Discerning Imbalance in Biblical doctrine

Discerning Imbalance in Biblical doctrine

1. Watch out for the word “new” especially when associated with ” revelation”(Ecc 1:9)
2. Watch out for anything that requires “private interpretation”( II Peter 1:20, II Cor 11: 1-4)
3. Watch out for those who major on the minors ( II Cor 13:1)
4. Watch for extremes or truth out of balance ( Mat 7:14)
5. Watch out for the promise of “instant maturity” ( Phil 1:6, 3:12-16)
6. Watch out not to judge a spiritual truth or a ministry on the basis of external signs that follow ( II Thes 2:9)
7. Watch out for practices that elevate emotional experiences above the principles of God’s Word (II Pet 1: 16-21)
8. Watch out for spiritual teachings that justify carnal desires ( James 4: 1-4)
9. Watch out for teachings that promote health, wealth, success and happiness with no mention of cost, pain, persecution and even personal loss ( I Tim 1;8. 4:5, Heb 11: 32-39)
10. Watch out for teachings that will not work in every culture as easily as they do in America ( I Cor 7:17)
11. Watch out for doctrines that side step confession, repentance, restitution and forsaking sin and that release you from personal responsibility for your deeds ( Prov 28:13)
12. Watch out for doctrines that diminish the power of the cross and the work of repentance in the life of the believer ( I Cor 2:2)
13. Watch out for doctrines that are not willing to be questioned and tested ( I Thes 5:21, I John 4:1)
14. Watch out for doctrines that lead to spiritual pride or exclusivism ( Mat 24: 26&27)
15. Watch out for teachings that elevate or promote an individual above Christ ( John 3:30)
16. Watch out when the vessel doesn’t confirm the message ( Mat 7:15-20)

Compiled by Dick Iverson