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Tag Archives: false teachers

Wandering Stars

11 Mar
Wandering Stars

We’re currently studying Jude’s small letter. He’s dealing with the subject of false teachers. He wants us to be able to spot and avoid their ways.

They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

Jude 13 NIV

In my last post we looked at Jude’s wild wave analogy. Today we see that he calls them wandering stars.

That’s an interesting way to look at them and I need to explain it. First, we need to see that stars in general seem to rotate around the earth. Now, we know that’s not actually the case, but it appears that way because it’s the earth that’s rotating.

So, to the ancient people, all of the stars seemed to be marching in unison through the night sky. There were some notable exceptions to this. I’m talking about the planets that we can see with the naked eye. These are Mercury, Mars, and Venus to name a few.

The thing about planets is that they don’t travel through the sky with the stars. They take their own path because they orbit the sun.

Why am I talking about planets? Because that’s what Jude is referring to in this section. The Greek word for wandering in this verse is actually planetai, from which we get the English word, planet.

Why is this important? It’s all about agreement.

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

The analogy is this: All of the stars agree on the direction they’re heading. The planets, however, have their own idea of where they should go. These false teachers are not following the sound doctrine of Christ. They have their own way of thinking.

Please remember, agreement is not about you agreeing with what I say. It’s both of us agreeing with what the Word tells us. We need to all be following the path that Jesus laid down for us.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6 NIV

False teachers don’t live this way. They have their own beliefs that they are trying to convince others to follow. They try to get you to believe that they’re living on a higher level than others.

Unfortunately, according to Jude, they’re operating in perpetual darkness. Darkness is the absence of light. God’s Word is light. These people are living according to their own thoughts. They don’t know the destruction that their path is leading them to.

That’s why it’s so important that we stay in prayer and in the Word. In that way we can hear the Holy Spirit’s warning to avoid these pitfalls.

Questions: When has to Holy Spirit kept you from spiritual harm?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 11, 2026 in Leadership, Prayer, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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Wild Waves

09 Mar
Wild Waves

As we continue through the book of Jude, he’s giving us an understanding of the way false teachers operate. This will help us to steer clear of their influence. Hopefully, it will also help leaders to avoid taking their path.

They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame…

Jude 13a NIV

Here is another description Jude gives us to reveal their character. He calls them wild waves of the sea.

If you remember, at the start of this series I talked about the fact that Jude was the brother of James, who wrote the book of James. It seems to me that the two of them had discussions about this.

Listen to what James wrote. In context, he’s talking about someone asking God for wisdom.

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

James 1:6-8 NIV

The first insight James gives us is that these false teachers are actually doubting God. The word doubt in the Greek actually means to thoroughly judge, discern or discriminate in the decision making process.

The problem is that these teachers are judging God’s Word. It’s not up to us to decide whether God means what He says or not. His Word is truth. It doesn’t matter what things look like from our perspective.

The next thing I see is that these people are like a wave on the ocean. But it’s not just any wave. It’s a wave that’s specifically formed by the wind blowing across the water. That kind of wave only moves in the direction that the wind is blowing.

False teachers are really good at discerning what it is that people want to hear. Then they package it in an exciting, and even Scripture based message. Little do the hearers know that they’re being led astray by wrong interpretations of the Bible.

This person is also called double-minded, or literally double-souled. It’s like they have a split personality. When they’re around God’s people it seems like they’re super spiritual. But, many times, in private these teachers are just the opposite.

According to James, this person is unstable in all he does. That literally means that the road he’s taking has no permanent direction. These false teachers are continually updating their message to keep their followers entertained – and to keep the money train rolling.

That’s why we need to be constantly aware in the spirit. Regularly spend time in God’s presence. That’s what will keep you safe from their influence.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:14 NIV

Paul understood all of this. We need to heed his exhortation. Spend time reading the Word and in prayer each day. Stay strong and alert in the spirit.

Question: How do you keep yourself spiritually vigilant?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 9, 2026 in Prayer, Word of God, Faith, Ministry, Leadership, Spiritual Walk

 

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For Profit…or Loss?

02 Mar
For Profit…or Loss?

I have been going through Jude’s tiny epistle. He’s giving us the characteristics of false teachers and preachers. Now he goes on to a new description.

