In an age of countless beliefs and ideologies, the Bible warns us to be cautious of teachings that stray from God’s Word. Paul instructed Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13, NASB). Despite this clear directive, there are still doctrines and practices that go beyond—or even contradict—the teachings of Scripture. It is essential for us, as believers, to be discerning and to test all teachings against the truth of the Bible.
So, how do we identify and respond to teachings that aren’t aligned with God’s Word?
1. Test All Teachings
The Bible gives us a clear guideline: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, NASB). When someone presents a new teaching, our first response should be to examine it carefully. Does it align with what is clearly taught in Scripture? If it contradicts the Bible, it is not from God, no matter how appealing or popular it may be.
For example, in Acts 17:11, the Bereans are commended because they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether the things they were hearing were true. We, too, are called to approach God’s Word with the same careful examination, always seeking the truth and not just what sounds agreeable.
2. Be Wary of Human Traditions and Additions
Throughout history, well-meaning people have added their own traditions and interpretations to God’s Word. Yet, Jesus cautioned against this very thing when He said, “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:9, NASB). If a belief or practice is rooted in human tradition rather than in Scripture, we should be cautious. God’s Word is complete and sufficient; it doesn’t need our additions or amendments.
Paul also warned the Colossians to be mindful of man-made philosophies: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8, NASB). Holding firmly to the teachings of Christ prevents us from being led astray by ideas that have no biblical basis.
3. Seek Authority in Scripture Alone
For a doctrine to be valid, it must have its foundation in the Bible. The church at Corinth faced similar challenges, and Paul admonished them to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17, NASB). This isn’t just about invoking God’s name but about aligning every action and belief with His teachings. If a practice or doctrine doesn’t have God’s explicit endorsement in Scripture, it should be treated with caution.
The apostles taught with authority because they relied on God’s Word. Today, we have the completed Bible as our guide. Paul reassures Timothy of the power and sufficiency of Scripture, stating, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB). Everything we need for godly living and sound doctrine is already in the Bible.
4. Avoid Strange Doctrines That Distort Worship
When we allow teachings outside of Scripture to influence our worship, we risk moving away from God’s design. Worship must be carried out as God intended, not according to our personal preferences or innovations. Paul spoke of this when he addressed the Colossians, emphasizing the need for singing “with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, NASB). Worship is a sacred act, and adding unbiblical elements can detract from its true purpose.
In John 4:24, Jesus declared, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (NASB). This statement calls us to worship that is not only heartfelt but also firmly rooted in the truth of Scripture. Adding practices or beliefs that are not endorsed by the Bible can lead us down a path that ultimately distorts genuine worship.
Conclusion: Faith, Repentance, and Baptism
The New Testament outlines a clear path for salvation—faith, repentance, and baptism. Any doctrine that suggests additional requirements or alterations to this process is straying from the simplicity of the gospel. As believers, we must hold fast to these fundamentals and reject doctrines that attempt to complicate or distort them.
The apostle Peter, speaking of Jesus, said, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NASB). Let us cling to the name of Jesus and the gospel He preached, without being swayed by doctrines that lead us away from the heart of God’s Word.
God has given us His plan. Our task is to follow it faithfully, keeping ourselves rooted in Scripture and remaining vigilant against teachings that may sound appealing but ultimately lead us away from the truth. As Paul exhorted Timothy, “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14, NASB). May we, too, guard the treasure of God’s truth and proclaim it with unwavering faith.
The Simple Gospel 