In the first article we looked at how false teachers are described in the New Testament. In this second article we will look at, “how they teach?”

Rom.16:18 says, “by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” The word “smooth” also means plausible speech and insinuating speech.  “Flattery” also means false eloquence. In this false eloquence, words are well chosen to deceive. This reminds us of the serpent’s methods in his dealings with Adam and Eve. Like the serpent, false teachers can be very convincing.

2Cor.2:17 points to their insincerity as they seek to peddle, to spread a watered-down gospel.

2Cor.4:2 points to their shamelessness and craftiness in adulterating God’s word in order to deceive.

1Tim.6:4 says they will resort to controversial questions and disputes (arguments) about words and their actual meaning. 1Tim.1:6 says they will engage you in “fruitless discussion”, that is, talking in circles like a dog chasing its tail. 2Tim.2:16 says they will engage you in “worldly and empty chatter”, that is, discussions that have no substance.

2Pet.2:1 says they “will secretly (and craftily) introduce destructive heresies.” Vs.3 says “they will exploit you with false words.” The word “destructive” is the same word used in 2Pet.3:16, “destruction”.

2Pet.3:16 says they “distort” the word of God. “Distort” means to twist and torture until the original shape is destroyed. Those who “distort” twist and force the text to say what they want it to say.

They profess to know God but do not. They are liars and have no saving relationship with God (Tit.2:12, 16). Their goal is to get a following (Acts 20:30; Rom.16:18; 2Tim.2:18; 4:4;  2Pet.2:2; 3:17), to enslave, and their purpose is greed and exploitation (2Pet.2:3; Tit.1:11; 2Cor.11:20).

Now note very carefully Paul’s testimony in 1Thess.2:3-10. Paul was the very opposite of these false teachers : no false teachings; no deceit; no pleasing of men; no flattery; no greed; no exploitation. Instead, Paul taught truth in proclaiming the gospel; pleased God; spoke as he ought to speak (cf. Col.4:4); gave himself without seeking to receive anything; conducted himself in a godly manner. He did all this conscious that God’s eyes were upon him, constantly examining him. He wrote,

 ³ For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; 

⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. 

⁵ For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— 

⁶ nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. 

⁷ But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 

⁸ Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

⁹ For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 

¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers.