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In an age when tolerance is too often confused with biblical love, and silence masquerades as humility, we must remember what Scripture actually commands us to do—contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). This isn’t optional. The church has a God-given responsibility to guard the gospel, and that includes exposing false teachers who distort the truth, deceive the flock, and dishonor Christ.
Scripture is not silent on this issue. And neither should we be.
A Matter of Truth and Love
Calling out false teachers is not an act of pride or spiritual elitism. It’s an act of love—love for the Lord Jesus, love for His church, and love for the lost. If we care about truth, we must care enough to say when it’s being twisted. Allowing error to go unchecked is not humility; it’s betrayal.
Faithful shepherds protect the flock. That means recognizing wolves—even the ones wearing sheep’s clothing and speaking fluent “Christianese.”
Biblical Examples of Calling Out False Teachers
1. Jesus Confronting the Pharisees (Matthew 23)
Jesus didn’t merely disagree quietly with the Pharisees—He publicly rebuked them with clarity and force. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matt. 23:13). He called them blind guides, whitewashed tombs, and sons of hell. Why? Because they twisted the truth and led others astray. This wasn’t unloving—it was righteous, gospel-centered confrontation.
2. Paul Naming Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim. 1:19–20)
Paul writes to Timothy about Hymenaeus and Alexander, saying they’ve shipwrecked their faith and have been handed over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme. He names names—not to shame, but to protect the church and preserve sound doctrine.
3. Paul Warning About Alexander the Coppersmith (2 Tim. 4:14–15)
Paul doesn’t mince words. He warns Timothy to beware of Alexander the coppersmith because he “strongly opposed our message.” This wasn’t personal vendetta. It was spiritual vigilance.
4. John Confronting Diotrephes (3 John 9–10)
The Apostle John calls out Diotrephes for prideful control and resistance to apostolic authority. He says he will bring up his actions publicly. Why? Because truth and unity in the church matter more than the comfort of avoiding confrontation.
5. Peter Exposing False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1–3)
Peter warns of destructive heresies and teachers who deny Christ while cloaking their greed and deception in religious language. His language is anything but soft. Why? Because the souls of men are at stake.
6. Jude’s Bold Rebuke (Jude 4, 12–13)
Jude describes false teachers as “hidden reefs,” “waterless clouds,” and “fruitless trees.” These men pervert grace into sensuality and deny Jesus as Lord. The letter is a passionate call to contend, expose, and protect.
Why This Still Matters
False teachers don’t show up wearing name tags that say “Hello, I’m a Heretic.” They often sound spiritual, smile widely, and even quote Scripture. But behind the veneer is another gospel—one that leads people away from Christ and toward destruction (Gal. 1:6–9).
Whether it’s grace without repentance, Jesus without Lordship, or love without truth—false teaching always leaves destruction in its wake. It doesn’t just mislead. It damns.
Silence in the face of false teaching is not loving. It’s complicity. We are called to stand firm in the truth (Eph. 6:13) and guard the flock entrusted to us (Acts 20:28).
How Should We Call Them Out?
- With clarity – Call the error what it is, and when necessary, name those spreading it (Rom. 16:17).
- With Scripture – Root every concern in the Word of God, not personal opinion (2 Tim. 3:16).
- With humility – Seek repentance and restoration, not revenge or grandstanding (Gal. 6:1).
- With courage – We answer to Christ, not popular opinion or cultural pressure (Acts 5:29).
Conclusion
Calling out false teachers is not optional for a faithful church—it’s essential. The same Word that calls us to love our enemies also commands us to “expose the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11).
“From among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore, be alert.”
(Acts 20:30–31)
May the Lord grant His church the kind of boldness that is both truth-loving and people-loving—the kind that confronts error not for controversy’s sake, but for the glory of Christ and the good of His people.
Let’s be unshakable on the truth, tender toward the flock, and unyielding in our stand for the gospel.
Drew is a regular writer at Servants of Grace and is a regular contributor to the Warriors of Grace podcast. He holds a Bachelor of Science in theological and biblical studies and a Master of Arts in Biblical exposition, both from Liberty University. He lives in Taylorsville, Georgia with his wife Brandy and their three children.
