1:3). Even in the churchs earliest days, there were sex cults and other depraved perversions of the faith. Jesus said many are called, few are chosen and many will say to Him, Lord, Lord, but these same many will be turned away forever (Matt 7:21-23). Paul cautioned the church at Rome about those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught (Rom. We live in polarized times. A heart of flesh and not stone. You will recognize them by their fruits. False teachers take on many forms, custom-crafted to times, cultures, and contexts. The purifying fire of Gods judgment is for our good. If so, Why are you not in heaven? In a postsexual revolution Western culture, people still [follow] their own sinful desires [epithymias] (Jude 16) and accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions (2 Tim. The following is from Tim Challies Deadly Doctrines series: The Prophet claims to be gifted by God to speak fresh revelation outside of Scripturenew, authoritative words of prediction, teaching, rebuke, or encouragement. But its nonetheless essential to protecting the church from false teachers. False teachers are those who presume to teach in their own authority (as did the scribes), often in the Name of the Lord, when He has not sent them. (Also, try typing the teachers name into the search bar.). It is the condition of the Christian church from the time of the Reformation till now. This is what's referred to as the Great Apostasy. The best way to guard yourself against falsehood and false teachers is to know the truth. While difficult challenges have arisen from outside the church, the most dangerous have always been from within. What may begin as mere whispers in a private room will soon enough be proclaimed from the housetops (Luke 12:3). Here are seven of them you will find carrying out their deceptive, destructive work in the church today. We love to quote Judes admonition to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints (v. 3, NRSV throughout). Previous post: How to Glorify God Every Day of Your Life, Next post: Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd and the Christian Life. Not every spiritual work is from God. 1:6; Col. 2:20; 1 Tim. The articles below are evidentiary findings on some of todays most popular teachers, speakers, and authors for women (as well as a few male teachers, ministries, and current trends in evangelicalism). In particular, 2 Peter 2 is remarkable in how it fleshes out Jesuss warning about the fruit of false teaching. Occult Sorcery He preaches an empty gospel to a packed out church. In the Book of Titus, Paul lists Christian virtues like hospitality, self-control, and love of goodness as the foundation for an overseers ability to preach with sound doctrine (1:89). Jesus is not only the greatest and truest teacher who ever lived, but he also is the great rescuer, who has redeemed us from sin and will keep those who are truly his from soul-destroying error. The false believer will experience "swift destruction" (2:1). For most of church history, it took extraordinary energy and effort to influence the masses. false prophets, 1:8). He generates factions, not unity. As Paul defended his apostleship from this charge, We are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ (2 Cor. Mormonism The first false teaching that you will commonly hear in mainstream Christianity would be the teaching, "faith alone.". His warning may sound clear and simple at first, but as we all know, trees dont bear fruit overnight. (2007). False Teacher #1: Billy Graham - BG Evangelistic Association False Teacher #2: Robert Schuller- The Crystal Cathedral Church False Teacher #3: Joel Osteen - Lakewood Mega-Church False Teacher #4: Benny Hinn - Faith World Church False Teacher #5: Chuck Colson - Prison Fellowship Ministry False Teacher #6: Woodrow Kroll - Back To The Bible Program The New Testament Epistles offer several characteristics of false teachers and those susceptible to their teachings. How to Identify a False Prophet or Teacher, How to Glorify God Every Day of Your Life, Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd and the Christian Life, 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength, Words of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes, Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Relationships: The Role of Gods Grace and Mercy, The Trinitarian Nature of Effectual Calling, Why So Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen, Christian Dating: A Guide to Navigating Relationships with Faith, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island Movie Review. Those who cause division are worldly, devoid of the Spirit, and are relentlessly pursuing their own ungodly passions (Jude 1819). Personal prophecies are just a phone call away. And it is his embodied teaching that causes the weak to stumble, leads many astray, and drives countless others away from Christ. We need pastors who know themselves first and foremost as sheep, and only secondarily as leaders and teachers pastors who are manifestly more excited to have their names written in heaven than they are to be used as vessels in mighty ministry (Luke 10:20). We need for God to give us a new heart, but Hes promised He will (Ezk 11:19; 36:26; Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10), so its not about letting Jesus into our hearts; its about God creating a new heart in us. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book (Revelation 22:18-19). I provide information here largely in answer to questions from my readers. In instances where theological matters of first importance are denied, rejected, or replaced, doctrine does divide the people of God from those who are not. And we must continue to do so, not in a mouthing-the-words way but in a conviction-of-the-heart-and-mind way. For from within arise the false teachers, the peddlers of error who masquerade as teachers of truth. These are the results of truly following Jesus (2 Peter 1:5-8). Imitating the Saints. But what about the thief on the cross who was certainly not able to be baptized! For the past several years, weve watched over and over as famous pastor-teachers go through very public falls from enormous heights. This is the teacher who claims to bring fresh revelation from God himself. But how exactly do we use the label false teacher for those who deny Christ and lead people astray with their lives? Please note that whileI have followedthe biblical texts in describing them in masculine terms, each of these false teachers can as easily be female. Maybe its time we start believing him, and act accordingly. Paul forewarns Galatian Christians not to believe any other gospel even if an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you (Gal. While difficult challenges have arisen from outside the church, the most dangerous have always been from within. Its no surprise that Jesus told the apostles before his ascension to make disciples of all nations by baptizing them in the Triune Name and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you (Matt. Well did Paul label the Speculator a contradictory, irreverent babbler (1 Timothy 6:20-21). The teaching of Oneness Pentecostalism is considered heretical because it denies the doctrine of the tri-unity of God. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for The Heretic is the person who teaches what blatantly contradicts an essential teaching of the Christian faith. 2022 by Berean Research. They promise it. Elsewhere in the same letter, Paul warned, If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. Peter warned against him in his second letter. Peter warned against him in his second letter. Consider, for example, the Epistle of Jude (and its parallel in 2 Peter 2). If you like what you're reading, you can get free daily updates through the RSS feed here. In their thinking, God becomes a quid pro quo God; that is, You do this for Me (an offering? Im not sure how this all got started, but now peopleeven saved people, declare they are no longer sinners, but wasnt it the Apostle Paul, even after conversion, saying he was the chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15)? Scripture says otherwise (Rev 20:10-15). Beth Moore: Living Proof You Should Follow Beth No Moore, Priscilla Shirer:Going Beyond Scripture: Why Its Time to Say Good-Bye to Priscilla Shirer and Going BeyondMinistries, Lysa TerKeurst/Proverbs 31 Ministries:Leaving Lysa: Why You Shouldnt Be Following Lysa TerKeurst or Proverbs 31Ministries, Christine Caine: Christine Caine: Have No Regard for the Offerings of Caine. Here are seven of them you will find carrying out their deceptive, destructive work in the church today. Galatians argues against those who said that justification is by Jesus plus becoming a Jew, not faith alone in Jesus alone. Did you know that there are AT LEAST 7 different TYPES of false teachers in the church today? Please note that whileI have followedthe biblical texts in describing them in masculine terms, each of these false teachers can as easily be female. Teaching rooted in immoral desires yields immoral behavior. Organizations/trends are listed alphabetically by name.Teachers are listed alphabetically by surname. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Tim. Contemplative Prayer Usually, he takes advantage of them to feed his sexual lust, though he may also desire power. The names you see are simply some of the most well-known teachers my readers have inquired about. They include the human part or the persons contribution to complete their salvation, and that is not what the gospel is about. Paul cautions against affirming false apostles who are like Satan, who masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 1:67). Isnt that only creating an equation for salvation? Paul blames the Galatian conflict on false teachers who had covertly entered their ranks: This matter arose because some false brothers [pseudadelphous] had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus in order to enslave us (Gal. False teachers take on many forms, custom-crafted to times, cultures, and contexts. Today the airwaves are chock-full of people claiming to speak in the name of God through the power of the Spirit. Jack has written 1285 articles on What Christians Want To Know! Verses 1 and 3 mention the generalities destructive heresies and false words which indeed relate to teaching but then, nothing further in this chapter focuses on their teaching. Once a day? Kay Arthur*: Perceptions of Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries International. (Link in stories and AWFS bio), Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends, please click here and read this article first, Living Proof You Should Follow Beth No Moore, Going Beyond Scripture: Why Its Time to Say Good-Bye to Priscilla Shirer and Going BeyondMinistries, Leaving Lysa: Why You Shouldnt Be Following Lysa TerKeurst or Proverbs 31Ministries, Christine Caine: Have No Regard for the Offerings of Caine. If a bank robber robbed a bank only once a week, wouldnt we still call him a bank robber?. He unapologetically uses and abuses others to feed his lusts. Elsewhere, he asserts that believers will have true unity of the faith only when they will no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes (Eph. Tagged as: Continue reading, How Jesus Called Out False Teachers and Deadly Doctrines, Charlatan, False doctrine, False gospel, False Prophet, Heresy, Heretic, Holy Spirit, Satan. 