How to Identify False Teachers
Beware False Teachers
Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits.Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Jesus told us that in the end times, many would come saying they had the “right’ Jesus and that this deception would be very successful.
Matthew 24:4-5 Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ, and will deceive many.
Since we were warned we could be deceived and that many would in fact be, we need to be equipped with wisdom from the Word of God to identify and not be led astay by false teaching and false teachers. This is a very long post as I wanted to put together a comprehensive outline on how we are told to spot false teaching. Let’s begin.
The fruits spoken by Jesus to identify false teachers is two fold, note it is fruitS not fruit. There is fruit the teachers themselves demonstrate in their own conduct plus the fruit resulting from their ministry of teaching. As it relates to their personal conduct, we should evaluate if they are showing the fruit of the Spirit Paul defined for us in the Book of Galatians?
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. If we don’t see this fruit, we should beware and tread carefully. We will not find fruit from a thornbush or a thistle bush just as Jesus said. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit, so if we see a lot of good fruit, it should give comfort but we need to look further as the devil is not going to make his spirit that obvious.
The other aspect of fruit relates to the results coming from the supposed ministry for God. Are they preaching a doctrine that is changing lives, leading to godly behavior consistent with the Bible? Are they bringing true converts to Christ or are they raising up look alike Christians that are really tares and do not exhibit the fruit of repentance given by the Holy Spirit? So we have two ways to evaluate the fruit of a teacher and we must exercise discernment to avoid being led astray.
The Bible is full of warnings about false teachers and false prophets. All believers should know what the Scriptures say on this important topic so they will not be lead astray.
2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
The flesh looks to please men and call attention to itself. That is what is meant by covetousness. Flesh wants gain, be it money, reputation, favor, esteem or whatever. Most false teachers have a hidden agenda which is to bring in money or large followings or big numbers of supposed souls saved so they can boast. This is all demonic at the core as it is the nature of Satan which is pride and selfishness. Let’s mo
What is a destructive heresy? It is simply anything that leads us away from Jesus Christ as the absolute TRUTH and ONLY way to the Father. The Holy Scriptures contain the Word of God and nothing we hear from a teacher should contradict what the Bible says, properly divided of course. Such contradictions may not always be apparent that is why we must search the Scriptures diligently and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in our prayers before God. Obviously false teachers secretly introduce their lies so the sheep won’t immediately recognize it as heresy. It will on the surface make sense and sound like truth.
What does “denying” the Lord look like? Peter said in the above verse that false teachers would deny the Lord that brought them. We need to understand that denying the Lord is a whole lot broader context than just saying Jesus was not God’s Son. I just wrote a post on this very topic that be accessed here: How We Deny Christ. We deny Christ if we do not believe in the power of Grace to transform us into a walk of holiness. We deny Christ if we pervert the gospel of repentance into a license to sin.
Warning Against Slander and False Witness
False teachers can be very cunning and even use the very scriptures that warn about false teachers to slander true teachers and cause divisions in the body of Christ. While there are no doubt false teachers that continue to deceive themselves and the Sheep, I have seen far too many “false teacher” accusations being thrown at godly men that are preaching a call to repentance, righteousness and obedience. These men are bearing fruit for God in their ministries, yet prideful arrogant Christians are attacking them because they disagree on interpretation of the Bible. I am looking at the fruit of these respective ministries and there is a problem.
1 Tim 6:3-5 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain
In many cases, the self proclaimed righteous attackers are the ones actually deceived. They are the ones stirring up controversies, quarrels, envy and strife, yet they falsely point the finger at those preaching the truth. False teachers are to be shunned but we must be very careful and not “go with the flow” of the crowd and pile on in making false accusations.
We must use discernment from the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures to know what really is true and not fall prey to the schemes of Satan which can include twisting Scriptures to support false accusations against Godly men. The Bible has scores of examples of men bearing false witness against a true brother, preaching obedience and the judgment of God. Consider what happened to Stephen, he was eventually stoned to death by evil men who thought they were doing a service to God.
Acts 6:12-14 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
The wiles of the devil can be very sneaky to even the most wise Christian. God said He hates false witnesses in Proverbs 16 and bearing false witness is one of the 10 Commandments.
Prov 6:19 God hates a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
It is indeed a quandry. We must call out false teachers but at the same time we cannot be slandering true brothers in Christ. So let’s be very very wise. If you think you need to make a stand against a brother or sister in Christ, you need to first pray about it and make sure Satan is not using pride as a weapon to destroy you and the kingdom of God. Consider the prayer of King David in Psalm 109 which can be read by clicking the hyperlink HERE.
Want to be a Teacher?
Be careful what you ask for. We are told not to appoint ourselves as teachers before God calls us and prepares us because we will be held to account for what we teach.
James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. The reality is that God calls teachers, many teachers of today have been called of themselves for prideful gain. If God is not behind the call to teach, then look out below!
1 Cor 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. The answer to Paul’s rhetorical questions was NO, we are not all called to be all these things. God makes those calls.
False teachers that truly believe in Christ may still be saved, but their work for Christ (the fruits of their ministry) will be burned up. The souls these teachers think they are saving could well be burned up with fire on the last day; yet they themselves shall be saved with great loss. Those that build on the foundation of Christ properly will receive rewards in heaven. Paul wrote specifically on this to the Corinthians who were arguing over what Gospel teacher (Paul vs Apollos) had it right.
1 COR 3:9-15 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
DESTRUCTIVE HERESIES
Let’s expand and provide some more color on what the most common destructive heresies are in the modern system of “church” and “religion”
1. Denies Jesus is the Christ
1 John 2:22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. This is the most overt type of false teacher; someone that directly denies Jesus is Lord and Savior. Many religions such as the Jehovah Witnesses’ and Mormon’s acknowledge the Father but they deny the Son. John tells us plainly, that in order to truly have the Father, we must acknowledge the Son. This type of deception is pretty easy to spot if one is grounded in the truth contained in the Scriptures.
Many teachers claim there are multiple paths to God. I have heard this from Oprah, Joel Osteen, others and sadly even from Billy Graham. I hope Billy just made a mistake but He did say it on Larry King. Jesus is THE way, the truth and the life. He is the ONLY way to Father. This type of false teacher is harder to spot than the others because they speak of God, Jesus, the Bible, Love and many attributes of the truth. But they do not speak the whole truth and that is the problem. Do not measure the truth by how popular or smooth sounding the message. Measure truth by the word of God.
2. Broaden the narrow road to life
The biggest threat I see coming from false teachers is that they have made the road to life very very broad and claim many are on that road. Jesus told us the opposite. Jesus said the road was hard (we must strive) and that that the gate was narrow and only a few shall find it. There is no broad road, if you are on a broad road, you are on the wrong road.
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Many false teachers only teach the Love of God and totally ignore the command that we obey God and seek a life of holiness before Him. The fear of God and the wrath of God that comes on the sons of disobedience is not even mentioned or at least in proper context.
Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. In the previous 2 Peter passage, Peter continues in the entire chapter to define the actions of false teachers.
2 Peter 2:13-14 Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.14With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! A false teacher is most likely going to be sinning openly against the Lord’s commands. It could be in secret though, watch carefully and you will know them by their fruit or lack thereof.
2 Peter 2:18-19 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. Jesus said, anyone who sins is a slave to sin. He also said we cannot serve to Masters. Who is your Lord? People in bondage to sin are not free and do not have Christ, they are simply tares amongst the wheat. Do not listen to them.
SIN MATTERS. ANYONE TELLING YOU CAN KEEP ON SINNING AND BE SAVED IS THE REAL WOLF. It is utterly amazing that the ones accusing the true teachers promote sin. I encourage you all to please read 2 Peter, the whole chapter very very carefully. Every single warning about deception in the new Testament warns of this very deception. Every single prophet in the OT warned about continued sin and its consequences and the call for true repentance.
3. Deny the power of God to transform lives
Jesus purpose in coming was not to forgive all sin past, present and future. His purpose was to destroy the works of the devil and free us from the power of sin in our lives. Many false teachers that preach Once Saved Always Saved, Eternal Security and Easy Believism DENY the power of God to transform lives. That power from God comes when we first repent, then are baptized and then receive the power of the Holy Spirit. That is how we are Born Again and put to death the deeds of the flesh.
John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
We don’t rebirth ourselves, it is not on our own power or initiative; we do it by the Grace of God, but do it we must. We can indeed do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God is Sovereign and He gives the increase, it is He that saves. So while God does indeed bring some people out of the fire from the apostate churches of today, many more are false converts and the fruits of the false teachers is death upon the Sheep. We will know them by their fruits.
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
2 COR 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new
False teachers will tell you that there is no need for change. God’s Word promises us we will indeed be changed, totally transformed into a new creation. False teachers inherently claim God is powerless and that being saved simply means to say a prayer one time, just believe that Jesus is God’s Son. They have cherry picked the gospel and are creating tares that will be plucked up and burned on the Last Day.
Jude 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for sin and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. When Jude wrote this, it was past tense, it has only gotten much worse in the last two thousand years. The majority of churches, pastors, seminary schools, and well meaning folks have ingrained this lie about grace and sin so deep into their spirit and have heard it repeated for hundreds of years that it is now another gospel. It is a gospel that denies the power of the Cross to transform lives and overcome sin.
4. Shut up the kingdom of God for others
We are called to aim for perfection in our obedience to Jesus. But some false teachers take this too far and claim we must be absolutely sinless without any exceptions. I believe some do indeed reach a sinless perfection state by walking fully in the Holy Spirit and resisting all temptation and only doing what the Spirit of Truth tells them to do. But to extrapolate this possibility and goal that every Christian should have deep in their heart into an absolute requirement denies the promises of forgiveness and mercy that the Lord has abundantly blessed us with. This does not mean we have a license to sin so do not misunderstand me, if you have read my posts, you know where I stand on that our call to obedience. God knows your heart, if you are striving to obey and upon conviction by the Holy Spirit when you stumble into a sin; your love for God will drive you to confess and seek forgiveness. Weakness and stumbling is not the same as wickedness and practicing sin. If you abuse grace and do not turn from inherent wickedness you have not repented my friend and are destined to Hell regardless if you profess a belief in Jesus. Your belief is not true belief if that is the case.
The problem is some false teachers make it impossible to get into heaven. This is those that teach a works salvation. We are definitely called to do works and to obey Christ, but the devil is in the details. They preach things they themselves do not attain or adhere in their own walk and by doing so shut up the kingdom of God not only for themselves but for those that follow their teachings. The devil uses this type of false teaching to discourage Christians and have them fall away from the Faith. Jesus warned the Pharisees about this.
Matthew 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Galatians 1:6-8 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! Knowing what the true gospel is and adhering to it is our call to action and our only safety net. Ironically, these very words in Galatians have been some of the most twisted in the Bible, being used to teach that obedience to the commands of Jesus are optional. But there are still many denominations and sects such as Catholics that teach salvation comes by following man made rituals and ceremonies that have nothing to do with salvation.
2 Tim 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. What is a Christian to think given all the access to a competing stream of thoughts, ideas, doctrines and belief systems about God. There is only one TRUTH and that is Christ. We must KNOW Him.
5. Become evil judges: Speaking evil of our fellow man is a sure sign of a false teacher. There is a fine line between rebuking a brother with gentleness and humility versus speaking out as an evil judge. In the passage from 2 Peter we looked at earlier, Peter continued and gave us some indicators of the actions of false teachers.
2 Peter 2:10-11 They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. The Apostle James also spoke about the brethren speaking evil.
James 4:11-12 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? Paul constantly tells us how to minister to our brothers and sisters. Many Bible thumping zealots that no not LOVE, must skip right over these passages.
2 Tim 2:24-26 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Titus 3:9-10 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Many teachers, especially those on blog sites and YouTube have made the entire focus of their ministries to speak out against fellow teachers. They argue their interpretation of the Bible as opposed to discussing their differences and edifying each other; and instead have become evil judges. It is all about them, it is not about pointing people to Christ despite their “holy roller” words. To me this is the best indication someone is teaching falsely; when they have been overtaken by pride, God resists them and they unwittingly become a minister of Satan and begin to destroy the Kingdom of God all in the name of God. I don’t care how many times you say “Praise the Lord” or “Hallelujah”, if you are condemning your brother you are nothing but an evil judge and a false teacher.
Here are some further writings of Paul about how we are to correct and discuss matters of the faith with our brothers. Folks I speak from experience, I learned this lesson the hard way.
Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Col 4:6 Let you conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone
Phil 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all
We cannot be a clanging cymbal, we must love one another as Jesus has commanded. Otherwise our ministry is of no effect and bears no fruit for God.
Litmus tests of a True Teacher
Space doesn’t allow me to say all I would like but I wanted to leave the reader with some litmus tests, things to think about that may help them discern the truth.
1. True teachers will not be popular. Scripture makes it clear that true teachers will be heavily persecuted and reviled for what they teach.
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. It seems everyone loves the preachers and teachers that speak about God’s love and implicitly tell you there is no need for repentance, obedience and paying the cost of discipleship Jesus spoke of.
Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets. Popular teachers have no critics, everyone loves their message.
People just don’t want to hear the truth. They want to believe they can keep on sinning, enjoy their lives without needing to change a thing and live just like the rest of the world does and go to heaven. Paul told Timothy that in the end times, people would gather around them teachers who tell them what their itching ears want to hear. It is indeed not a popular message to say one must stop practicing sin and repent or go to hell. This is the message all the prophets brought and the message Jesus brought also, but Jesus changed the game. He gave us the power to succeed.
2. True teachers will not be preaching “peace & safety” We are told false teachers would be yelling “peace and safety” in the end times when the judgment of God is at hand. Nobody wants to hear about God’s wrath, the judgment and eternal damnation. Man naturally just wants to hear about God’s promises and His abundant love. While true, the whole counsel of God must be preached.
1 Thess 5:1-3 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Jeremiah 8:11 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. False teachers like to dress up our sin-fullness and say it does not matter, creating a false sense of security.
I believe we are in the very late stages of the end times. The woes of the world are the beginning of God’s judgment and relate to the birth pangs Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24. Rather than lulling people to sleep, we need to awaken the church so they will have extra oil in their lamps and not be like the five foolish virgins ( believers) who Jesus will tell Go Away I Know You Not.
3. True teachers are not self promoting or boastful
True teachers will be promoting Christ and Him Crucified and repentance of sin. They will not boast of how large their ministry is or how many souls they have saved, but they will only boast that they Know God.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD
That is why I cringe when I see the focus of churches on sheer numbers. The focus should be on quality not quantity. There is no safety in numbers with God. The path is narrow. My belief is that all the big popular teachers paraded out in public around the world and on TV are false teachers. They are just too well liked and not the subject of persecution from the tares sitting inside of most churches.
2 Cor 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. Here Paul speaks to the Corinthians about false teachers that were criticizing him, using their eloquent speech and smooth talk to convince the early church they were the real deal and Paul was a fake. Paul showed great humility in his flesh and did not boast and a sure sign of a false teacher is a cocky boastful spirit.
False teachers speak about God, use the name of Jesus liberally at that but underpinning the whole message is the attempt to get you to follow them rather than Christ. All true teachers will point people to Christ and will not be seeking an audience or the approval of man. In fact we are told to expect persecution as a sign we are speaking truth.
4. True teachers don’t do it for money
Godliness is not a means to financial gain. What has been freely given to us should be freely given to others. When I see pastors or bloggers strong arming and guilt tripping people into sending money my antenna go up and I hear the words ALERT ALERT.
1 Tim 6:5 ….. who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
While this post is not the place for this debate, I will say that we are not under the law of tithing. False teachers seek money most of the time. Just as Balaam prophesied for money, so do many modern day teachers that really seek to accumulate things for themselves instead of freely giving what has been given to them by God for FREE. Watch TBN at your own risk and peril. Listen to many of the ppopular radio teachers. In many cases half the message is an appeal for money and then you hear about the mansions they live in, the private jets they fly in, the entourages they travel with etc. I do believe in supporting ministries and my actions agree with my words, but we need to be careful to sow where a harvest can be raised by God. Going back to 2 Peter, this was said about false teachers, using Baalam, the prophet who sold out God’s truth for money.
2 Peter 2:15-16 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
We should support godly ministries and churches where we are led by the Holy Spirit to do so. But there is no legal burden of tithing and if you here that you might want to look further because bigger error lies just around the corner.
5. True teachers show gentleness when attacked
We looked at this already from the opposite view point of false teachers. But know this, any man of God is going to turn the other cheek when he is attacked and persecuted. He is not going to stoop to the level of the false teachers and begin hurling darts at each other.
Titus 3:1-2 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
When the chips are down and people are under attack or where their pride is on the line, you can tell much about them by how they react. God gave us anger as an emotion to vent, but we are also told to not let the sun go down on our anger. We must forgive others and we must turn the other cheek and not stoop to the level of those that attack us. Our world system teaches the opposite of what Christ taught.
Test the Spirits
If we truly belong to Christ, the Holy Spirit will speak to us and guide us. The true measure of a Christian is their ability to discern the voice of God and follow His leading. Satan is a counterfeiter and will attempt to trip up Christians with false teachings and with false voices. God allows this as it is part of His chastening to prepare us for His Kingdom. We must know the truth and He is the truth and His Word conveys only truth.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
The importance of following the Holy Spirit does not relieve us of our obligation to tests the spirits; we simply cannot afford to be deceived. The Holy Scriptures which contain the Word of God are infallible and God would never tell us anything that would contradict His written Word. That is why we must study the Scriptures and constantly seek wisdom from God. If we hear a voice or a teaching that contradicts the written Word, it cannot be from God and we should run not walk from that Spirit.
1 john 4:1-4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
The Scriptures are indeed our infallible source to ensure we are listening to a voice speaking truth.
2 Tim 2:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible is your only reliable source to test with. You can seek the council of brothers and sisters in Christ but even their input must pass the test of Scripture properly divided.
Conclusion & My Ministry
The first sign of the end times Jesus shared with the Apostles was that false teachers would arise everywhere claiming to speak the truth of Christ yet they would be deceivers. The Greek word “many” here translated means the majority or greater perponderance. I don’t profess to have all the light, nobody does and I continue to seek TRUTH as we all should. But the fact is most of the Church is in error and is deceived.
Matthew 24:4-5 “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
The Lord keeps telling me the judgment is at hand, it is coming much sooner than we think. The tribulations are next and all that can be shaken will be shaken as God prepares for the return of Jesus. I did not set out to be a teacher, I sincerely believe God is calling me to become one. Paul’s words to Timothy are the example all teachers should follow.
2 Tim 4:2-4 Preach the word! Be ready in season andout of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 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; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
I do not take lightly any of the Scriptures and what I have spoken here on this blog. I know I have made errors but I believe in my heart that this work is driven by the Holy Spirit in me and while just a man, that God is using us to preach righteousness and the knowledge of the truth as His coming is imminent. Please feel free to comment on any of my posts and disagree with me. I will not get angry or defensive but instead will become curious. I have learned much from my fellow brothers and have indeed came to a more mature understanding of the truth as my walk has endured.
Thanks for bearing with me on this lengthy post. It has been an immense help to me to identify improvements I must make to be faithful to God’s Word. I thank the other ministers of God who have edified me by their blog posts, videos and sermons. Let’s continue to edify each other.
Remember, that in doing God’s work we were promised we would face persecution.
2 Tim 2:12 ALL who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
May God Bless You Richly!!!
Luke 6:40 a pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher
Whoever we follow and sit under, we will end up just like then when we are fully trained. Blind men make people blind to the true gospel. Welcome to Babylon!
I doubt a man preaching the true gospel, the one based on making and keeping covenant with the Lord is going to have a valid testimony. The true church is called out of the world by the Lord Himself. That is what the meaning of church is, called out and separated, a holy people unto the Lord. They walk in covenant. They drink His blood and eat His body, they have died with the Lord and He has raised them up in power of His spirit. Blessed are they who die unto the Lord henceforth says the angel in Revelation 14. This was speaking of death to the flesh and renewal of Spirit (Born Again)
Is it possible that a preacher can be false due it’s credibility and personal testimonies? though his preaching seemed to be inclined with the scriptures?
What will happen to a church that is led by unfilled spiritually leader (most often)?
can a division a sign of it?
Even in the early church at the time of the apostles, deceivers are already there and opposing the truth.
Have you noticed other sect or denomination don’t agree each other?
Because of their different teachings and doctrines contrary to the teaching of Christ and his apostles. The intention of men is to follow them for their selfish ambition. “But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (Ja. 3:14-17)
But just as apostles and prophet of the Lord prophesied it happened from the time of the apostle until now. “Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”(Ac. 15:5) For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. (Tit. 1:9-10)
When God first started opening up the Scriptures to me, I was initially in the camp of wanting to criticize and say virtually everyone was a false teacher. If you didn’t agree with me you were false as I had it all figured out. I realized later this was just the enemy coming to me to build up pride and judgmentalism in me so my miniistry and testimony would be destroyed. We are to expose the deeds of darkness and rebuke sin but do so in a gentle and loving way, seasoned with salt. Paul says if we have not love, we are just a clanging symbol (1 Cor 13).
I think sharing your beliefs to friends and discussing matters of faith is fellowshipping. We edify each other. Of course the devil will work both sides of this if we are unaware of his schemes. I don’t see a lot of verses telling us to go tell everyone they are a false teacher, although there are lots of warnings about them. I see this guidance more about exposing sin and behavior not conforming one to godliness. Clearly we have to take the logs out of our eyes to be effective and non hypocritical when we judge sin. When we do it this way, it is not us judging but God judging.
You will know them by their fruits. If a person speaks falsely and is a practicioneer of sin, then they should be called out. If a person speaks in error but yet strives to live a godly live in Christ and bears many fruits of the spirit, then I would not try to force your beliefs upon them. Show them by example you know the Lord and the Lord will lead them to you in the right time if He wants you to reveal new truth to them.
1 Timothy 5:20 Rebuke those who sin publically so all will made fearful of sinning
Do you think it is a womans job to call out false teachers?
Also, if I have gone to a church for ‘fleshy’ reasons, and that church clearly stated it was OSAS on its website…should I then even try to call it out?
Some say it is now my responsibility, and if I love them I will do it, what do you think?
In Jesus
Deborah
Pete, bite busy of late,. As far as Judging goes see 1Cor2:13-16, ‘The Spiritual man Judges ALL things!’ (This is different from hypocritical judgment). Also see 1Cor13:6 Love believes all things, yes, but does not rejoice in iniquity or injustice!’ There is no tolerance to error in the Bible. We are to expose it (error) at all times. Let the chips fall where they may, No compromises, we must stick to the Truth!
