Exposing False Teachers and Naming Them

In today's Christianity, due to Bible illiteracy, many Christians think that it is wrong to judge others, taking Matthew 7:1 out of context especially if 'judging others' would involve men of God such as pastors or preachers. But what if these pastors consciously lead their flocks onto dangerous grounds and teaching things that are contrary to sound doctrine? Would you not warn others about them? Would you just keep quiet because, well, after all the Bible says, "judge not, that you be not judged"? 

The Bible warns us many times about deceivers in these last days that would incessantly try to deceive many, even the elect, if possible, and that's the reason why we are being admonished to be sober and vigilant at all times. And because of the love we have for others, we should be in our earnest to warn them of the ravenous wolves in sheeps' clothings. But sadly, when some discerning brothers would try to warn  their brethren about such wolves, ironically they are the ones labeled as wolves themselves.

Exposing teachers, and workers who stray from the truth and naming them is nothing new in the New Testament, in fact the apostle Paul and even John himself named a few of them in their epistles. 

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

• This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. ~ 2 Timothy 1:15

• And their word will eat as does 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. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 17-18

• Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 3:8

• For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. ~ 2 Timothy 4:10

• Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be you ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. ~ 2 Timothy 4:14-15

• I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who love to have the preeminence among them, receive us not. Why, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would, and cast them out of the church. ~ 3 John 1:9-10

• Woe to them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. ~ Jude 1:11

We need to know our enemies and should call them by their names. By exposing and naming false teachers, you are helping others to be aware of their lies, and by doing so you are putting to rest all the confusions that arise within the congregation. Paul says in Romans 16:17, Now I beseech you, brothers, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. In Ephesians 5: 11, Paul says, And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. ~ Acts 20: 28-31