False Teachings and Pride

Jesus didn't come to appeal to our intellect or common sense, to support the religious scholars of His day, to set up a kingdom on earth, or to further any political agenda. Everything He did and said while on this earth was to show us the heart of God, point us to a personal relationship with His father, to love and help all people, and to bring anyone who believed and repented into the Kingdom of God. Focusing on anything else is a distraction, man-made religion, and/or false teaching. 

In 2 Timothy it says In the last days there will be people "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." Here are some others: 

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 

2 Peter 2:1-3 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. 

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. 

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught (by Jesus); avoid them. 

Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." 

1 Timothy 6:20-21 Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. 

Proverbs 14:12 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 

Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 

Ephesians 4:14 So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 

Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 

Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 

James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 

2 Peter 2:1-22 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. 

Jeremiah 23:16 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. 

Matthew 15:14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Only by receiving the Holy Spirit after accepting Jesus as your personal savior can you discern false teachings and leaders. 

Believers: James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Don't be self-reliant and prideful; keep your eyes on Jesus.