Introduction:  It is not always easy to spot a false teacher. We can’t necessarily tell by the way that person appears. Most false teachers are experts in the art of “almost saying something.” They try to have some appearance of “spirituality”. They are likeable. They speak gently. And can speak the Christian vocabulary with the best of them. False teachers seem quite sincere. They appear harmless. They know how to use “holy” sounding lingo. They can quote Scripture with a degree of skill. They even know truth—just enough—to twist it and use it for their own purpose. If they can disguise themselves so well, how can we spot them?  We must measure each and every thing we hear by The Word of God! 

I.          APOSTASY IN THE EARLY CHURCH (VV.4; 8) 

A.        Satan Has Counterfeits

B.        Satan Has Corrupters (vv. 10-11)

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II.        ATTACKS IN THE EARLY CHURCH (VV. 4: 10-11)    

A.        On The Gospel’s Simplicity

B.        On God’s Son

III.       APOSTASY EVIDENT IN THE CHURCH (ACTS 20:29-30) —“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” 

Not only was apostasy a problem in the early Church but is evident in the Church today.  We see that:

A.        The Scripture Is Under Attack

B.        The Savior Is Under Attack

Conclusion:   The battle for truth is one that we cannot fail to fight! Sadly, the Church today is filled with people who have decided that this battle along with Biblical discernment, doctrinal boundaries, and the authority of divinely revealed truth, are worn-out relics of a bygone era. To do so is to concede the whole battle to the Enemy!  We must stand for truth!