…they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error…

Jude 11b NIV

To understand this one, we need to know about Balaam, from the Old Testament. His story is found in the book of Numbers, chapters 22-24. You can read that section to get all the details.

Basically, this event took place while Israel was wandering in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. As they were going through Moab territory, the king of Moab got worried.

The king summoned a local, pagan, enchanter named Balaam. He was told that the king would reward him handsomely if he cursed Israel. This was to be done so that Moab could defeat Israel in battle.

God then got Balaam’s attention, and He warned him do only what he heard from the Lord. Balaam must have been planning on ignoring this warning because God used a talking donkey to reiterate this.

He then tried three times to bribe God with sacrifices. He wanted God to curse Israel or parts of Israel. Each time, God made it clear that He would only bless them. Finally, unable to curse Israel, Balaam went back to his home.

Jude uses this event in Israel’s history to reveal a motivating factor in false teachers. He’s saying that these charlatans are in it for the financial gain they receive.

Many times, this is evident on TV and online. Of course, not every famous preacher is looking for financial gain. Most are truly bringing God’s Word to their hearers.

However, there are a few who are greed driven. I am convinced of one thing when I view their show. The only reason they study the Bible is to find Scriptures that will convince you to take money from your pocket and put it in theirs.

Paul dealt with that issue as well.

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.

2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV

We have to be careful where we sow our seed (financially). If their entire message revolves around sending them an offering, something’s wrong.

When a godly teacher stands before the people of the Lord, it’s not about what they want to hear. His or her message must be the result of time spent with the Holy Spirit. What does the Lord want the people to hear.

I can’t teach something because I know it will get everybody excited. Then, I’ll get a bigger offering. That’s not how it works in the Spirit. I preach what the Lord dictates and He provides for my needs.

Paul sums it up well. He speaks of these false teachers as…

…men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:5-7 NIV

This is why we have to be careful who we support with our finances. That support will cause us to share in their blessings or their God-given discipline.

Question: What experience have you had with ministry for financial gain? If you leave a comment, DO NOT name names.

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 2, 2026 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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Understanding Spiritual Battles

09 Feb
Understanding Spiritual Battles

In my last post, we started looking at the Apostle Jude’s letter to the church. He explains why he’s writing in the third verse.

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.
Jude 3 NIV

Jude was one of the early leaders of the church. He was a half-brother of Jesus who became a believer after the resurrection.

In this short letter, he explains that he simply wanted to write a brief word of encouragement. He wanted to bless and uplift those who would receive it.

Instead, once he sat down to write, the Holy Spirit grabbed his attention and caused him to speak of the spiritual battle. Jude felt the urgency to warn them to diligently contend for the faith.

He sounds the same as Paul in the book of Ephesians.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Not all spiritual battles are the same. In Ephesians, Paul was contending against demonic forces. Jude is writing about contending against false teachings.

False teachings are the result of leaders who veer off the clear path of faith. This is what Jude is going to show us.

For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Jude 4 NIV

Jude tells us here that he’s talking about people who will be condemned. They’re headed in the wrong direction, spiritually. This implies that at one time they were correct, but they’ve now left the path.

He describes them as godless – literally non-worshipers. The Lord is not their primary focus.

What they’re doing is simply taking the teaching on the grace of God. They then use this teaching as a reason to abandon self-control. They basically say that you can live however you want, fulfill any desire, and God’s grace will cover it.

They’re conveniently omitting the truths of repentance and righteousness. In so doing they’re denying the the Lord Jesus Christ. The Greek word he uses for deny means to contradict. The Apostle Paul talks about these people as well. In writing about the last days he says there will be those who are…

…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

2 Timothy 3:4b-5 NIV

Form without power. We know that the Holy Spirit is the One who gives us this power. Denying the power is denying the Spirit.

They may some of the right things. They might even quote some Scripture. But the fruit are missing. This is a warning sign for believers.

Question: How do you steer clear of these false teachings?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 9, 2026 in Leadership, Power of God, Spiritual Warfare, The Church

 

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Heed the Warning

08 Sep

How easy is it to take criticism?  We don’t like being told that we’re going down the wrong path.  But it’s necessary sometimes to keep us from bigger problems later on.

