4. 12-19. 2Jh 1: 7-11). Those who preach any gospel contrary to that revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ to the apostles, any one adding or taking away from the original and fundamental and foundational message of Christ and those revealed to the Apostle by the Holy Spirit stands under God’s curse, “God will take away his part from the book of life” (Rev. 22: 18-19).

God commands all Christians to defend the faith (Jude 3) to have a loving attitude when confronting others (2Tim. 2: 25-26) and to separate themselves from false teachers, ministers and others in the church who deny foundational truths as taught by the Lord Jesus and the Apostles (Rom 16: 17-18; 2Corint 6: 17).

1. What should be our attitude and response to false teachers?

2. What is the danger of false teachings?