For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, follow their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.
– 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Paul writes a letter addressed to Timothy with concerns about false teachings. The first few centuries after the death of Jesus were full of heresies. Some denied the divinity of Jesus, claiming that he was created by the Father so they are not equal. Others thought of Mary as being divine and would pray and offer sacrifices to her. The Church Fathers had a battle on their hands for hundreds of years. In an effort to finally put an end to such false teaching, the Nicene Creed was written.

In every Mass, Catholics profess their faith by saying the Nicene Creed. This Creed was formed in 381 and provided believes a firm foundation upon which to build their faith. Paul as well as the Apostles had to defend their faith on numerous occasions. In the same letter, Paul tells Timothy to study the Word of God (2:15). How can one know of false teaching unless that person knows the truth?

Paul, as well as other believers who had to confront heresies, knew the truth and had abundant faith. The Church Fathers had their hands full in dealing with doctrine contrary to what the Bible says. If any of these individuals lacked the required faith, they too may have converted. As one studies, their faith too grows. Without knowledge, faith would not exist. Paul tells us where faith comes from in Romans 10:17, faith comes from hearing, or teaching, studying.

The Word of God is the only weapon believers need to fight any false teachings. False teachings weren’t just something that occurred thousands of years ago, they are alive and well today. Not too long ago, people were so sure the Second Coming of Christ was coming that they sold everything they possessed. There have even been some people who have claimed to be Jesus himself. Some people believed and followed this false teacher. Now, the number of professed Christians in America has dropped while Atheists have grown.

Test what you encounter, Paul says. We have the truth, that many have died to protect and preserve. Jesus says that we’ll be able to discern the truth from false teachers by the fruit they bare. There are many tempting dogmas and teachings around, and they have never been easier to access. While it’s good to be aware of such heresies; be sure your faith is rooted in the scriptures.