Dealing with the Danger of False Teaching

Sunday, 24 October 2021 by

Bernard Gabbott - Sunday, 24 October 2021

Dealing with the Danger of False Teaching

An elder must be able to feed the sheep and shoot the wolves – his character is the foundation for this. His life is a living example of someone who ‘knows the truth that leads to godliness’. As Titus appoints these elders, they have some wolves at the door, even in the mob. The elders must handle the truth well, proclaiming it, so that these wolves are kept at bay. The wolves are obvious – by their teaching (which takes people away from the truth) and by their conduct (which denies God). The wolves are not new – they have a historical track-record that even their own people know. They must be dealt with (‘silenced’ and ‘sharply rebuked’). But it is not about protection but also restoration – did you see that there in verse 13? The elders share the same concern as Paul and Titus – that God’s people know the truth and are transformed by it.

Scripture References: Titus 1:10-16, Isaiah 29:13-16, Jude 1:3-4, Jude 1:20-25

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