Identity: Scriptural Teaching #2
I. Continue Steadfastly in the Apostles' Doctrine(Acts 2:42):
1. Received from Christ (Gal. 1:11-12; Jn. 17:8).
2. The Church taught to observe commandments of Christ to Apostles (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:42;
1 Cor. 11:23).
3. These commandments given to guide the Church (Phil. 4:9; I Tim. 3:15; I Cor. 2: 10-16, 4:15-17;
Jude 17-21).
4. To disregard and refuse Apostolic teaching is to reject God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit
(1 Jn. 4:6; Lk. 10:16; I Thess. 4:8).
5. To go beyond is to become disobedient (1 Cor. 4:6; 11 Jn. 9-11).
II. The Attitude of the Church Toward the Doctrines and Commandments of Men:
1. Prove all things (1 Thess. 5:21-22).
2. In knowledge and all discernment approve the things that are excellent (Phil. 1:9-10).
3. Hold to the faithful word, speak the things which befit sound doctrine, reprove false
teachers (Titus 1:9; 2:1).
4. No longer tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14).
5. Believe not every spirit, prove them to distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit
of error (I Jn. 4: 1-6).
6. Be not carried away by strange teaching, eat at the altar of truth (Heb. 13:9-19).
7. Take heed not to be spoiled by the traditions of men (Col. 2:8).
8. Beware lest being carried away with the error of the wicked ye fall (2 Pet. 3:17-18).
9. Speak only those things received (Acts 4:19-20).
III. The Attitude of the Church Toward False Teachers:
1. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt. 16:7-12).
2. Cut off the occasion for false apostles and deceitful workers (II Cor. 11:12-15).
3. No fellowship and encouragement to be given to those who walk not according to Apostolic
teaching (II Thess. 3:6, 14-15).
4. A factious man after first and second admonition refuse (Titus 3:9-11).
5. Mark and turn away from them that cause division contrary to Apostolic teaching
(Rom. 16:17-18).
6. Receive false teachers not into your house, give them no greeting lest you become partakers
in their evil works (2 Jn. 7-11).
IV. The Disaster of Allowing False Doctrines To Be Taught in the Church:
1. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (Gal. 5:9).
2. The warning of Jesus to the Church at Pergamum (Rev. 2:14-17).
3. The Bishops or Elders responsible for protecting the Church from the blighting and
destructive effects of false doctrines (Acts 20:27-32).
Questions For Discussion:
1. From whom did Paul and all the apostles get their teaching?
2. Why Were the commandments of Christ given; and What if they were disregarded?
3. How must the doctrines of men be treated?
4. How must the Church act toward factious men?
5. How must the Church deal with false teachings?
6. To What should the Church hold fast?
7. Of what did Christ continually warn his disciples?
8. How will false teaching, if tolerated, affect the Church?
9. How did John Warn the Pergamum Church?
10. Who is responsible for protecting the Church against false teachers?