Men today often put too much trust in their leaders and not enough trust in the Word of God. Does the Bible speak about these leaders? The following is some detailed information from the Word of God that warns us about these leaders. Please have your Bibles open and follow along with me. Eph 5:6 "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God on the children of disobedience."
First of all let's begin by reading the Bible and remind ourselves what the apostles have taught. You can find this in detail in the previous pages. Turn to Acts 2:37-42, when the people asked Peter and the rest of the apostles what to do. "(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." As we continue to read we notice in verse 41 that 3,000 souls were added the first day of the grace plan. Take a close look at what these people did after they were baptized in verse 42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" So they continued in the apostles' doctrine. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We now need to know some things to look for when trying to identify these men. To begin please turn to Gal 1:1-10 notice verses 7 & 8 "... but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." So Paul and the other apostles have already preached the gospel. Another scripture is I Cor 3:11 "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" So the apostles have already laid the foundation or preached the gospel. We can only continue to teach the apostles' doctrine or gospel.
Next let's find out, what will happen to people who follow these false leaders? Turn to Isaiah 9:13-17, look at (16) "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed." Another scripture is Jeremiah 23:1-32 (32)"Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord." Always remember that no evil tree will bring forth good fruit. This is clearly telling us that the Lord's people will not prosper anything from these false leaders.
Now we have read what some of the prophets said about these false leaders. Now turn to the new testament and let's see what the apostles have to say about them. Matthew 15:13:10-14, notice 14 "let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." In Luke 6:39 "And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch."
Lets understand that these false leaders can easily deceive us if we allow them. They are like wolves in sheep's clothing. Turn to II Tim 3:1-17, verse (5)"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such they turn away." Also in Matthew 15: 8 & 9 "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for the doctrines the commandments of men." So they are worshiping Jesus in Vain. Because they deny the power and teach the commandments of men.
I have only covered a small portion of what the Bible speaks about concerning false teachers. The Lord is very clear that it will prosper us nothing if we follow these leaders. It makes us realize that these people do have a form of godliness or they actually worship Jesus in Vain. Proverbs 16: 25 explains it clearly "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Be extra careful that we don't follow these false leaders and get into a way that seemeth right unto man. We can be sure to avoid this seemeth right way by getting on the solid rock which is Jesus and continuously studying to show ourselves approved unto Jesus.
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