3. Because Christianity is unique yet it coexists with other faiths in varied contexts, false teachers intrude and present a constant threat to church unity and order. Sadly, many teach and mislead people into spiritual ruin.

4. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

5. The Description of False Teachers

6. They don’t have a pure heart, a good conscience or a sincere faith (I Tim. 1:5-6). They don’t have a pure heart, a good conscience or a sincere faith (I Tim. 1:5-6). 1.The Description of False Teachers They desire to be teachers of the law but don’t know what they are talking about; understand nothing (I Tim. 1:7; 6:4). They desire to be teachers of the law but don’t know what they are talking about; understand nothing (I Tim. 1:7; 6:4).

7. They are blasphemers who have rejected the truth and ship- wrecked their faith (I Tim. 1:18-20). They are blasphemers who have rejected the truth and ship- wrecked their faith (I Tim. 1:18-20). 1.The Description of False Teachers They are hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared (I Tim. 4:1-5). They are hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared (I Tim. 4:1-5).

8. They don’t agree with the instructions of Jesus Christ (I Tim. 6:3). They don’t agree with the instructions of Jesus Christ (I Tim. 6:3). 1.The Description of False Teachers Interested in controversies and quarrels about words; motivated by financial gain (I Tim. 6:4-5). Interested in controversies and quarrels about words; motivated by financial gain (I Tim. 6:4-5).

9. Rebellious, mere talkers, deceivers, divisive persons who claim to know God but deny him by their actions and whose minds and consciences are corrupted (Titus 1:10-16; 3:9-11). Rebellious, mere talkers, deceivers, divisive persons who claim to know God but deny him by their actions and whose minds and consciences are corrupted (Titus 1:10-16; 3:9-11). 1.The Description of False Teachers

10. The Deception of False Teachers

11. False doctrines, myths and endless genealogies that are meaningless talk (I Tim. 1:3-7; Titus 1:13-14). False doctrines, myths and endless genealogies that are meaningless talk (I Tim. 1:3-7; Titus 1:13-14). 2.The Deception of False Teachers Wrong interpretations and applications of the law (I Tim. 1:8- 11; Titus 3:9). Wrong interpretations and applications of the law (I Tim. 1:8- 11; Titus 3:9).

12. Rejection of Jesus Christ and/or the gospel and his teachings (I Tim. 1:12-20; 6:3). Rejection of Jesus Christ and/or the gospel and his teachings (I Tim. 1:12-20; 6:3). 2.The Deception of False Teachers Asceticism as the way to spirituality (I Tim. 4:1-5). Asceticism as the way to spirituality (I Tim. 4:1-5).

13. The Destruction of False Teachers

14. 3.The Destruction of False Teachers Promote controversies rather than God’s work (I Tim. 1:4). Promote controversies rather than God’s work (I Tim. 1:4). Produce envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between corrupt men (I Tim. 6:4-5). Produce envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between corrupt men (I Tim. 6:4-5).

15. 3.The Destruction of False Teachers Ruin the faith of believers, even that of whole households (I Tim. 1:19; Titus 1:11). Ruin the faith of believers, even that of whole households (I Tim. 1:19; Titus 1:11). Create dissension in the church (Titus 3:9-11). Create dissension in the church (Titus 3:9-11).

16. Learn to identify false teachings and false teachers by... 1.Fully understanding the gospel message. CONCLUSION

17. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (I Timothy 1:15-16)

18. Learn to identify false teachings and false teachers by... 1.Fully understanding the gospel message. CONCLUSION 2.Faithfully knowing Jesus Christ more and more.

19. “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.” (I Timothy 6:3-4)

20. Knowing what’s true is the first step in knowing what’s false. (Daily Bread, 9/22/2010)

21. Learn to identify false teachings and false teachers by... 1.Fully understanding the gospel message. CONCLUSION 2.Faithfully knowing Jesus Christ more and more. 3.Fellowshipping with genuine, authentic and growing believers.