Tuesday: False Teachers Identified
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 15th of September 2026
The New Testament contains several warnings against false teachers in Christian communities. Jesus Himself warned the disciples about this same thing (Matthew 7:15-20). The apostles also called attention to it (Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Peter 2:1-3).
Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. How does Paul depict the challenges that he is facing with these false teachers?
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Paul unmasks the work of false teachers. At the same time, he indicates that his ministry is Christ-centered. He compares the church in Corinth to a bride and identifies himself as her father, with the responsibility to present her to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). He does so because he loves the church (2 Corinthians 11:11). So, he was even willing not to be a financial burden to it, even though he had the right to be supported by it (2 Corinthians 11:7-12).
On the other hand, the “most eminent apostles” (ironically, this likely refers to the false teachers) are compared to the serpent that deceived Eve (2 Corinthians 11:3). Like Satan in the Garden of Eden, the false teachers in Corinth are characterized by deceit and corruption (2 Corinthians 11:3-4, NKJV). Paul’s main concern was that they could lead the Corinthians astray from their sincere devotion and allegiance to Christ.
The intruders preached a different message than Paul preached—a different Jesus and a different gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4). This shows that not everyone who preaches Jesus is a God-commissioned instrument. In that regard, Jesus Himself said, “ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven’ ” (Matthew 7:21, NKJV). In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul says that whoever preaches a different gospel brings a curse upon himself, but some in Corinth tolerated this kind of error.
Paul exposes the false apostles by saying that they are “deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13, NKJV). They disguise themselves as apostles of Christ, just as “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” and “his [Satan’s] servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15, ESV). What a tragic situation: professing servants of Christ working as agents of Satan. Paul concludes his thought by saying that their “end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:15, NKJV).
Look at how strongly he is reacting to error in the church! What should that say to us, as well?
It is somewhat ironic that the false teaching that is actually named most in the New Testament is the Judaistic idea that, to be saved, one had to become more religious and obey the Mosaic Law. Christ’s death and resurrection was a good starting point, but you needed to do more. The Gentile male converts had to be circumcised.
In our haste to condemn the Judaizers, we sometimes turn a blind eye to our own Seventh-day Adventist practices that sometimes put a lot of pressure on converts to conform to our culture. I have heard comments here in this discussion that we have not prepared candidates for baptism properly, and that they needed to be taught more about living a sanctified life. I well remember a couple who were baptised the same time as me. In the week following their baptism, some folk told them there was so much more to learn about the nature of Christ and proceeded to overwhelm them with theological intricacies to the extent they thought that conversion was too complicated. That was the last we saw of them.
Don’t get me wrong! Some things about Adventist lifestyle and culture are very good, and encouraging their participation is great. But, we should never forget that we are saved by grace. The test for salvation is not cultural conformity.
I was about 12 years old when I got baptized in a crusade. I concede that the brethren did push me in the process of deciding to give my life to Christ in that special manner, but the decision I made was ultimately mine.
At that time, and still to a large extent, Adventists in my country prided themselves as a commandment-keeping people.
As I entered my teen years and certain hormones kicked into gear; challenges that I never faced as a child appeared. The challenge to keep these Ten Commands became a mental nightmare. Maybe I was different from the other kids who appeared to be quite normal, even when they apparently did wrong things. I was guilt ridden and stressed out.
I distinctly remember sharing with one of my esteemed Pastors my situation. I remember his words to this day-” Don’t be a goody-goody, simply be good.”
My first memory that I possess of encountering the Good News of Jesus Christ is when an Evangelical friend loaned me a copy of Kenneth Taylor’s Living New Testament. In it I read or understood for the first time in my life that we are saved by TRUSTING in Jesus. And as we trust in Him we are empowered to do miraculous things ; such as stop telling lies, honouring our parents, not coveting our neighbour’s goods etc.
My beloved Brethren in Christ, the unintended preaching of “another gospel” holds the capacity to do untold psychological, social, physical and spiritual damage to those who are thereby schooled. One of the greatest threats we face as Seventh-Day Adventists, if not the greatest threat, to our walk with Christ. Is not the passing of the Sunday law. It is the belief that simply by an act of CHOICE, we can keep these Ten Commandments that includes the keeping of the Sabbath Day that so notably distinguishes us to a watching world.
