Identifying False Doctrines: How to Stay Rooted in Biblical Truth”

Identifying False Doctrines: How to Stay Rooted in Biblical Truth”

Hebrews 13:9 (NKJV): “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.”

This verse advises believers not to be swayed by different and unfamiliar teachings that deviate from the core message of the gospel. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of being grounded in the grace of God, which is far more beneficial than following ritualistic practices, such as dietary laws, that have shown no real spiritual profit.

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV): “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

Understanding the Terms “Didache” and “Didasko”

• Didache: This term refers to the mode or manner of teaching. It encompasses the curriculum and the structured content used for instruction. The Didache is known as an ancient Christian manual containing practical guidelines on
  
  Christian ethics,
  Rituals like baptism, prayer, fasting, and
  
  Church organization – detailing the roles of apostles, prophets, and practices related to preaching and
  
  Eschatology (the study of end times or the return of Christ).
  
• Didasko: This term is related to the act of teaching itself. It involves the process of imparting the curriculum (Didache) to the learners.
  

The scripture highlights the importance of understanding and distinguishing between various teachings in the Christian faith. Hebrews 13:9 warns against being misled by diverse and strange doctrines, urging believers to be established by grace rather than relying on ceremonial practices that offer no true spiritual benefit.

Matthew 28:20, on the other hand, underscores the responsibility of believers to teach and adhere to all the commandments given by Jesus. This teaching (Didasko) involves actively engaging in the act of instruction, ensuring that the comprehensive curriculum (Didache) is conveyed accurately and effectively to new followers.

By understanding these terms, believers can better appreciate the different dimensions of teaching in the Christian faith, ensuring that the teachings they follow are rooted in the core message of grace and the commandments of Jesus Christ.

Doctrines of the Pharisees

Matthew 16:12 (NKJV): “Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

In this verse, Jesus warns His disciples to be cautious of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He uses the metaphor of “leaven” to describe their doctrines, indicating how their teachings can permeate and influence, often negatively.

Matthew 16:1-12 (NKJV):

1. 
   “Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.
   
2. 
   He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red”;
   
3. 
   and in the morning, “It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
   
4. 
   A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’ And He left them and departed.
   
5. 
   Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
   
6. 
   Then Jesus said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.’
   
7. 
   And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘It is because we have taken no bread.’
   
8. 
   But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, ‘O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?
   
9. 
   Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
   
10. 
    Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up?
    
11. 
    How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’
    
12. 
    Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
    

What is this leaven?

1. Hypocrisy: Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They were known for outwardly appearing righteous while inwardly being full of sin. They performed religious acts to be seen by others rather than out of genuine devotion.
   

Matthew 23:23-28 (NKJV): 23. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

1. Legalism: The Pharisees were known for their legalistic approach, imposing heavy burdens on the people with an extensive list of rules and regulations that went beyond the commandments of God.
   
   
   
   Matthew 23:4 (NKJV): “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”
   
2. Self-righteousness: The Pharisees believed in their own righteousness based on their strict observance of the law. They looked down on others who did not adhere to their standards, exhibiting a sense of moral superiority.
   
   
   
   Luke 18:9-14 (NKJV): 9. “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10. ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” 13. And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” 14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'”
   
3. Misinterpretation of the Law: The Pharisees often missed the spirit of the law, focusing instead on the letter. They were more concerned with outward observance than the underlying principles of love, mercy, and justice.
   
   Matthew 9:13 (NKJV): “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
   

Matthew 12:7 (NKJV): “But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”

By understanding these aspects of the Pharisees’ doctrines, believers can be more vigilant in avoiding similar pitfalls, striving instead to live by the genuine principles of faith, grace, and love as taught by Jesus Christ.

Doctrines of Demons

1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV): “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”

In this verse, Paul warns Timothy that in the last days, some people will turn away from the true faith, influenced by deceiving spirits and teachings that come from demons. These doctrines are dangerous because they lead people away from the truth of Christ and into falsehood.

1 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV): “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”

Paul identifies some of these demonic teachings, including extreme abstinence. These doctrines promote:

1. Extreme Abstinence: This includes the practice of forbidding marriage and abstaining from certain foods. These teachings deny the goodness of God’s creation, which He intended for us to enjoy with thanksgiving. By promoting such practices, these doctrines reject the natural order and blessings that God has given to humanity.
   

