On this episode of Theology Gals Coleen and Ashley discuss what Scripture says about how we should respond to false teachers, those teaching things contrary to foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.
New Intro includes: Michael Horton Why is is important to know what you believe?, Matt Chandler The Bible is not about us, Daniel Hyde Once Lost, Now Found: How Reformed Theology Assures Us, Rod Rosenbladt The Gospel For Those Broken By The Church, Michael Horton What is the Gospel? James Montgomery Boice A Call From Confessing Evangelicals For A Modern Reformation and The Evangelical Church Today….Still
Episode Resources:
Distinguishing gossip and slander from discernment
Gossip
Bible Dictionary
Gossip- The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it.
Gossip is distinguished from sharing information in two ways. What is being shared and why it's being shared.
Webster's dictionary
gossip- casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
Slander
Bible dictionary -properly, a slanderer; a false accuser; unjustly criticizing (malign) and condemn to sever a relationship in secular Greek means “backbiter ,” i.e. an accuser, calumniator (slanderer). 1228 (diábolos) is literally someone who “casts through,” i.e. making charges that bring down (destroy)
Webster’s dictionary – the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
Verses on Gossip and Slander
Proverbs 20:12&13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babble. Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Proverbs 10:18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends
Proverbs 11:13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered
Discussing the teachings of false teachers is not the same thing as gossip or slander.
False Teachers and False Doctrine
Does calling out false teachers and doctrine cause division?
Paul makes it clear that it's the ones teaching false doctrine who cause division.
Romans 16:17&18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive
We're called to be discerning
Discernment definition
1. the ability to judge well. 2. (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding.
Bible Dictionary- It may simply mean “observe” ,expressing close and distinct acquaintance with or a critical knowledge of things
Philippians 1:9&10 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more,with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, sand so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
The Bereans are praised for their discernment
Acts 17:11 received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Called to judge those within the church
1 Corinthians 5:12&13 For what have I to do with judging outsiders?
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