There are a number of well-known, widely respected, men (and a few women), pastors of huge congregations whose teachings cover everything from how to be happy and prosperous to the address where we can send our contributions. When so much of what they hold forth as “Gospel Truth” is neither Gospel nor Truth, why does God tolerate their dissemination of lies that often lead many into eternity without Christ? Why is He not more vigorous and assertive in the defense of sound doctrine?
God gave us the freedom to accept or reject Him. When we accepted Him He put His Spirit in our hearts to give us discernment (1 Cor. 2:14). He also gave us His Word and told us to check everything we hear against it (Acts 17:11). His word contains thousands of fulfilled prophecies that prove we can trust Him to do what He says He will do.
He warned us repeatedly that there would be false teachers through out the Church Age. 2 Cor. 4:3-6, 2 Cor. 11:1-15, Colossians 2:8, 1 Tim. 4:1-2, 2 Peter 2, Jude 3-16 are some examples. He also warned teachers that we will be judged more strictly (James 3:1), probably because of the influence we have over others.
It’s not His fault if we fail to follow His instructions. These teachers wouldn’t be popular if people didn’t like what they’re saying Paul said it’s a sign of the times.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” 2 Tim. 4:3