One video on TikTok showed a preacher saying something that I totally agreed with. His interpretation of scripture was historical and contextual, with little room for misunderstanding. That resulted in a specific application that was relevant for today. I loved the clip.

Not too long afterward, I saw another clip from the same preacher. I absolutely hated it. He pulled a verse out of context and ignored the historical setting. His application was generically applied to today and the United States. I could not delete the clip fast enough.

This experience reminded me that false teaching can come from anywhere, including people who typically teach the truth. Please note that it is possible to have false teaching that does not come from a false teacher.

There is an enlightening story in Acts chapter 17. The Apostle Paul comes to Berea and teaches in the synagogue. Then, the writer Luke adds this statement in verse 11. “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

It is vital that we take everything we hear from everyone and examine the scriptures to see if what they say is true. Keep your eyes open for false teachers who do not have the things of Jesus in mind. But also listen to the people who seek to follow Jesus and make sure their interpretations align with all of God’s word. Beware of false teaching, no matter what the source.