Things Contrary to Sound Doctrine

These are teachings or practices that are in direct opposition to the sound, healthy doctrine taught by Christ and His apostles. They distort and pervert the truth, leading people away from the faith.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV): “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.”

Paul urges Timothy to reject myths and fables that have no foundation in the truth of the gospel. These include:

1. Godless Myths:
   
   
   • Myths of Zeus: In the ancient world, stories about gods like Zeus were widespread. These myths often contradicted the teachings of Jesus, promoting a worldview that was entirely opposed to the biblical understanding of God and His ways.
     
     
     
   • Gnostic Myths: These were elaborate stories about spiritual realms and beings, often inconsistent with biblical revelations. Gnosticism often claimed secret knowledge and distorted the simple truth of the gospel, leading people into confusion.
     
     
     
   • Jewish Fables: These were stories not found in the Hebrew scriptures but were instead imaginative tales about angels or mythical interpretations of biblical events. Such fables added to the Word of God, leading people astray from the true teachings of the Scriptures.
     
     
     
2. Superstitions: These involve practices or beliefs that assign spiritual importance to inanimate objects, certain times, or actions, believing they can bring luck or misfortune. Such superstitions contradict the biblical teaching that God is sovereign over all things and that our lives are guided by His providence, not by random chance or objects.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Cultural Folk Tales: While some cultural stories are meant to teach moral lessons, they are not always rooted in Christ and biblical truth. These tales, when taken as spiritual or moral authority, can lead people away from the teachings of Christ, promoting values that are not aligned with Scripture.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Astrology: This belief system holds that a person’s fate or personality is determined by the positions of stars and planets. Astrology contradicts the biblical teaching that our lives are determined by God’s will and that we are responsible for our own choices, not the stars.
   

Doctrines of Men

Colossians 2:20-23 (NKJV): 20. “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21. ‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ 22. Which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23. These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”

In this passage, Paul warns the Colossian church against submitting to human rules and regulations that might seem wise or spiritually beneficial but are ultimately ineffective in promoting true spiritual growth. These human traditions often appear religious or pious but fail to address the deeper issues of the heart and spirit.

Scriptural Examples of Doctrines of Men

1. Hand Washing Ritual (Mark 7:1-13):
   • 
     The Pharisees and some of the scribes held to the tradition of the elders, insisting on ritual handwashing before eating. They criticized Jesus’ disciples for not following this tradition. Jesus rebuked them, pointing out that they were prioritizing human traditions over God’s commandments.
     
     
     
     Mark 7:6-8 (NKJV): “He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.'”
     
     
2. Circumcision as Necessary for Salvation (Acts 15:1-11):
   

Some Jewish Christians were teaching that Gentile converts had to be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved. This teaching was a distortion of the gospel, adding human requirements to the grace of God. Peter and the other apostles rejected this doctrine, affirming that salvation comes through grace, not adherence to the law.

Acts 15:10-11 (NKJV): “Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

1. Jewish Dietary Laws (Colossians 2:16-17):
   

Paul warns against letting anyone judge believers based on their adherence to dietary laws, observing certain holy days, or other ceremonial practices. These were shadows of things to come, but the substance is found in Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17 (NKJV): “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

Examples in Churches Today

1. Dress Codes:
   • 
     While modesty is a biblical principle, some churches impose strict dress codes as a measure of spirituality. These rules, often based on cultural or denominational standards, can become a human tradition rather than a genuine expression of faith.
     
     1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV): “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
     
     
     
     Matthew 23:5 (NKJV): “But all the works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.”
     
     
     
2. Prosperity Teachings:
   

The prosperity Teachings teach that financial success and physical well-being are guaranteed signs of God’s favour and that faith, positive speech, and donations to certain ministries will ensure these blessings. This doctrine distorts biblical teaching by placing wrong expectations on salvation, leading people to focus on material wealth rather than spiritual growth.

