Read 2 John
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:10-11 KJV
The Apostle John describes a false teacher as one who does not hold to the incarnation of Christ, or that God has come in the flesh. This is a central truth of the Christian faith. It is the truth we celebrate every Christmas. We believe the child in the manger was God the Son. John tells us to neither receive nor send away anyone with God’s blessing who denies this truth. That means we are not to treat them as a brother or sister in the Lord. We are not to do this because they are not Christians; in fact they work against the truth. When we bless them in any way we become fellow participants in their spreading of false teachings about Jesus Christ and the great work He came to accomplish through His incarnation. Does this mean we are never to witness to them? We should always be ready to tell others the truth about Jesus, but not give them opportunity to share their teachings.
Lord, I am grateful you have protected me from false teachers and taught me the truth concerning you through your Word that I might know it and share it with others. Help me never give others the impression I stand with those who do not teach the truth about you.
A question to ponder: What is the best way to recognize false teachers without having any personal knowledge of the things they teach?
