Are We Supposed to Call Out False Teachers—Or Just Their Teachings?

 

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In a time when truth is often diluted in the name of tolerance, many believers are left asking: “Is it biblical to call out false teachers, or should we only address the false doctrines they promote?” Some say naming names is divisive or judgmental—but what does the Bible actually say?

In this article, we’ll go straight to Scripture to find out whether confronting false teaching—and false teachers—is a command for today’s church or merely a matter of personal conviction. What we discover may surprise some, but it's crystal clear: God’s Word does not suggest silence in the face of deception—it demands boldness, clarity, and truth!

Confronting False Teaching is a Biblical Command

The New Testament consistently urges believers, especially church leaders, to actively stand against false doctrine.

• 2 Timothy 4:2 
  “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

This is not passive; it’s intentional correction. To “reprove” and “rebuke” implies directly confronting error—not merely avoiding it.

• Titus 1:9 
  “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

Calling out false teaching is not optional; it’s part of defending the faith.

Identifying False Teachers by Name is Also Biblical

Some argue we should “just correct the doctrine” and leave names out of it. But the Bible gives us clear examples where the apostles—especially Paul—name false teachers publicly.

• 2 Timothy 2:17-18 
  “And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

• 1 Timothy 1:19-20 
  “...Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Paul didn’t merely condemn their teaching—he held the teachers accountable. When souls are at stake, naming the source of error is both loving and necessary.

• Titus 1:11 
  “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not...”

The Bible says their mouths must be stopped. This is a far cry from “let’s just agree to disagree.”

Jesus and John Also Warned of False Teachers

• Matthew 7:15 
  “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Jesus warns of the deceptive nature of false teachers—appearing harmless while causing spiritual destruction.

• 2 John 1:10-11 
  “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

We are not only called to avoid false teachers but are warned that even endorsing them makes us partakers in their deception.

Conclusion: It’s Not Just About Doctrine—It’s About Souls

The Bible, especially in the KJV, clearly mandates both the correction of false teaching and the exposure of false teachers. This isn’t about pride or personal attack—it’s about protecting the body of Christ.

Paul let Timothy know this.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

What did he say would be the remedy?

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine."

Why was it important that he use only the "word" and not his opinion?

"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2 Timothy 3:5)

He was instructed to use the word to prove that what he was saying was scriptural. We see that in the latter part of verse 5.

"...do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."  

In a world full of itching ears and smooth talkers, the church must rise with clarity, courage, and compassion to say:

“This is truth—and that is not.”

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

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