1 Timothy 6:6-12

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,

5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1. Strict Observance of Certain Days:
   • 
     Some traditions impose strict observance of specific days as more spiritual or sacred than others, which can lead to legalism. While it’s important to honor God in all things, the New Testament teaches that believers have freedom in these matters.
     
     Romans 14:5-6 (NKJV): “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.”
     
     
     
     Colossians 2:16-17 (NKJV): “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths.”
     
     
     
2. Ritualistic Practices for Spiritual Protection or to Ensure Divine Favor:
   
   
   • 
     Some churches promote ritualistic practices, such as specific prayers, sales of some materials, or actions believed to provide spiritual protection or secure God’s favor. These practices can lead to superstition, undermining faith in God’s sovereignty and the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.
     

Summary: The “Doctrines of Men” are human traditions and teachings that go beyond or contradict the truth of Scripture. They may seem wise or spiritual on the surface, but they are ultimately ineffective in promoting true godliness and spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to focus on the teachings of Christ and the apostles, which are grounded in grace, truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

What then is the Teaching of Christ

The teaching of Christ, as illustrated in Luke 24:13-35, particularly on the road to Emmaus, offers profound insights into how Jesus sought to enlighten His followers about the true meaning of the Scriptures and the events surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection.

The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

This passage describes how two of Jesus’ disciples were walking to a village called Emmaus, discussing the recent, shocking events of Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection. As they walked, Jesus Himself joined them, though they did not recognize Him at first. He asked them what they were discussing, and they expressed their confusion and disappointment over what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus’ Rebuke and Explanation (Luke 24:25-27)

Luke 24:25 (NKJV): “Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!'”

Luke 24:27 (NKJV): “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of understanding, using the term “foolish ones” to describe their failure to comprehend the significance of what had occurred. The Greek word used here is “anoetos,” which means “unintelligent” or “lacking insight.” This word is not used as an insult but as a correction, pointing out that they were not fully grasping the meaning of the events that had just transpired. They were “slow of heart” to believe all that the prophets had spoken about the Messiah.

Understanding “Anoetos”

The Greek word “anoetos” combines “a-” (without) and “noetos” (related to the mind or understanding), literally meaning “without understanding” or “not using your mind.” It describes a failure to grasp or comprehend something significant. Paul also used this term in Galatians 3:1 when addressing the Galatians: “O foolish Galatians,” and again in Galatians 3:3: “Are ye so foolish?” Paul uses it to emphasize how the Galatians had begun to stray from the truth of the gospel.

In 1 Timothy 6:9, the word “anoetos” is used to describe the senseless and foolish desires that can accompany the pursuit of wealth, leading many to fall into temptation. Similarly, Titus 3:3-4 speaks of how, before salvation, people were caught in a state of “anoetos,” being disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by various passions and pleasures.

The Significance of Jesus’ Teaching

In this encounter on the road to Emmaus, Jesus begins to teach the disciples by explaining the Scriptures, starting with Moses and all the prophets. He reveals how the entire narrative of the Old Testament pointed to Him, showing that the Messiah had to suffer and then enter into His glory. This teaching of Christ underscores the importance of understanding the Scriptures in their fullness, seeing how they reveal the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Slow of Heart

In addition to calling them “foolish ones,” Jesus also describes the disciples as “slow of heart.” This phrase indicates a sluggishness or reluctance to believe and embrace the truths that had been revealed by the prophets. Despite having heard the prophecies and witnessed the events, they were still hesitant to fully accept the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

Slow of Heart (Brady Kardia)

In Luke 24:25, Jesus describes the disciples as “slow of heart” for not believing all that the prophets had spoken about Him. The Greek term for “slow of heart” is “Brady Kardia.”

Bradykardia in a medical sense refers to a condition where an individual’s heart rate is slower than normal, typically less than 60 beats per minute. This condition can indicate underlying health issues and may lead to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue due to the reduced flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Spiritual Implication of “Slow of Heart”

When Jesus calls the disciples “slow of heart,” He is using the term metaphorically to describe their spiritual condition. Just as bradykardia in a physical sense indicates a sluggish or weakened heartbeat, “slow of heart” in this context refers to a lack of spiritual perception. It signifies a reluctance or slowness in recognizing and embracing the truth about Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures.

