The Word of God warns both those who teach and those who learn. When someone first receives human doctrines instead of the pure Word, they run the risk of straying from the true path and losing the right spiritual direction.
Those who teach bear a great responsibility before God, because causing a little one to stumble in the faith is considered a very serious offense, with spiritual consequences that should not be taken lightly.

1️⃣ The Foundation Must Be Christ

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11

All teaching must begin with Christ Jesus, the manifestation of God in the flesh, and with His Word. This means that everything we teach must be rooted in His truth and His redemptive work, not in traditions, human philosophies, or personal interpretations.
If the foundation is altered, even with good intentions, the entire spiritual structure risks crumbling, and the learner can stray without even realizing it.

2️⃣ The Danger of a Twisted Gospel

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse.”
— Galatians 1:8

Any teaching that modifies the original gospel loses its saving power. This is no small warning: a twisted beginning can jeopardize salvation because it diverts the believer’s attention from Christ’s sacrifice and His grace.
The purity of the message is not only necessary for correct understanding, but also for experiencing the transforming power of the gospel in daily life. When it is distorted, even with good intentions, confusion is created that can be difficult to reverse.

3️⃣ Warning to the Learner

In Exodus 20:19, the people of Israel asked Moses to speak for them instead of hearing God’s voice directly. That decision opened the door to human intermediaries, traditions, and norms that blinded them spiritually.
Today, those beginning in faith must first nourish themselves with the Word and the Holy Spirit, avoiding dependence on human interpretations or leaders who might add their own ideas.
Searching Scripture with humility and an open heart is essential to avoid being led astray from the truth and for spiritual growth to occur on the solid foundation of God Himself.

4️⃣ Warning to the Teacher

“My brothers, do not let many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive a greater condemnation.”
— James 3:1

“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck…”
— Matthew 18:6

Jesus makes it very clear that causing a new believer to stumble is not a minor sin. Furthermore, Luke 12:47-48 teaches that to whom more is given, more will be required. This means that the responsibility of those who teach is proportional to the impact they have on the lives of others.
Teaching is not a right or a title; it is a service that demands reverence and fear of God, knowing that every word and action before a disciple carries eternal weight.

6️⃣ Closest examples of bad leadership

1️⃣ Leaders who prioritize profit or fame over souls

They use the pulpit for business or self-promotion, neglecting the true work of God (Matthew 23:5-7).

2️⃣ Leaders who impose human traditions

Instead of teaching the Word, they focus on their own rules, rituals, or customs. This distracts believers from the essence of the gospel.

3️⃣ Leaders who tolerate abuse or harmful behavior

They do not correct wrongdoing or protect the flock, causing spiritual or emotional harm (Jeremiah 23:1).

4️⃣ Leaders who seek power and control

They manipulate members out of fear or personal dependence, instead of empowering them to grow in Christ.

5️⃣ Leaders Who Mix Doctrine with Human Philosophy

They can confuse and lead believers away from the pure truth (Galatians 1:8).

6️⃣ Self-Appointed or Self-Appointed Leaders

They place themselves in positions of authority without biblical recognition.

They impose their will on others without accountability or submission to the Word.

They promise blessings or spiritual growth conditioned on their teaching or control.

They lack humility and transparency, focusing on their personal image and power.

Conclusion

The danger is not only for the new believer, but also for the teacher. Correct teaching must be based on Jesus Christ, the manifestation of God in the flesh, and guided by the Word.

The learner must search the Scriptures with a humble heart, avoiding human doctrines that derail his faith.

The teacher must do so with fear and trembling, knowing that God will hold accountable any stumbling caused to the little ones.

Jesus made it clear that causing a believer to stumble is a very serious sin, and both leaders and learners must be aware of the spiritual responsibility this entails.