The Danger of False Teachers

Even in the time of Jude, false teachers attempted and often succeeded in supplanting themselves in God’s church.

The directions given by the Holy Spirit through the servant Jude, was to all Christian saints. Both in the past, present day and definitely in the future. (Jude 1:1)

Jude was highly aware of how devastating this strategic attack of the enemy is. He asked for mercy, peace and love to abound in the churches that fall prey to this type of attack. This is especially needed not only because of the devastation to the spiritual conditions of the followers but love is required in dealing with the individual or persons.

If a church is not equipped with the weapons of spiritual warfare, then Love, Christ Jesus, is more than enough to do, more than we could ever ask for. His manifestation will bring about a dramatic change in that situation; with Him all else will follow.

The Call to Defend the Faith

Jude says:

“I am writing to all..” and he further clarifies “who have been called by God, the Father… urging you to defend the faith… because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches.”

Jude clearly identified these people as ‘ungodly’ – not of God; neither is He found in or with them. He also stated that by instigating and propagating these practises and living ‘their way of life’ that they have “…denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”- John 14:6

Jude 1:5-7 is a revealing section of text.

5 So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful.

6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.

7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.

If you observe carefully, one can identify the types of perversion these false teachers were introducing to the church, in Jude’s day. The same ones that we are presently battling in today’s world. The same ones causing great apostasy in churches today.

Disobedience.

Immorality.

Sexual Perversion.

It is important to note the kind of judgement and reward that will be meted out to these false teachers. The bible says, “...destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgement.”

Who are False Teachers?

A false teacher is often not a simple man who walks off the street and immediately gains access to your ears, heart and pulpit. For this man would have to prove himself, right? The false teacher is oftentimes someone who has a platform, has some level of authority and are role models.

The bible says, in Jude 1:8 “… these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. ”

They truly have no regard for the supernatural. They truly have no fear of the judgement of God.  They truly have no true belief in the Word of God. They are players, deceivers, liars, and hypocrites. They are fake, false and agents of Lucifer himself. Even if they are not consciously aware of it.

Oh, the bible says, “…what sorrows awaits them.”

It states that “..they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion“. – Jude 1:11

God considers, “…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…”-1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)

Jude 1:12-13,16 clearly states the characteristics of false teachers and as such the men and women of God should not stay in a place of deceit with these false teachers, but should rebuke and cast them out of their midst; until they repent and come back to Christ Jesus.

The Gift of Discernment

Do not be deceived.

This is why it is important that the body of Christ have the gift of discernment, a plenty. Also to speak out against such practices. The only way this is possible, is for people to have a relationship with Christ. If this is maintained, then false teachers will have no place among you.

This gift allows for you to discern and identify the spirits in operation in a person or church. Remember, even demons walk boldly through church doors.