Eat the Meat - Throw Out the Bones
So very often in Christian settings I see people following teachers that are, at the very least, questionable in their doctrine. Some of these popular teachers are actually beyond questionable and could truly be labeled as false teachers. Sometimes people will comment that they know this or that person might say some things that are questionable, but they also have a lot of good things to say. They tell me they will eat the meat and throw out the bones. They will take the good and throw out the bad.
Is that what God would have us to do?
No, I’m certain it is not. There is much God has to say about this and none of it even hints that we should entertain anything contrary to the Word of God. This type of thinking is simply not Biblical. In fact, truth mixed with error is the strategy of satan.
The Bible warns us that a little leaven will leaven the whole loaf.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:9 (NKJV)
It appears that just a smidgeon of error will corrupt the whole, but for some reason many of us have trouble understanding this. It seems we have a disconnection between what this says and what we do. We read or hear someone who says they are Christian, and they are very entertaining. They have a great personality, or they say some things that seem to really speak to our hearts. They quote scripture and appear to be Christian. They are very popular in Christian circles.
Then we see just a hint of something questionable, something contrary to God’s Word, or perhaps we hear several things that just don’t seem to line up with God’s Word. Do we just ignore it and continue to listen to them; reasoning in our minds that what we heard wasn’t that bad?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, right?
But why would we do this? If we know that everything God has told us is for our good and the absolute truth, then why is it we ignore what He says?
The Bible says: 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NKJV)
According to Pastor John MacArthur –
“the word translated “abstain” is a very strong verb, apechō, meaning “hold oneself back,” “keep away from,” “shun.” It is the same word used in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “abstain from sexual immorality,” and 1 Peter 2:11, “abstain from fleshly lusts.” It calls for a radical separation from “every form of evil.” This would include evil behavior, of course. But in this context, the primary reference seems to be evil teaching—false doctrine. Having examined everything in light of God’s Word, when you identify something that does not measure up—something that is evil, untrue, erroneous, or contrary to sound doctrine—shun it. Scripture does not give believers permission to expose themselves to evil.
Satan is always looking for ways to trap, confuse, or dilute believers. If he can find a crack in the door, he will make every effort to mix truth and error, all the while saying, “Just be open minded.” Satan does far greater damage as the angel of light than as a roaring lion.” “
God has a great deal to say about false teaching…
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Romans 16:17 (NKJV)
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
0 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 John 1:10-11 (NKJV)
11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:11-13 (NLT)
13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
(NLT)
Every New Testament book except Philemon contains warnings about false teaching. It is very important to God. It should be important to us.