But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.    1 Peter 3:15 ESV

Yesterday a dear friend posted calling out a false prophet.

Just a few posts down I saw a post from another dear friend calling for unity and getting along.

God’s Word tells us that as best we can, we should get along with others. Romans 12:18 says if possible, to live at peace with everyone. Romans 16:17 tells us that we should watch out for those that cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught. We are told to avoid them. False prophets create divisions and create obstacles.

We are told in Matthew 7:1 not to judge so that we won’t be judged. Matthew 7:5 warns us against being hypocrites. In Matthew 7:15 we are told to beware of false prophets that come to us in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravaging wolves. Matthew 7:20 tells us we will recognize them by their fruit.

The Bible tells us that as far as possible, we should strive to get along with others. But it also tells us to beware of false prophets. 1 John 4:1 tells us not to believe every spirit, but to trust the spirits for many false prophets have gone into the world.  2 Corinthians 11:13-15 tells us that false prophets disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. 2 Peter 2:1 tells us that false teachers will be among us and will bring in destructive heresies. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns that false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

What does the Bible say we should do concerning false teachers? Ephesians 5:11 tells us to take no part in unfruitful works of darkness and to expose them. Colossians 2:8 tells us to see to it that no one takes us captive by philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition, according the the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

We are encouraged to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1). We are encouraged to do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but to consider others needs as more important than our own in Philippians 2:3. But, if you listen to some of these false prophets. You will see that they talk a great deal about themselves or how they have improved themselves and if you are lucky you will get a little bit of Jesus thrown in there. My friend, it should all be about Jesus.

When I re-dedicated my life to Christ, I was like a sponge. I wanted to soak up as much Bible teaching as I could. I listened to a number of false prophets, but as I stayed in Sunday School and studied the Bible in my own church, I realized things didn’t add up. There were a number of motivational speakers that I had to remove from my list of teachers. I have also had to give up some teachers recently that I thought were good teachers just a few years ago. Some of them have bound together in heresies and I have had to stop listening to their teachings. In 1 Timothy 6:10 we are warned that the love of money is the root of all evil. Many of these teachers began with humble beginnings and were good teachers at one time. I can’t help but wonder if money changed them. I think this is why we see so many false teachers working together.

My friend God’s word is not confusing. We should, as far as it is possible, get along with everyone. But, nowhere does it say that we are to support those that are teaching false doctrine. In 2 Timothy 4:2 we are told to proclaim the message and persist in it whether it is convenient or not and to rebuke, correct, and encourage with great teaching.

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus tells His disciples, “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.” We are to be innocent in wrong doing, but we must be wise. Pray to God for wisdom and discernment. In these end times, we must be very careful.

In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus warns that we are not to suppose that He came to bring peace to the earth. For He said that He did not bring peace, but a sword. We must remain vigilant in these end days to see that we are not deceived. When you sit through a Bible study, a sermon, a Sunday School lesson or a conference, be sure that the speakers word lines up with God’s word.

So the answer to today’s question is yes for both. But, we must not tolerate doctrine that opposes what the Bible teaches.

The fact that we are warned so many times in the Bible about false teachings indicates that God is not going to give us a pass on judgment day if we have fallen for heresy. Exercise your God-given wisdom to be able to discern the good teachings from the bad.

Have a great day!