17th Jun 26 | 05:17
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Protected from false teaching
📖 Acts 15:23-24
Acts 15 - Series 2/Episode 06 - Sun, 12th Apr 2026 - Protected from false teaching - Acts 15:22-35 - THE ANNOUNCEMENT - Matthew 07:15-16
Acts 15:23-24 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (24) Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"-to whom we gave no such commandment-
What was the effect of the wrong teaching? It troubled the people, unsettling their souls.
What is the outcome of right teaching and doctrine from the Scriptures? Psalms 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.
How should we be protected from wrong teachers and wrong doctrine?
The danger of wrong doctrine comes for those whom other established Christian leaders do not endorse. The incorrect teaching that spread to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia originated from those who were not endorsed or sent by the church in Jerusalem.
In contrast, we see how Barsabas, Silas, Paul and Barnabas were endorsed and sent to the churches by the elders in Jerusalem. Acts 15:25-27 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.
There is a requirement and a need to be endorsed by the elders of the church. This is a wonderful safeguard that we must always have in place to guard ourselves from wrong doctrine. As we listen to different preachers and teachers of the Scriptures, are we testing their teaching through this filter?
Another side to this matter of endorsement is the matter of accountability. It is important as preachers and teachers of the Scriptures to keep ourselves accountable to these senior leaders who endorse us. They should have the freedom to alert us and correct us if we are erring in our doctrine in any way. It is a blessing and a safety to stay under the check of senior leaders.
False doctrine produces confusion, fear, and spiritual instability. When we see these symptoms in the hearers, then that doctrine must be tested. Yes, the Spirit of God brings conviction to the hearers. John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: But the doctrine of God is clear and stabilises the soul. II Timothy 3:16-17 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Wrong teaching comes from those who have their own agenda to promote themselves. Romans 16:17-18 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. (18) For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Whereas the doctrine of God comes from those who seek nothing but the will of God. John 7:17-18 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. (18) He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
The other subtle danger of false doctrine is adding to the sufficiency of Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus. Nothing can be added or subtracted from this core Gospel. Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they." / Romans 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, / Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Any deviation from this core Gospel must be refuted. Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
False teachers are recognised by their fruit. Matthew 7:15-16 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (16) *You will know them by their fruits.* Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
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