Twisting God’s Word:

Scripture warns that people will reject sound teaching for messages that gratify their desires, leading to distorted interpretations and spiritual harm.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Divisive Teachers:

False teachers introduce doctrines that deceive and divide, often using smooth words to exploit those who are unaware.

Romans 16:17-20 (NKJV)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.  For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Corrupt Motives:

Some misuse Scripture for personal gain, leading to arguments, division, and a departure from godliness

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (NKJV)

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Distorting Difficult Passages:

Untaught and unstable individuals twist challenging Scriptures to their own destruction, highlighting the need for proper understanding.

2 Peter 3:16-18 (NKJV)

as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Adding or Changing Scripture:

Altering God’s Word or preaching a different gospel invites severe judgment and undermines the truth of salvation

Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV)

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;  and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV)

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Deceptive Ministers:

Even ministers can disguise themselves as righteous while promoting harmful teachings, making discernment crucial.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV)

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works

Falling Away from the Faith:

Some will abandon the faith, following deceiving spirits and false doctrines, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and rooted in the truth.

1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV)

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

Conclusion: The Importance of Proper Exegesis

The warnings found in Scripture about misusing, twisting, or distorting God’s Word emphasize the urgent need for proper exegesis. From rejecting sound doctrine to following divisive teachers, corrupt motives, and deceptive ministers, the dangers are clear: mishandling Scripture not only leads individuals astray but also threatens the unity and spiritual health of the church.

Proper exegesis—interpreting Scripture as it was intended by God—is not just a theological exercise; it is essential for safeguarding the truth, strengthening our faith, and resisting the many forms of deception that seek to undermine God’s message.