As we continue looking at the book of Galatians, the church has come to the point where they need to deal with Paul’s correction.  They’re being drawn down the slippery slope of legalism.  The Apostle is trying to warn them before it’s too late.

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Galatians 4:16

We would much prefer to be told how wonderful we are.  By pointing out their error, Paul risks their anger.  The word enemy in this verse actually means hateful.  They’re getting to the point where they don’t want Paul participating in their growth anymore.

That’s what happens when you start listening to the wrong people.

Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good.  What they want is to alienate you [from us], so that you may be zealous for them.  It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.
Galatians 4:17-18

Paul is well acquainted with the methods used by false teachers.  They don’t have the Word of God to back them up, so they have to rely on other things.

According to this verse, they’re very loving and passionate towards you.  They show what seems to be a genuine concern for your welfare and growth.  But all the while, they’re really looking for your passion towards them.

It’s amazing how gullible we can be when someone starts by telling us what we want to hear.  That’s why false teaching usually begins with flattery.  Paul was clear that he never used this method to win people over.

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.  For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.  By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Romans 16:17-18

That’s the danger of listening to these false teachers.  After all, would you rather listen to someone telling you how great you are; or that you’re headed in the wrong direction?  The Galatian people were being tempted to end their relationship with Paul in order to serve these deceivers.

Paul is clear that zeal is really a good thing, as long as what we’re zealous for is the truth.  We must always ask ourselves if our zeal is for the Word of God for the goals of man.

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Galatians 4:19-20

Because of their wavering, Paul has begun a campaign of intercessory prayer for them.  He was there when they were birthed into God’s kingdom.  But now, through self-righteous legalism, they’re trying to win God’s favor by their works.

Paul knows that this course will end in spiritual disaster for them.  He also knows that only the power of the Spirit of God can change the hearts of people.  So just like he interceded for their salvation, he’s now diligent in praying for their freedom from this deception.

Don’t be fooled.  Good works, in and of themselves will never bring you closer to the Lord.  It only comes through intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

Question: What has been your experience, if any, with deceptive teachers?

© Nick Zaccardi 2017

 
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Posted by on September 8, 2017 in Legalism, Prayer, Spiritual Walk

 

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Cain’s Offering

14 Mar

GrapesAs I was reading the tiny book of Jude, I saw something that caught my interest. Jude is speaking about some false teachers who had secretly infiltrated the church.

In writing about them, he made this statement…

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
Jude 11

When I saw that line – they have taken the way of Cain – something struck a chord in me and I knew I had to look deeper into it. I wanted to understand this because of the false teaching evident in the church today.

As I studied the life of Cain, I came to a conclusion. We’ve really misunderstood him. We call him evil and murderous. But I want to take a fresh look at him. I think that you’ll be surprised at what I found.

Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.
Genesis 4:1-3

We know from the Bible that Cain was the firstborn. Abel came along later. What we don’t know is how much later. Actually, Adam and Eve had other children – many others. Some estimates say it could have been as many as 500 children during their lifetime.

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.
Genesis 4:3

Here is the first of a few things that caught my attention. As this story unfolds we are confronted by the fact that Cain loves God. Not only does he love God, but he’s grateful to God for the abundant harvest that he received.

Of course the growing conditions were ideal back then. I’ve heard some experts who said that the fruits and vegetables grew to enormous sizes before the flood. They were big enough that an ear of corn could be a meal for an entire family.

As a result, we see that Cain was a worshipper. He acknowledged that God was the source of his prosperity and brought an offering before Him. Then something happens that wasn’t expected.

…but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Genesis 4:5

God did not accept Cain’s offering. This brings me to a truth that many Christians have missed. Just because we offer the Lord something; that doesn’t mean that He’s obligated to accept it. God doesn’t have to accept our offerings, especially if He didn’t want it in the first place.

Too many people think that they’re impressing God with what they do, yet God never asked them to do it. They end up offering things to God that He doesn’t want. I want to take a few posts to look at Cain – and how to avoid taking his path.

Questions: Can you give a modern example of what Cain went through?

© Nick Zaccardi 2016

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2016 in Spiritual Walk, The Church, Worship

 

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