6:4b5, 10 CSB). The Prophet claims to be gifted by God to speak fresh revelation outside of Scripturenew, authoritative words of prediction, teaching, rebuke, or encouragement. They will produce false Converts; they will create many who are still-borns and not born again believers (John 3). Collin Hansen, On the one hand, it seems so obvious. the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing Please use them as teaching tools in the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:24-26 to help others understand the sin and false doctrine being promoted, keeping in mind that the people who follow them most likely simply dont know theyre following false teachers. He uses his leadership position to benefit from others wealth. 11:34; cf. At least partly due to this history, some evangelicals have embraced false or oversimplified assumptions about the connection between the two. The believers are called to realize that they cannot force false teachers to believe the truth (Jude 10). He uses his leadership position to benefit from others wealth. Satans greatest ambassadors are not pimps, politicians, or power-brokers, but pastors. As early as the second century, Montanus and his disciples claimed to speak on behalf of the Holy Spirit. Any believer who "correctly handles the word of truth" ( 2 Timothy 2:15) and who makes a careful study of the Bible can identify false doctrine. The early creeds summarize both the gospel and core Christian doctrine. In his admonition to Titus to avoid foolish controversies and quarrels about the law (Titus 3:9), Paul remarks, As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned (Titus 3:1011). Others stress tithing, observing a Saturday Sabbath, dietary restrictions, and even tithing as being required today. The history of Christs church is inseparable from the history of Satans attempts to destroy her. Receive every article in your inbox by subscribing below. As God preserved Noah (2 Peter 2:5) and rescued Lot (2 Peter 2:7), so the Lord Jesus will rescue his true people from the false teaching and false living of false teachers. "Their condemnation has long been hanging over them and their destruction has not been sleeping" (2:3). He may slyly introduce unbiblical doctrines, or he may undermine the ordained leadership. They are prophets for profit, so its all about prophets and loss; loss of sound doctrine. From feel-good prosperity preachers, to teachers who deny the literal existence of eternity, to religious leaders of the popular earn-your-way-to-heaven efforts; false prophets are everywhere. Anything less than a fully divine Christ; a sinless God-Man; and His Death and Resurrection from the dead, show that they really do not know God or Christ. He is the author of When Doctrine Divides the People of God and The Method of Christian Theology: A Basic Introduction. No! If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. His priests do not peddle a different religion, but a deadly perversion of the true one. Jesus warned about false prophets from among the people who outwardly come in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matt. Does that mean Satan will be saved too? We cannot have one without the other. "Yes, God has spoken in the Scripture," this person will say, "but now he has spoken anew to me. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book (Revelation 22:18-19). Dominionism (NAR) 1: Faith alone. Carl Lentz, pastor of Hillsong East Coast, was let go in November 2020 for moral failures, including an adulterous affair, and now stands accused of sexual abuse. All content Tim Challies, 2002-2023. Or in their pride, they despise authority (2 Peter 2:10), and the greatest authority, who upholds all authorities, is God himself. Copyright 2010-2023 Telling Ministries LLC. 1:3; 2 Tim. From the churchs earliest days, she has been afflicted by the Heretic in his various forms. He obstructed the civil rights movement and vocally resisted integration efforts, leading his church to ban Black Christians from religious assemblies. Today Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, and a host of others peddle the prosperity gospel to enrich themselves from their followers gifts. Yoga. Scrutiny of my life would be difficult and even painful. You do probably every day. As an Anglican priest and theology professor, I have watched these stories emerge with deep sorrow and not a little anger. The Abuser claims he is tending souls, but his true interest is ravishing bodies. