“I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:4, 10-11 NKJV)
The preachers and teachers of the church are to promote and preserve doctrinal soundness. That begins by insuring we ourselves are committed to being guided by and growing in truth, as well as guarding against error creeping into our minds and messages.
Error does not usually enter the congregation as a growling wolf, but in pretense of being a gentle sheep—a wolf dressed in sheep’s wool. Discernment is needed by the watchmen of the Word who are posted to prevent such from access to the flock. A podcast shared, a book promoted, and such is all that is required for heresy to gain access to the church house.
Usually, there is little deviation. What is said sounds mostly right—and it is typically stated in a very appealing manner, with Bible verses attached to it. But think of it this way: a ship setting sail from New York’s harbor, bound for England, that is only one degree off course will end up in Africa instead. So false teaching is barely wrong at first, but once tolerated it moves one farther and farther away.
John calls us to walk in truth. Heaven rejoices when the pastor shows faithfulness to truth in his practice and shares fidelity to truth in his preaching.
John also call us to war for truth. We must be vigilant—intolerant of error. As old Vance Havner said, “The church has never been so much in danger from woodpeckers on the outside as termites on the inside.” This battle is never over until Christ returns.
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