Should Christians allow false teachers into their homes?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible provides clear guidance on how Christians should interact with false teachers. While we are called to love all people and share the gospel, Scripture also warns about the dangers of entertaining those who spread false doctrines. The apostle John, in his second epistle, specifically advises against welcoming false teachers into one's home. This instruction is rooted in the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and protecting the faith of believers, especially those who may be more vulnerable to deception. However, this doesn't negate our responsibility to evangelize and engage with non-believers in appropriate settings. The challenge for Christians today is to balance these biblical principles, showing love and compassion while also standing firm in the truth of the gospel.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 13:1–3: "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams." This passage warns against following false prophets, even if they perform signs and wonders, emphasizing the importance of doctrinal purity.
• Jeremiah 23:16: "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" God warns His people against listening to false prophets who speak from their own imagination, rather than God's truth.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Second John 1:10–11: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works." This is the primary passage addressing the issue of welcoming false teachers into one's home. We are told not to welcome a person who teaches false doctrine into our homes.
• Romans 16:17–18: "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." Paul warns believers to be watchful and avoid those who teach contrary to sound doctrine.
• Titus 3:10–11: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." This section advises on how to deal with divisive individuals, which can include false teachers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The biblical warnings against welcoming false teachers into our homes present a challenge for Christians today, especially in a culture that values open dialogue and hospitality. These instructions are not meant to promote isolation or intolerance, but rather, to protect the integrity of the gospel and the spiritual well-being of believers. It should also be recognized that the early churches often met in believers’ homes. So, this warning can be taken to mean avoiding associating with or inviting known false teachers to join in wherever a local church body is meeting—not just individual homes or private family settings.

In applying these principles, Christians need to exercise discernment, as we are still called to engage with non-believers and share the truth of the gospel. This might mean finding alternative venues for discussions with those of different beliefs, such as public spaces or church settings, where mature believers can provide support and guidance. By being well-grounded in Scripture, Christians can better discern truth from error and engage effectively with differing viewpoints without compromising their faith. This requires wisdom and a commitment to both spiritual growth and evangelism, always seeking to honor God while reaching out to those who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Christians are instructed not to welcome or support false teachers in their homes, as doing so may contribute to their misleading influence.
• The Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity.
• While Christians should show love and compassion, they must also exercise discernment to not support false teaching and to maintain the integrity of God’s Word.

REFLECT

• How do you personally discern between showing hospitality, inviting conversation, and staying true to God’s Word in your interactions with others?
• How might your understanding of doctrinal purity impact your relationships with friends or family members who hold different beliefs?
• How can you balance the call to love all people with the need to avoid supporting those who teach false doctrines?

ENGAGE

• How do the Old Testament warnings against false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1–3, Jeremiah 23:16) inform our approach to dealing with false teachers today?
• To not allow false teachers into your home means to avoid providing support or endorsement to those who promote incorrect doctrines, ensuring that your personal space and interactions do not contribute to their influence. It reflects a commitment to maintaining doctrinal purity and protecting the integrity of your faith, while still engaging with others in appropriate settings. How does this apply to the church and to our own personal lives and homes?
• How can Christians effectively create boundaries to protect doctrinal integrity without isolating themselves from opportunities to reach out to non-believers?