Young People's Group

Standing Against False Teachers

by Mitchell Tan
December 05, 2018

THE PROBLEM OF FALSE TEACHERS

One of the biggest problems facing the Church today is false teachings. Erroneous teachings that infiltrate the thoughts of His people can be dangerous, detrimental and divisive. It is important that we be warned against those who promote such falsehood.

WARNING AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS

This was something that the apostle Paul sought to do against such apostates.

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!”
Philippians 3:2

Paul repeated the Greek word “blepete” (see!) three times in this single sentence. The emphasis is for the Philippians to be warned. The apostle Paul had nothing good to say of these false teachers. He called them “dogs”. These dogs were not domesticated dogs but scavengers. They were vicious and ready to attack anyone at any time. These false teachers were like these dogs; vicious and willing to “attack” anyone including Paul. Their works were also considered as evil. They preached Christ so as to add affliction to Paul’s chain (Philippians 1:16). Furthermore, their work of circumcision was considered as “mutilation”. These false teachers followed the laws of Moses and the traditions of men and bounded people to the law like circumcision. Paul considered their insistence of teaching of circumcision as “mutilation”. Young people, we need to see false teachers for who they really are. It is important that we are warned against them.

THE WAY BY WHICH WE STAND

1. BY HEEDING THE REPEATED WARNINGS OF SERVANTS OF GOD

“For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.”
Philippians 3:1

The word “safe” in Greek has the idea of being secure. Paul was fully committed to write the same things again and again to the Philippians because it was crucial that they were not deceived by the false teachers. It was not tedious for him to do so. This was meant for the safety of the Church. The Philippians were meant to take heed to his constant warnings. Let’s also take heed to the many lessons that we have learnt at Youth Conference. They will help us to stand firmly and securely on His word.

2. BY FOCUSING ON FAITH IN THE LORD

“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh”
Philippians 3:3

Paul and company sought to explain what true “circumcision” signified. Firstly, the physical act of circumcision was done to those who belonged to the Lord. Those who were circumcised were the people of God. Secondly, there was the spiritual aspect to the idea of circumcision. Those who were of the true circumcision would worship the Lord and serve Him in a right manner. The focus would not be on matters of the “flesh”. It would be on faith in the Lord Jesus. They sought to worship the Lord in the realm of the Spirit. This was in total contrast to the “flesh”. The Lord Jesus had taught the disciples that the Father was looking for true worshippers who would worship Him in spirit and truth. God is Spirit and we are to worship Him in spirit and the truth of His word (John 4:23-24). Paul and company would also rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus. Their boasting was not in their works but in the person of Jesus. They placed their full trust in God and not in what they did. Young people, let’s seek to exercise greater faith in the Lord Jesus. Let’s worship God in the spirit and rejoice in Him always.

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