Topical Bible: Ministers: when Unfaithful: Delude Men

◄ Ministers: when Unfaithful: Delude Men ►

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In the Christian tradition, ministers hold a sacred responsibility to shepherd their congregations, teach sound doctrine, and exemplify Christ-like behavior. However, when ministers become unfaithful, they can lead their followers astray, deluding them with false teachings and ungodly practices. The Bible provides numerous warnings and examples of such occurrences, emphasizing the grave consequences of unfaithfulness in ministry.

Biblical Warnings Against Unfaithful Ministers

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against false teachers and unfaithful ministers. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 , Paul writes, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions." Here, Paul highlights the deceptive nature of unfaithful ministers who appear righteous but lead people away from the truth.

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , Paul further cautions, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This passage underscores the susceptibility of congregations to be deluded by ministers who cater to popular desires rather than adhering to biblical truth.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament also provides examples of unfaithful leaders who deluded the people of Israel. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the prophet warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" These false prophets led the people away from God's commandments, resulting in spiritual and national decline.

Ezekiel 13:10 further illustrates this point: "Because they have led My people astray, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash." The unfaithful prophets in Ezekiel's time provided false assurances, leading the people into complacency and away from genuine repentance and obedience to God.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness

The consequences of unfaithfulness in ministry are severe, both for the ministers themselves and for those they lead astray. James 3:1 warns, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." This heightened accountability underscores the seriousness of leading others in the faith.

In Matthew 7:15-20 , Jesus Himself warns of false prophets, saying, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." The imagery of wolves in sheep's clothing highlights the danger posed by unfaithful ministers who appear benign but ultimately harm the flock.

Call to Faithfulness

The Bible calls ministers to remain faithful to their calling, teaching sound doctrine and living lives that reflect the character of Christ. In 1 Timothy 4:16 , Paul advises Timothy, "Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you." This exhortation emphasizes the importance of integrity and diligence in ministry, ensuring that ministers do not become a source of delusion but rather a beacon of truth and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 15:14
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Use of Humiliation
... unfaithful ministers, while you are so unfaithful yourselves? ... the mere reputation
of their ministers that stand ... hath a strong tendency to delude immortal souls ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Turn or Burn
... is so prevalent as to make even the ministers of the ... what if, when I die, I should
be found unfaithful to your ... But, my dear hearers, do not delude yourselves. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... which may well be hated by the unfaithful wife ... His ministers and his wretched deluded
followers are wont to bait ... Does not this god of thine delude thee with the ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... sufferings for Christ, saying, 'Are they ministers of Christ? ... 2 Corinthians
12:9,10; and men may talk ... secretly rejoicing if they can but delude their conscience ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... I thank God I know of no such men, nor thing: but my judgment tells me ... They are the
ministers of God, revengers, to execute wrath, the wrath of God upon them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... being at all partakers of positive righteousness, that neither all their ministers,
Bibles, and ... I thank thee," said he, "that I am not as other men are." He ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... for those vehement inclinations that are in man, to all manner of looseness, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh: that must not be understood here; men are not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... that are now kicked to and fro, like footballs in the world!' 'A desire will take
a man upon its back and carry him away to God, if ten thousand men oppose it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... off from being at all partakers of positive righteousness, that all their ministers,
bibles, good ... I thank thee [said he] that I am not as other men are." He ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm