Intro: I have a Greek word for you, today: ψευδής (pseudes)—false/fake/untrue/lying. There is a great deal of ψευδής going on in our world, today. As well, there is some ψευδής doctrine being upheld and taught as truth in some churches. False teaching has been present in every era and it is still present, today. This teaching has no footing on the narrow road of the Spirit; it is primarily focused on the wide gate that exalts the flesh (Mat 7:13-14). This was the case in the first century church even after Christ’s ascension; it will be the case until Jesus returns for his Bride. For this reason, we need the protective work of the Holy Spirit whom Christ promised would lead us into all truth (John 16:13).
False teachers are recognized by their ψευδής fruit, just as teachers of righteousness are recognized by their holy fruit (Gal 5:22-23). So what is the fruit [fake doctrine] of false teachers? I will share just a few things, today. The gospel leads us to respect the authority of Christ, but ψευδής teaching encourages rebellion and refuses to confess Jesus as God or have the correct view of Christ [this is the spirit of antichrist] (1 John 4:2-3). The gospel leads us to know the Word of God (Christ) as living and teaches us what is righteous before God, as well as corrects us when we are wrong, but ψευδής teaching gives people permission to sin and preys on those who do not know the living Word of God or the conviction of sin by the Spirit (2 Tim 3:16). Humility is the way for the Christ follower, but ψευδής teaching drips with pride (Mat 5:3; 2 Peter 2:17). So, run from what is ψευδής.
If we are truly following Christ and listening to righteous teaching, we will be lead on the narrow road of truth (always leading us toward Christ-likeness) and the Holy Spirit will produce abundant fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control!” (Gal 5:22-23). So, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God, because one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (1 Cor 10:31; Phil 2:11).
2 Peter 2:17-22 NLT
17 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”
Prayer: Lord, I pray for all of us—believers and unbelievers—to be wise to the work of Satan who attempts to twist everything and lead humanity into a deceived and apostate way of living. Thank you for the Spirit and Truth to guide us, so we understand how to live as your worshipers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.