The Book of Jude - Verse by Verse 1 thru 4 (Need to Warn About False Teachers)

The topic of whether the church should be careful to expose false teaching is a matter which produces strong feelings on both sides. Many will say to do so only causes division and separation in the body. Those taking this position also say that we should not mention those who teach contrary doctrine by name. They speak of it as though it is a personal attack, instead of a concern over false teaching.

If we depend only on Scripture, there really isn't a debate to be had, since the Bible's authors often warned and sometimes by name. They did so with harsh warnings to those who would harm God's word, by introducing corrupt things.

Jude has some of the clearest language on the topic. In his own words, he tells the readers he goes out of his way to warn them that they are to be the ones who were to "contend earnestly" for the (singular) faith. Nothing which would argue against what they were given was to change those beliefs, and the church, in general, is in mind here. Not leadership only, but the body as a whole.

Those in the church are to identify error and make sure it is not able to grow. They were to contend with the error and those who came in, by stealth, with the goal of corrupting the church. What that requires is a church who knows what is true, and are able to expose what is the error at the time it is introduced. There were not expected to leave it to others, they were all to be involved.

Maturity, spiritually speaking, was essential. It is the same today, as it was then. It takes people who are unafraid and motivated to safeguard themselves and their brethren.