This act of trusting in Jesus comes from a deliberate choice to spend quality time with Him every day.(This is not family worship. This is time with yourself and Jesus alone). Not simply seeking knowledge so that others may see our theological brilliance; but that we may grow to know, love and trust Him and thus be able to access power to obey. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he says -“The just shall live by faith” Romans 1:17
Steve, I am sorry that you felt pressured, and I trust indeed that the decision was ultimately yours. Over the years I have had to protect my Bible study interests from over zealous evangelists wanting to impress with their baptism numbers. Sadly, about 18 years ago an evangelist chased away a new believer I was working with when he kept harrassing her after she clearly told him “No” several times. After the tenth time she told him “No,” he handed her a paper and pen and demanded she write her name as she would like it on her baptism certificate. She stomped off in disbelief. I stood there totally stunned, and when I confronted the evangelist he just told me how naive and inexperienced I was.
Over the years I have had to explain to parents that their kids only come to my baptism classes because they want to and not because the parents make them. Once I know the parents are forcing them, I excuse them and let the parents know that the choice is solely up to the child. Love never uses force. I am so glad that the current conference administration I am working with is focusing on growing realtionships instead of numbers. And as we do soul-winning in the right spirit and the right way, using love instead of force and manipulation, our numbers here in Florida are growing tremendously. But most importantly to me and my conference leaders, relationships are growing. I am very glad, Steve, that you made your own choice, and are making that choice every day. Blessings!
What you are describing in your first paragraph is dispensationalism. Though the term did not become of vogue until the second or third century A.D. and was associated with a faction of Christiandom. Dispensationalism is like you described the Judaism. Being that you are save by other than the blood of the Lamb of God. Maybe even up to 7 different types of saves.
To save my reputation I must say, yes I believe in the ten commands, yet that is not what saves me. I obey the ten commands because I have fallen in love with Jesus Christ and allow Him to work in me towards sanctification on a daily basis.
1 Corinthians 15:31.
What’s more I am willing to be made willing. From your writings I am confident you are too.
“To stand in the defence of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test.” (T5,136)
One of the most dangerous things we can do is defend truth. The biggest problem we have in the defence of truth is pride (usually hidden) that masks itself as righteous concern, and righteous indignation, especially as we “root out” or identify “false brethren”.
What the enemy of souls tempts me to believe is that my version of truth is the only version and all others are “false”. In other words, “falsehood” only exists out there – the problem is not in me, but in others (individually or collectively).
It is difficult to stress how important this concept is. The Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn understood this when writing about his experience in the Russian Gulag prison system:
“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.”
This is reflected in Ellen White’s succinct statement in Steps to Christ:
“The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought.” SC 43
You only have to get up in the morning to know how true that statement is!
And the Bible – see Jeremiah 17:9.
So, while the defence of truth and identifying falsehood is important, it should not be conducted without first recognising that the potential for falsehood exists within each and every one of us. May God give us the humility, grace, wisdom, insights, courage, empathy, and perception to deal appropriately with what we perceive as falsehood.
Beware of half truths – you may have the wrong half!
The new testament identifies and explains false teachers as not merely people who disagree with others preachers on matters of conscience or even doctrine, but as those who seek to distort, deny, or undermine the essential truth of the gospel. They often present themselves as religious leaders and appear sincere and convincing, yet their teaching leads people away from the true knowledge of God and obedience to His Word. Jesus Himself warned believers to discern as false prophets may come “in sheep’s clothing” while inwardly seeking to deceive and destroy (Matthew 7:15). Similarly, Paul warned the corinthian church that false teachers would arise and speak “perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29–30).
As much as christians may respectfully differ on opinion, false teachers must be clearly identified when they present a different Jesus, a different gospel, or a message contrary to apostolic truth. Paul expressed serious concern about those who preached “another Jesus” or promoted a gospel different from the one originally received (2 Corinthians 11:4). The identification of false teachers is thus based primarily on the content and consequences of their teaching rather than personal differences or disagreements. Such teaching must be confronted with humility and love, but also with courage and faithfulness to the truth, so that the church can remain grounded in sound doctrine and protected from deception.
Hi people…
Lydia heard Paul’s witness whose heart was opened so that she attended to..heeded..the things that were spoken of by Paul..acts 16:14.
Martyn Lloyd Jones..book..a merciful and faithful high priest… chapter: salvation the greatest need. Urges us to focus on the good instead of the false.
He.. Paul… probably had in mind a ship that is moored just outside a harbour. It is being carried away unawares by the tide, drifting past the harbour where it was intending to go.
Some have come face to face with the gospel, they have felt an interest in it…they have been…at the entry to the harbour…they had to go a little further and they would have arrived at port….but they have not committed themselves, they have not accepted it, they have allowed themselves to drift past it.
Martyn stresses that Lydia
paid earnest heed realising the importance of the gospel message.