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. From the churchs earliest days, she has been afflicted by the Heretic in his various forms. Who are the heretics, charlatans, abusers, etc.? Jonathan Leeman. Why dont you share with us all how youre dying daily Tim. Its the false idea of the Brother of man and the universal Fatherhood of God. I have a Greek word for that. I dont believe God really wants my heart. I am compelled to examine my own life too. You will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-16a). We should not be surprised to find false teaching in the church today. Many Christians may not even notice it, but false teaching is creeping into our churches more frequently today than ever before, and some are even perverting the gospel. Often, women (and sometimes pastors and elders) write to me, concerned over a particular teacher whose materials their church is using, and want to see evidence demonstrating whether or not this person is doctrinally sound and a good resource. QUOTE FROM COSTI HINN (Benny Hinn's Nephew who LEFT the PROSPERITY GOSPEL): "Admitting that a Movement or a Teacher is False DOESN'T have to put them on our HATE-LIST. Jude warned about him: In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. The Tickler is as old as the church itself. They often use proof texts but these are almost always taken out of context, and by doing so, they create a false pretext, so here are the most common of the false teachings that are creeping into our churches today, and sometimes by way of the pulpit. He loves His people, those who are "in Christ" unconditionally, even as He loves His Son ( John 17:20 -23). Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Futurism/Transhumanism Welcome to the online home of Tim Challies, blogger, author, andbookreviewer. The author of Hebrews warned his church of these strange teachings, while Paul told Timothy to protect the church against any different doctrine (Hebrews 13:9, 1 Timothy 1:3). Discernment But will God really save someone against their own will? Thats simply not the case. Throwback Thursday ~ Clinging to the Golden Calf: 7 Godly Responses When Someone Says You're Following a False Teacher, Choose What Is Right: A Study in Discernment ~ Lesson 1- Introduction, Guest Post: Lauren Daigle and the Fruit of "Losing her Religion", Leaving Lysa: Why You Shouldn't Be Following Lysa TerKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries, Going Beyond Scripture: Why It's Time to Say Good-Bye to Priscilla Shirer and Going Beyond Ministries, The Mailbag: Celebrity Christian Hot Takes (Driscoll, Graham, Groeschel, Lewis, Lucado, Piper, Vallotton), Bible Gateway- Fantastic concordance and other Bible tools, CARM- Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, Christian Answers for the New Age (Marcia Montenegro). Your words are so wise Alison Jones: I am a Christian living in South Wales, UK, and ha Annie G.: It is not wrong to consecrate a day for the Lord, Greg: I agree. In his head, he might have what many consider to be the right doctrinal content. Christians must test the spirits to determine if they originate with the Holy Spirit or with a demonic spirit. Learn more or donate today at, When Doctrine Divides: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity, The Doctrine on Which the Church Stands or Falls, E. Earle Ellis, Paul and His Opponents, in. If we had any doubts at this point, Peter joins the refrain to add another voice: There will be false teachers among you (2 Peter 2:1). He denies the full humanity of women in both word and deed, advocates for profane views of gender and sex, rages with unrepentant pride, engages in habitual self-promotion, and manipulates and abuses others. We are seeing the enormous consequences of this kind of heresy every day, but we dont always name it as such. Always, he boldly tampers with the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). All rights reserved. In reality, though, he is commissioned and empowered by Satan for the purpose of misleading and disrupting Christs church. Bible Verses, Quotes, Christian Answers, Songs and More. He may, like Marcus Borg and other prominent scholars, deny the virgin birth or the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jude encourages us to confront ungodly and licentious living. But this is not the only way to deny Christ. He is the man-pleaser rather than the God-pleaser. Here are seven of them you will find carrying out their deceptive, destructive work in the church today. These include baptism, the Lords Supper, penance, foot washing, or other such things they add. Consider, for example, evangelical pastor-teachers like George Whitefield, who not only enslaved Black peoplemany of whom were Christian sisters and brothersbut also fought to secure the institution of slavery in the state of Georgia. In Colossians, Paul warns against a . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Angels, Demons, Spiritual Warfare ), and Ill do that for you. Sort of Name it and claim it. When they ask for seeds of faith, what they really mean is, they want your money. Meanwhile, we hear sad tales of survivors who have been abused and cast aside by a leader craving power. False teaching no. They are to continually . However, this begs the question. Satans greatest ambassadors are not pimps, politicians, or power-brokers, but pastors, warns Tim Challies. John, who pastored the church after Paul and Timothy, said this in his epistle: The Abuser carries on his work. He continues his evil work today, sometimes by contradicting the truth and sometimes by adding to it. Here is some related reading for you: How to Identify a False Prophet or Teacher. 7,417,063 journeys have been made to this site. Here is a list of of the more obvious heretics/false teachers to be marked & avoided: (not exhaustive) Angley, Ernest [Word of Faith] Armstrong, Karen [Progressive] Arnott, John [leader Toronto "Blessing", Latter Rain] Bakker, Jamie [Emergent Church] Bakker, Jay [Emergent Church, neo-liberal] Bakker, Jim [Prosperity Theology] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Portugus, Churches also find that having them in community with older members and answering their whys help them stay in the church. What was so unusual and so attention-grabbing about Jesuss teaching? The Speculator tosses aside the bulk of the Bibles content and the weight of the Bibles emphasis in order to obsess about matters that are trivial or novel. Despite how the Bible uses this name for God, some blatantly pray to Jehovah Girah for things like a Mercedes Benz! False teachers take on many forms, custom-crafted to times, cultures, and contexts. Always, he boldly tampers with the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Progressive (Social Justice) Christianity It might come from the way they interpret a certain Scripture, but almost always, false gospels add something to grace, when in reality, it is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). Messages had to be copied by hand, and teachers had to travel by foot or horseback. There is a close resemblance between the true and the false prophet. If you are considering commenting or sending me an e-mail objecting to the fact that I warn against false and problematic teachers, please click here and read this article first. They might say, I got baptized, instead of saying, God saved a wretch like me and brought me to repentpraise the Lord. For one thing, dead people cannot choose Christ (John 6:44; Eph 2:1-5). We can have our systems of accountability (and we should), and we can do our best to watch both the lives and the doctrine of our leaders (and we should), but in the end there is no foolproof human system or effort. Paul thought of him as the ear-tickler: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4). 2:14). A week? Its like saying to Jesus on the cross, Yes Jesus, it is finished, but theres just one more thing I need to do. This creates a self-righteous church, and we know what the religious leaders did to Jesus in His day; and He always spoke the truth. 2:4 CSB). Those who believe Jesus is not God or that He finally became God and was not God at one time include the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims, and in fact, most world religions. Another way to see it is that their falseness comes out in sin against themselves, against others, or against God. Today, many preachers say that "God loves you unconditionally" and "God loves you just as you are." Unconditional love is interpreted as unconditional acceptance of one's lifestyle. What is called Easy Believism often includes the fact that someone once prayed a prayer, or walked the isle, got baptized, or filled out a decision card, but often there is no visible change in their life (1 Cor 5:17; Gal 5:24). He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words (1 Tim. The example of Mark Driscollwhose story is now being revisited in depth through The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcastis illustrative of my point. Pastors and church leaders who stayed behind serve as if every day might be their last. ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. But he is teaching with his whole personwords and deedsnot just explicitly named doctrines. It will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God. But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1). Today the airwaves are chock-full of people claiming to speak in the name of God through the power of the Spirit. False prophets and false teachers are also those who attempt to change the God-given and scripturally based doctrines that protect the sanctity of marriage, the divine nature of the family, and the essential doctrine of personal morality. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). The Heretic is the most prominent and perhaps the most dangerous of the false teachers. How do we respond to such false teachings as they arise within the church? So, we should not be caught off guard that false teachers have arisen throughout church history and likely have multiplied in our day. What false teachers throughout history have shared in common is not the specific nature of their doctrinal error, but the inevitability of moral compromise in one of these three general areas. The question is whether you can discern which messages are false. You do understand the actual implications of carrying a cross do you not? Scripture speaks of the human heart, saying, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it (Jer 17:9)? The Doctrine Of Annihilation. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. As they should. Consider also pastor-teachers like Douglas Hudgins, pastor of First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi, and one of the most influential Southern Baptist preachers in his day. Check out my article Is She a False Teacher? False prophets are becoming more prominent in today's age of tolerance and rebellion against God. We reinforce biblical doctrine, clinging to the highest authoritythe Word of God. Catholicism (RCC) False teachers take on many forms, custom-crafted to times, cultures, and contexts. His life and ministry make clear that what we teach others includes both whats in our heads and what we do with our bodies. False Prophets in the Church Today Following is a list of the false prophets in the Church today that have been critiqued on this site. Site by Mere. . Jesus says it twice so that we wont miss it: You will recognize them by their fruits. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. They are not just false in their teaching, but also in their living. Or in their lust, they compromise sexually (whether fornication, adultery, or homosexuality, which 2 Peter 2 suggests). Jude continues: For certain intruders have stolen in among you, people who long ago were designated for this condemnation as ungodly, who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (v. 4).