Dealing with false teaching in local churches

False teaching is dangerous and can lead people astray if not checked. 

For example, 1 John was addressed to the believers (1 John 2:12-14, 19; 3:1; 5:13) of the churches of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Some years earlier, in A.D 85, John had written his Gospel to show that Jesus was the Christ (John 20:31). Meanwhile, the heresy of Gnosticism which denies the Incarnation and the Atonement has infiltrated the churches. The deceived followers had left the church causing a schism and crisis (1 John 2:19). Consequently, John wrote his epistle to expose and combat the heretics (1 John 2:26), and to give assurance of salvation to the believers (1 John 5:13).

Right in the very beginning of his message (1 John 1:1-4), Apostle John testifies courageously of the Incarnation. He proclaims that the Word of Life, who was at the very beginning of time (John 1:1), has been revealed in human flesh. The invisible God has manifested Himself in visible human flesh through the Incarnation of His Son Jesus Christ. 

We need to follow Apostle John's example of combating courageously any false teaching that can deceive the children of God. We must not be afraid to always speak up and stand up for the holy truth of Our Most Holy God everywhere and especially in our local churches.

 Apostle John was the apostle of love. He was the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; 21;20). He was Jesus' closest disciple. In his epistle 1 John, he spoke and instructed his recipients on loving one another a lot ( 1 John 3:14,16-17; 4:7, 11-12, 17-18, 21; 5:1). He, the apostle who centers on love, also stood firmly upon the truth and combated false teachings most courageously. Love does not condone lies and falsehood but rather rejoices in the truth (1 Cor 13:6). By the way, John was a very elderly man when the issue arose. Even so, he stood up to the challenge and defended the Truth bravely. What an inspiring example to us! And what an infinite blessing is the First epistle of John down through all the centuries to this day! 

I see in Apostle John (and Apostle Paul, and above all the Lord Jesus Christ Himself) as perfect examples of living out and practicing BOTH Love/Unity AND Truth. They did not practice one neglecting the other. They did not emphasize Truth alone forsaking Love/Unity. They did not emphasize Love/Unity alone forsaking the Truth. So, should we! Love/Unity walk hand in hand with Truth. Love does not delight in evil (lies, falsehood...) but rejoices in the truth (1 Cor 13:6).