When contending for the faith, know the truth

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Tim. 4:1 NKJV)

 Deceptive spirits & doctrines of demons

 A doctrine is a set of held beliefs that are taught to others. So, a doctrine of demons is a set of beliefs or a teaching which demons try to spread throughout the church for the purpose of deceiving believers. Since demons are not visible they must take a deceptive route to get their false message heard. They are just like their leader Satan, the “father of lies”.

 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from  the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44 ESV)

 Beware of false prophets 

 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matt. 7:15 ESV)

Beware of demonic doctrines 

There is an all out attack on the basic tenets of Christianity in the form of Progressive Christianity” which is creeping its way into churches across the world. It’s sometimes called “theological liberalism” and is dangerous because its tenets are in conflict with Scripture. It focuses strongly on social justice and environmentalism and includes a revisionist (or non-traditional) view of the Scriptures; the Bible is viewed as a record of what people believed about God in the times and places in which they lived, rather than as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It's not uncommon for followers of this movement to express disagreement with a biblical writer, or to reject the passages they find unhelpful. Progressive Christianity can be persuasive and enticing, but it is an assault on the foundational framework of Christianity, leaving it disarmed of its saving power. Many are brought into progressive Christianity’s false doctrines because they are not grounded in the basic tenets of correct Biblical theology and don’t recognize the errors. 

Recognizing false doctrines 

How can you identify if a teaching is false? It will not line up with God's Word. Through His Word, God has given us everything we need to recognize the enemy and discern true doctrine from false doctrine (Ephesians 6:10–18). Pay attention to any red flags in teachings you listen to. Search the Word and ask God for wisdom and discernment (see James 1:5; 1 John 4:1–3). When you know what the Bible says, you will also be able to recognize the teachings that are contrary to it.

Therefore…

“So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 NIV)

Quote:

“Oh, how we should guard against whatever is extreme and guard against misunderstanding in spiritual doctrine. We need not fear being radical in obeying the Lord, that is for sure; nor do we need to guard against being extreme in denying the works of the flesh. But most vigilant must we be that we do not be led to any extremes through misconception.” - Watchman Nee