Section 3G of Preface: Warning of False Teachers, False Prophets and False Spirits

This is the last question to the preface...and then we will begin the study of the Book of Revelation.  The contents of this preface are long...and have taken quite a bit of your time to study.  You are to be commended for having made it this far...and for your attention to these scriptures. 

The closer that you review the instructions given by Jesus and His disciples in the New Testament, the more that you will understand of the Revelation. We encourage you to read the New Testament...cover to cover...and over and over...again and again.

Let's look at some final scriptures as we conclude this preface:

II Thessalonians 2:15 -- "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." (NAS)

1 Corinthians 15:2 -- "...by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain." (NAS)

Ephesians 6:11-17 -- "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (NAS)

1 Peter 5:12 -- "Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!" (NAS)

Galatians 1:6-8 -- "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (NAS)

John 8:31-32 -- "Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (NAS)

1 Timothy 1:3-5 -- "As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (NAS)

2 Timothy 2:16-18 -- "But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and thus they upset the faith of some." (NAS)

Titus 1:13-14 -- "This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth." (NAS)

Matthew 15:9 -- "'But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'" (NAS)

1 Timothy 4:7 -- "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness..." (NAS)

Question:

According to the scriptures above (which were written prior to the Book of Revelation), what did the Lord tell His followers to do with respect to false doctrine, false teachers, false prophets, etc?

1. Stand firm.
2. Hold to the traditions which they were taught by word of mouth or letter by the apostles or other New Testament writers.
3. To not let their belief be in vain...and hold fast the word that was preached at that time.
4. Stand firm against the devil...put on the full armor of God...including the word of God (the sword of the Spirit).
5. Stand firm in the writings (of Peter, the rest of the apostles, etc).
6. Do not desert or abandon Christ for a different gospel.
7. Abide in the words of Jesus and know the truth, so they can be set free.
8. Don't pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.
9. Avoid worldly and empty chatter...and those who say the resurrection has already taken place.
10. Don't pay attention to myths and commandments of men.
11. Have nothing to do with worldly fables.