False Teachers Imitate: Three Illustrations
11 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.
1. After Adam and Eve’s sin God provided a promise and a picture. The promise was that one day a child born to woman would crush satan. Genesis 3:15 How would that be accomplished? Looking back over God’s revelation through the ages we now see that Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, is the fulfillment of that promise. Christ lived the sinless life that Adam and his descendants could not live, yet Christ bore our punishment in a death on the cross, a death that he did not deserve.
The Picture? After Adam’s sin God killed animals to cover his sin and shame. From that time on men were to sacrifice a spotless lamb, looking forward to the day when Christ would be the final sacrifice, to cover their sins.
The way of Cain describes Cain’s attempt to come to God on his own terms, bringing what he considered to be his own good works, the fruit of his labor, rather than bringing the sacrifice prescribed by God, the lamb. Genesis 4:3-12
Popular religion today, and in fact, all religions today have taken the way of Cain; ignoring God’s revelation, making light of sin against the Holy God, and instead attempting to come to God on their own terms with their own “good” works. I John 3:11-15
But this never works because, Isaiah 64:4 we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
2. Balaam’s error was covetousness and greed. He was a false prophet willing to lead others into sin for financial reward. Much like the money-changers that Christ threw out of the Temple, Balaam was willing to merchandise the ministry. Numbers 22-24, Joshua 13:22
3. Korah openly rebelled against God’s chosen leader, Moses and against God’s chosen Priest, Aaron and attempted to take over both the leadership and priesthood for himself. Numbers 16: 3,9,10
These false shepherds care only about themselves, they do not care about God’s revelation, about Christ’s teaching, or about the flock that they pretend to lead. They follow their lusts caring only for themselves and about their personal gain.
See Appendix 4
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