The Apostle Paul commended Christians in Rome because they “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine [teaching] to which you were delivered” (Romans 6:17). He also urged the young evangelist Timothy, “take heed to yourself and to the doctrine… for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). However, Paul warned repeatedly that “in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy…” (1 Timothy 4:1-3). He also warned that as the end of the age approaches, former believers will “not endure sound doctrine” but will “have itching ears” and follow various teachers—turning their ears away from the truth to fables (2 Timothy 4:1-4).
In order to avoid being misled and deceived, we need to study the Scriptures carefully so that we know what the Bible really teaches—as the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-12). We also need to exercise the spiritual discernment that comes from nourishing and using the gifts of the Holy Spirit—which God gives to those who obey His doctrines and teachings (2 Timothy 1:6-7; Acts 5:32).
