1. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers “16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3). Scriptures are our guide

2. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers “16: As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Pet. 3). Some twist the scriptures

3. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers “15: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16: But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Matt. 18). The considered teaching

4. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers Paul and Peter (Gal. 2: 14). Jesus and Pharisees (Matt. 5: 19, 20). John and Diotrephes (3 John 9). Some Bible Examples “Do you believe the lost can be saved without baptism?” “You have no right to thus publicly question me, you have violated Matthew 18: 15-17 and you are showing your corrupt and divisive character!”

5. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers “15: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16: But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Matt. 18). Considering “against thee” Who is the “three” ? If all reading this did so, would it not be universal?

6. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers “2: It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3: Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4: And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17 cp. Matt. 18: 6, 15-17). Considering “against thee”

7. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers “25: This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26: And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18). Creating contradictions

8. Matthew 18: 15-17, The Ploy of False Teachers Matthew 18: 15-17 is specific as to people and circumstances (personal offence). To rigidly apply the teaching to all circumstances is to make Paul, Jesus, and John sin. The passage must not be allowed to be the source of deflection and refocus for false teachers. Conclusion: