Sabbath School Lesson for September 12-18, 2026
Introduction of Lesson 12, Dealing With False Teachers
Memory Text: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV
Paul had attempted in his letters to the Corinthian church to express the right balance of love and firmness in dealing with the delicate issue of sexual sin among their members. The ideal solution, of course, required swift and complete repentance of the guilty parties in order to preserve the reputation of the entire Christian effort in Corinth.
The struggle for the outcome Paul desired, however, was made more difficult because false teachers there had caused a lack of faith in his counsel. He countered their accusations by repeating his love for them and for Christ. Paul’s love had resulted in severe personal suffering and persecution during his labors; and pronounced heartache as well, as he anxiously waited for news from Titus that would include their hoped-for repentance.
Paul’s self-defense came with the reminder that false teachers were not just opposing Paul, but Christ Himself. He knew that he was essentially dealing with Satan’s false ideologies and philosophies, and he could only do so with divine help.
This week, we’ll explore:
- Sunday: Spiritual War
- Monday: Boasting in the Lord
- Tuesday: False Teachers Identified
- Wednesday: Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel
- Thursday: Appeal to the Unrepentant
Sunday: Spiritual War
False teachers pointed out that Paul’s sternness in his letters was quite different from the way he was in their presence. When he was with them, he was seen as weak and ineffectual in speech (2 Corinthians 10:10). Apparently, he lacked the self-confident, arrogant demeanor of other Greek orators, who charged enormous fees. On the other hand, Paul pointed out that he supported himself during his stays with them, so he wouldn’t be a burden to anyone (2 Corinthians 11:9).
Like Christ, Paul spoke and wrote boldly when needed. Just as Jesus confronted moneychangers in the temple and hypocritical Pharisees face-to-face, Paul seemed to know when and how to stand his ground with both firmness and love.
The language of Paul in 2 Corinthians, chapter 10, has a decidedly military tone. They were in a divine battle to win people to Christ. They were, therefore, to bring every thought into captivity and obey their commanding officer, Christ. As Jesus commanded them, they were to be gentle as doves, and wise as serpents (Matthew 10:10). They had, after all, a spiritual battle to win. The most important kind!
Verses for reflection and discussion:
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
- In what way was Paul and false teachers in Corinthians in a spiritual war? Who were they fighting against and with what kind of weapons?
2 Corinthians 10:7-11
- Why is it important to use one’s authority for edification (building up) rather than destruction (tearing down), as seen in v. 8?
- How do the results show who our authority is and how the spiritual war must be won?
Monday: Boasting in the Lord
It was apparent that Paul’s opponents in that ancient society were competitive and driven by efforts to compare themselves to others. They were argumentative and critical of those around them. calling attention to their own accomplishments. In other words, they were boasting and bragging about themselves. Their debates appeared inoffensive, but only on the surface.
Paul recognized and called out these tactics, however, by claiming that his only boasting was in the Lord. God had called Paul, and he had answered by giving God all the credit for any good that came from his ministry.
The only one Paul compared himself to was Jesus Christ. “But, he who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). This is possible only when we focus on Christ’s love, justice, and righteousness. Our boast should be in Him, not in ourselves.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
2 Corinthians 10:12-16
- Why is it important not to compare ourselves to others? What does it lead to?
- How is our society still focused on self-comparison and competition? In what areas of life do we see it today?
2 Corinthians 10:17, 18
- Why is it important to only compare ourselves with God?
- What does “boasting in the Lord” look like?
Tuesday: False Teachers Identified
In 2 Corinthians, chapter 10, Paul reminded the Corinthians of his desire to preach the true gospel with God’s authority. In the next chapter, however, he is clear about the cunningly deceptive messages of his opponents.
There are several ways to know if a teacher is preaching a false message:
- What are their fruits (Matthew 7:20)? (fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)
- Are they perverting the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:9-10)? (Are they trying to please men or God?)
- Do they present themselves in a proud, argumentative way (1 Timothy 6:4)?
- Are they twisting the word of God to fit their pre-conceived ideas (2 Peter 2:1)?
Verses for reflection and discussion:
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
- How did Paul compare himself with false teachers?
- Why was it important to Paul that he identify false teachers? How were they affecting his ministry?
Matthew 7:20-21
- How did Jesus help us identify false teachers?
Wednesday: Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel
Paul asked that he be allowed to boast, and went on to describe some of his times of suffering for the gospel. He made the point that his trials surpassed any of those who opposed him. If they should listen to anybody, it should be the one God had helped so much. God’s power was evident in how Paul had been able to endure those painful experiences.
Once again, Paul’s boasting turned out to be boasting in the Lord. He was ever thankful for the outcomes of his suffering. Such trials made him more aware of his weakness, humbly dependent on the mercy and grace of God, and better able to comfort others.
Our trials can also be useful. Depending on how we react to them, they can be a source of strength or a cause of further weakness and trouble.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
2 Corinthians 11:16-21
- Why did Paul think it was necessary to describe his suffering in a way that could be seen as boasting?
2 Corinthians 11:22-31
- What can we learn by suffering for the gospel as Paul did?
- How does knowing about Paul’s experiences help us when we are facing trials ourselves?
Thursday: Appeal to the Unrepentant
Paul made a final appeal for repentance as he wrapped up this epistle. He said he would rather be stern before he returned to them in person, so there would be no contentious, jealous disputes with them when he arrived. He appealed heavily for the guilty parties to have a heartfelt change in their worrisome behaviors, and the sooner the better.
What a glorious event it would be for them to have their difficulties already resolved, so Paul could rejoice with them. Disciplining members sounds like Paul’s least favorite thing to do.
It was up to them to turn to God for answers by listening to the Holy Spirit. Paul was willing to speak for God, but recognized that the Spirit alone could effect the needed changes. He didn’t need to be there in person for that.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
2 Corinthians 12:11-13
- Why did Paul feel compelled to “boast” about himself?
- How did Paul feel about his claims of being an apostle?
2 Corinthians 12:14-19
- In what ways did Paul feel like a parent to the Corinthians?
2 Corinthians 12:20, 21
- What sins was Paul especially worried about in Corinth?
2 Corinthians 13:1-10
- Why was it important for them to know that Paul preferred gentleness to using his authority?
- What difference does it make in our church relationships if we are peaceful and gentle with each other?
Friday: Final Thoughts
We shouldn’t judge our religious leaders by their exceptional speaking ability, appearance, or personal charm. Some of those who might appeal to us in this way are false teachers, using manipulation (twisting the truth about God) and deceit (spreading falsehoods about God).
As young Timothy was advised, we should study the Bible to show ourselves approved, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). We must be like the Bereans and “search the scriptures daily” to find out whether the messages we are hearing match the truth about God in His word (Acts 17:10, 11).
Christ warned us that false prophets would come to us “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). They might even perform miracles (Matthew 24:24).
Bringing these verses together, Ellen G. White says:
“There have always abounded false teachers who, advocating erroneous doctrines and unholy practices, and working, upon false principles in a most specious [appearing good on the surface], covered, deceptive manner, have endeavored to deceive, if possible, the very elect.” ~Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 36.
Next Week: Grace, Love, and Fellowship
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