In 1 Timothy 1:19, the Apostle Paul mentions two apostate men named Hymenaeus and Alexander. Paul claims that by rejecting their consciences, they both have made a shipwreck of their faith.

Paul then mentions Hymenaeus again in 2 Timothy 2:17, along with another man named Philetus. Both of these apostates turned from the truth and were upsetting the faith of some by claiming that the resurrection had already happened.

Then in 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul informs his readers that Demas, one of his associates, had deserted him, being in love with the present world.

And in 2 Timothy 4:15 Paul mentions a coppersmith named Alexander - who was possibly the same Alexander Paul spoke about in 1 Timothy 1. Paul warns his readers to beware of him, because he strongly opposes their message, and he had done great harm to Paul.

And in 3 John 1:9, the Apostle John speaks of a man by the name of Diotrephes, and describes him as one with a self-centered attitude, who likes to put himself first, not acknowledging the authority of the apostles.

As we can see by this hand full of examples, the apostles had no problem rebuking and exposing the error that confronted their faith, and neither should we. After all, that is what a good servant of Jesus Christ does…

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron… If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.”  (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 6)

I believe that I would be remiss if I knew of false teachings and did not warn God's people.  It would be the same as standing in the pulpit and announcing to the people:

"I know there are savage wolves out there, and they are preparing to pounce upon you, but I can't tell you who they are."

As a shepherd of the flock that Jesus Christ has entrusted me with, I am called to "shoot" the wolves who are out to destroy the flock, not open the gate and allow the wolves to feast at will.