Maurice Ashton made a good point recently about the lens and focus. Worth paying heed …attending to this point.
Reneanne Anderson
How can the church possibly be shielded from the impact of false teachers?
Among the many possible ways by which the church can remain safe from the impact of false teachers is to be firmly ground in scripture and the gospel message. The Bereans provide a helpful model: they listened to Paul but examined the Scriptures to determine whether his teaching was true (Acts 17:11). The church should never regard a preacher’s position, charisma, education, or popularity as a substitute for biblical truth.
Hi people
Edward lear used his creativity wisely as he tutored children. He rhymed the alphabet, ethical standards,prophecy
And community engagement in his introductory curriculum.
Some examples below:
X was King xerxes, whom
Papa much wished to know
But this he could not do because xerxes died long ago.
P said: some poetry might be read aloud to make him think
When grand old men persist in folly
In slaughtering men and chopping trees
What art can soothe the melancholy
Of those whom futile statesmen teaze?
The only way their wrath to cover
Is to let mankind know who’s to blame
Is first to rush by train to Dover
And then straight onwards to Sanremo.
From the poetry of Edward lear
Reneanne Anderson
Based on my personal experience, when confronting false doctrine within a congregation—especially when church leadership is involved—be prepared for a fierce battle that can take a significant toll emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.
The approach must remain Christ-centered and strategic. Truth should be defended firmly, but with prayer, wisdom, patience, humility, and love. It is important to distinguish between fighting for truth and fighting against people.
Also, be prepared for a prolonged battle that may not end according to your expectations or satisfaction. We may faithfully present the truth, appeal to Scripture, follow proper church processes, and do everything within our power—and still not see the outcome we hoped for. Our responsibility is faithfulness; the final outcome belongs to God.
Sometimes the victory is not seeing everyone agree with us. The victory may simply be that we remained faithful to Christ, preserved our Christian character, and did not allow the battle over truth to transform us into something unlike the One whose truth we were defending.
Your friend says to you, how do I identify false teachers?
1. They are not Christ centered.
2. They are deceitful and corrupt.
3. Thus, they lead the people astray from sincere devotion and allegiance to Christ.
4. They preach the wrong gospel of Christ. That is other than Christ came into this world to seek sinners and to save sinners by His life, death, and resurrection. That He saves to the uttermost those who turn to Him for repentance, forgiveness, consecration, surrender, hope, faith, love, and the privilege of rejoicing in Him who bestowed His righteousness. All these He provides freely to everyone who trusts in Him. Yes, this is true teaching and true preaching.
Remind us dear Lord, that Your steadfast love never ceases, that Your mercies never come to an end, that great is Your faithfulness, that You fill us with hope, that You bring these back to mind every morning in our devotion with you. Lamentations 3:21-23. Thank-you Lord for the truth found in Your Word.
In closing today and staying with the essence of a true teacher of the Gospel, let me give you 2 Corinthians 10:15. From the Clear Word. “15 You’ve never heard us take credit for work done by others. But we do have a right to talk about the work we have done for you. And we have a right to expect you to grow in Christ and to develop such confidence and faith in God that you will be a mighty force in helping to spread the gospel.”
Greetings, John!
I have read your post with interest. I fully agree with what you have said in nos. one, two and three of your statements, but I have a question about your statement in no. four of your list of how to identify false teachers.
You said that Christ came to save sinners by his life death and resurrection. This makes me wonder if this is all there is to the work of Christ. SDAs used to teach, and some still do, that Christ’s work continued in the heavenly sanctuary after his ascension. His life, death, and resurrection were typified in the courtyard services of the earthly sanctuary, but when He ascended to heaven, He entered the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, and in 1844 moved into the most holy place. This fulfills the types of the rest of the sanctuary services to date. We are living in the Day of Atonement, and this is a very special time, requiring special behavior as typified in the earthly sanctuary and its services. I am not seeking to be argumentative, I just wonder what you and other Adventists believe about this now.
Yes as you described It still holds true in the Seventh-Day Adventist faith, no changes. And yes, we are living close to the time when God is going to say enough is enough, no I have not set a date of Christ return, Only our Heavenly Father knows. Yet like Peter said, God delays, sending His Son and a host of Angels to take us to heaven in the Orion vicinity for a thousand years. 2 Peter 3:9.
We should stand against error in the church, as the last question suggests. But we do need to be sure that it is error. Some people make every deviation from what they consider the ideal to be false teaching. I think when we do this we actually are more like the Judaizers that Maurice mentioned.
Leading to Christ is the difference between the true teacher and the false teacher.