• Lack of Spiritual Perception: The disciples were slow to perceive the significance of the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Despite the prophecies and Jesus’ own teachings, they struggled to connect the dots and see how everything pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.
  
  
  
• Reluctance to See Jesus in the Scriptures: Their “slow heart” reflects a hesitation to fully accept and understand what the Scriptures revealed about Jesus. This slowness indicates an inner resistance to the truth, preventing them from recognizing Jesus even when He was walking alongside them.
  
  
  
• No Inner Receptivity: Their hearts were not fully receptive to the truth about Jesus’ death and resurrection. They lacked the inner readiness to believe and comprehend the profound reality of what had taken place.
  

Jesus Expounding the Scriptures (Diermeneuo)

Luke 24:27 (NKJV): “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

In response to their “slow heart,” Jesus began to expound the Scriptures to them, starting from Moses and continuing through all the prophets. The term “expound” here is translated from the Greek word “diermeneuo,” which means to interpret or explain thoroughly.

• Diermeneuo: This word indicates that Jesus provided a comprehensive explanation of the Scriptures, helping the disciples to see how everything from the Law of Moses to the writings of the prophets pointed to Him. He interpreted the Scriptures in a way that revealed the true meaning behind the events they had witnessed.
  

The Meaning of Diermeneuo

• Dia (thoroughly) + Hermeneuo (to explain): The Greek word “diermeneuo” means to interpret thoroughly or to explain in detail. This term indicates that Jesus’ teaching was not superficial; it was a deep and systematic exposition of the Scriptures.
  
  
  
• Examples in Scripture:
  • Acts 9:36: Here, the name Tabitha is interpreted (diermeneuo) as Dorcas. This shows how the meaning of a name is thoroughly explained.
    
    
    
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30, 14:5, 14:13, 14:27: These passages discuss the interpretation of tongues in the church. The term “diermeneuo” is used to describe the thorough explanation or translation of what is spoken in tongues,
    
    

Thorough Interpretation- When we say that Jesus gave a thorough interpretation of the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus, we mean that He provided a comprehensive, in-depth explanation of how the entire Old Testament pointed to Him. This wasn’t just a brief comment or casual conversation. Instead, Jesus meticulously connected various passages, prophecies, and themes throughout the Scriptures to His life, mission, death, and resurrection.

Context: Jesus began His explanation with Moses (the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible) and continued through all the prophets. This means that He covered a broad scope of the Old Testament, including key themes, prophecies, and symbolic events (types) that were fulfilled in Him. For example, He might have explained how the sacrificial system pointed to His own sacrifice, how the suffering servant in Isaiah prophesied His passion, or how the Passover lamb symbolized His death.

Purpose: The purpose of Jesus’ thorough explanation was to clarify and illuminate the disciples’ understanding. Although they were familiar with the Scriptures, they had failed to see the connection between what was written and the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ detailed interpretation helped them to see that all of Scripture was pointing to Him as the Messiah. This opened their eyes and hearts, enabling them to comprehend the full significance of what had happened, making it understandable to others.

The Centrality of Jesus in All Scripture

Jesus’ explanation from Genesis through all the Scriptures showed that every part of the Bible points to Him. From the creation narrative in Genesis, through the history of Israel, to the prophecies and poetic writings, everything is interconnected with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This comprehensive understanding must be central to our interpretation of the Bible as well.

• Genesis to Revelation: The entire Bible, from the first book (Genesis) to the last (Revelation), reveals Jesus. His teachings were not just about moral lessons or historical events; they were about revealing Himself as the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. Understanding this allows us to grasp the true message of the Bible and see how Jesus is the key to unlocking the meaning of all Scripture.
  

Conclusion

To interpret the Scriptures as Jesus did means to see them through the lens of His life, death, and resurrection. It involves a deep, thorough understanding that connects all parts of the Bible to the person and work of Jesus Christ. This comprehensive approach helps us to see that the Bible is a unified story that ultimately points to Jesus, the Messiah, who is revealed from Genesis to Revelation.

Jesus is our message, Jesus is our Curriculum, Jesus is our DIDACHE

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