Tag: teach

By Elizabeth Prata

If you as a younger women are told or read that an older women in the faith says “So-and-so is a false teacher,” and you follow that teacher, there is only one appropriate reaction from you.

“Oh no! Jesus means too much to me and doctrinal purity is too important to risk losing progress in my sanctification by following someone unholy. I’d never want to taint His name by participating in darkness! Can you please show me where she is false, and I’ll take a look.”

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, (Ephesians 5:6-7)

Now for your part, younger women, if you ask an older women for scriptural evidence to support her claim that So-and-so is a false teacher, or, this-or-that doctrine is unbiblical, she should gratefully receive this request. She should joyfully provide you with scriptural support.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. (Proverbs 15:28).

What you should hear or read, younger woman, is a reply something like- “I’m thrilled you asked! I would be happy to provide you with some proofs that your walk may be harmed by following this woman. Let’s go to the word together.”

If she becomes defensive, closed off, resentful, or aggressive, this is an indicator that she has no such backing evidence and worse, that she may be a false teacher herself.

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

What does ‘iron sharpening iron’ mean?

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: “The proverb expresses the gain of mutual counsel as found in clear, well-defined thoughts. Two minds, thus acting on each other, become more acute.”

I liked that explanation. When I’m asked, I never answer a question without prayer, research, and thoroughly consulting the Bible. This sharpens me, particularly with topics I have little knowledge of. I’m sharpened by the questions because I want to make sure I’m answering correctly, but more importantly, that the answer is aligned with God’s word.

This is how it’s supposed to work, both in real life and online.

Anyone who refuses to answer with scripture and/or biblical concepts, rightly divided, is suspect. Anyone who becomes defensive, closes comments as a matter of routine, or behaves in ways without self-control and kindness is suspect.

I say these things because the online world displays poor behaviors both in the belligerent or gotcha ways of asking, and the defensive, oppositional ways of responding. If you are online enough, you may begin to think that this is the new normal of iron sharpening iron. It isn’t.

If you as a younger woman feel defensive or refuse to delve into why a teacher you follow is false when you’re told so, examine yourself. If you’re an older woman dealing harshly with the tender hearts of the younger who ask you about a teacher or ministry, or even challenge your own teaching, examine yourself. It happens a lot online but hopefully isn’t happening to you in real life. (But I know it does there too, sadly).

If you ask a question about a Bible doctrine or something that someone is teaching, the reply should be filled with gratitude that you even asked. And the responder should be grateful for an opportunity to the asker to show how wonderful God’s word is and how we can stand firm on it no matter the earthly circumstance.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16).

Be of one mind and heart, united in Jesus and His holiness, seeking wisdom, truth, and love.