Beware the Hucksters!

The warning that appears most in the New Testament is the warning against false teachers. The false teacher that concerns me the most these days is the huckster.

The warnings are clear and most times it is good to see multiple translations of a given passage to leave no doubt as to its intended meaning. Here are two translations of 2 Cor 2:17: 

 "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." NIV

"You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us."  NLT

Combined with 1 Tim 6: 3-5 the warning is clear:

"These are the things you are to teach and insist on. ³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

What to look for:   “Confess it to possess it”, “Name it and claim it”, Teaching on a 100 fold return on donations, and extra biblical teaching such as  "New Revelations". These are some of the big things to look for.

The flaws in these teachings are real obvious for the Christian with a minimum of discernment to spot. Unfortunately those who are brought up in an “ology” based on faulty exegesis of scripture or that read things into scripture, (eisegesis) are prone to fall into the trap and not even see it.

Pray for these people, handle with care, point out their error with gentleness and the agape love of GOD.  

Think about it, meditate on it, open your Bible and verify it so that you know what I'm saying is accurate and in context.  

Until the next time, may the LORD bless us and keep us, in Jesus name I pray.