IDENTIFYING A CHRISTIAN LEADER
– Dr. Neil Anderson
2 Peter 2:1
There will also be false
teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even
denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves
What comes to mind when you
hear the terms false prophets and false teachers ? Many people tend to thing of
Eastern mystics and gurus, the spokespersons for nonbiblical religions or
dynamic cult leaders--people who are recognizably outside the boundaries of the
Christian church. But the apostle Peter devoted an entire chapter in one of his
letters (2 Peter 2) to false prophets and teachers who operate within the
church. False teachers may operate in our churches disguised as workers of
righteousness.
Notice that the lure of false
teachers is not primarily their doctrine: "And many will follow their
sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned"
(verse 2). What does Peter mean by "follow their sensuality"? He is
talking about Christians who evaluate a ministry based on the outward
appearance and charm of its leaders. We say, "He's such a nice guy";
"She's a very charismatic person"; "He's a real dynamic
speaker"; "She's so sweet and sounds so sincere." But is
physical attractiveness or a syrupy personality a biblical criterion for
validating a ministry or a teacher? Of course not! The issue is always truth
and righteousness . A Christian leader should be identified by his commitment
to the truth, his righteous life and his servant's heart.
Prayer:
Dear God, keep me from playing to the grandstand; I want only to
live for You. Keep me accountable as a person of truth, righteousness, and
love, ever fearful of discrediting Your name.
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