“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord  
Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an  
unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife,  
malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who  
have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. “

1 Timothy 6:3-5 

 

–

September 17, 2025

As a leader of the church, one of Timothy’s responsibilities was to ensure that false teaching did not take root. No wonder Paul admonished him to watch his own doctrine closely! Timothy also needed to ensure that other teachers in the church were communicating the correct doctrine. To assist Timothy in fulfilling this role, Paul shared insights regarding false teachers. 

The first characteristic of a false teacher Paul highlighted is the failure to assent to the teaching of Jesus Himself. In correcting such an individual, the first red flag appears to be a lack of humility. False teaching could merely be the result of ignorance; ideally, the teacher would respond with gratitude to correction. But if the one being instructed refuses to accept proper direction, this is the sign of deeper problems. Humility is an indispensable quality for church leaders and teachers.  

“The sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ” can be summed up as the gospel. Teaching that stirs controversies, causes disputes, or leads to divisions within the body of Christ raises another red flag of false teaching. We must go back to what Jesus said, did, and taught. His declaration of the kingdom should not stir up controversies amongst His followers, nor cause disputes or create divisions in the church. It is the gospel that unites us as the only way of salvation.  

The Bible communicates the gospel from cover to cover. The Bible is preached in the worship services and taught in adult communities and Sunday school classes at Wheaton Bible Church. Nevertheless, we cannot take this for granted. We should listen carefully to everything that is preached and taught in our church, for our own personal edification and growth, but also to be sensitive to any false teaching.  

False teaching is at odds with the Bible, often only subtly so. Therefore, the best way to detect false teaching is to know the Bible and be surrendered to the Spirit. However, what may be perceived as false could instead be a misunderstanding on the part of the hearer. Therefore, discernment and humility must be exercised in confronting potential false teaching; one who raises such a concern may fall into the trap of aggravating controversies, disputes, and disunity themselves!  

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • How should love for both the teacher and for those being taught guide our response to potential false teaching?  
  • Why is humility on the part of all concerned essential when dealing with false teaching?  
  • If you had a concern about potential false teaching, what would be your proper response?  

Church Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 13; 2 Corinthians 6