I would say that apart from any outward signs, such as speaking in tongues, as some hold to as a sign of being born again,,,,,(from the charismatic moment which I was a part of for yrs), the Presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling you should be revealed in the Fruit of the Spirit being produced in your desires, conduct and dispositions. Gal5:22-24(no exception) As James says, the Wisdom from Above, James3:13-18, without this, no Spirit could possibly be present in an individual. The Spirit of Truth, John16, will lead you, me into all truth, not error and convict the world of sin to repent and live righteously. Never in truth and in error at the same time.
These wolfs with their false teachings have poisoned the entire world as far as Christianity goes. We are told to content for the faith in truth.
“The word false teacher is not in that 1 COR 3”. Agree.
stay bless
Ben, A few more thoughts on your comment.
1. I believe sanctification is a process of Christian maturity, it is not instant for most although God does it when He wills. There are many verses that speak to Christian maturity (babes in Christ) and building upon your faith and adding to your faith, these speak to the process of us being sanctified by following the Holy Spirit. If we stay on course he leads us to the end goal of purity. His Word says He will complete the good work He started in us if we abide in Him. This says to me it is not necessarily done in an instant. This is where I allow in my understanding of the truth for stumbles and weaknesses as He completes that work.
2. The line of separation is in our hearts. God knows our hearts and knows whether our repentance is sincere and we are just babes stumbling as we are lead to maturity OR if we are taking pleasure in our unrighteousness. If we take pleasure in sin, and do not mourn, weep over that sin as we get convicted of it , we have not repented. We are close but not totally in agreement on that point based on our last exchange.
3. I take very seriously all the warnings and encouragement about ministering to others in love, humility and gentleness. We are to correct, rebuke our brothers but we are told to do it nicely, unless they are an obvious wolf. Everyone that doesnt know the gospel perfectly is not a wolf, they just have more to learn unless they really are a minister of Satan. So while I believe people like Billy have created millions of tares and have set people unwittingly on a broad path to destruction. God may well save some from the fire. But I agree the OSAS teachers have made a mockery of the truth and need to be called out. I am reluctant to judge harshly because by the same measure I judge, I will be judged. I am by no means perfect but I am earnestly striving to get there. I battled pride when I first starting to understand scripture and became an evil judge of others yet I still had plank in my own eye. My plank has largely been removed, but I am not content. I am looking to purify myself and am encouraging others to do the same, thru the power of God by following the Spirit of Truth.
4. Imputed Righteousness: Agree it has been mistaught and is at the root of much of false teaching. But I believe veerses like 1 john 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness., and Hebrews where it speaks to the one mediator between us and God being Christ, tell me God’s Grace extends beyond our coming to true faith via repentance for subsequent mistakes and stumbles. Again, if we turn this into a license to sin, we deceive ourselves. God knows our hearts and we will be condemned if we mock God in this manner. When we stumble and subsequently sin, we are forgiven. If we never repent yet confess our sins, we are damned for our lack of obedience.
Thanks brother, I find our exchanges edifying to me. I continue to seek the whole truth and wisdom from above.
Ben, Thank you for your comment. It will take me time to fully respond as I have some other commitments in the short term. You raise some excellent observations and points. The 1 Cor 3 passage, how do you interpret it? When Paul speaks of WORK (ie ministry fruit) in building upon the foundation of Christ that he has laid upon and goes on to say someone else is building upon the foundation. I read it that people with faith can build on it with straw and hay and while their work will be burnt up if it doesnt pass the test, they may escape thru the flames of their work and still be saved. I see it as they are well meaning but just in error. The word false teacher is not in that 1 COR 3 passage, it is simply referred to as building with hay and straw. If my interpretation is right and I beleive it is, then these people building with hay and straw are not viewed the same as false teachers spoken of elsewhere. So I am thinking I may have erred by not making that point clear. It was in the section of the blog post that spoke to everyone appointing themselves teachers yet God says HE CALLS THE TEACHERS. If we teach when we are not supposed to, we are outside of God’s will. I seek wisdom on that topic often with God. More to follow. God Bless
“False teachers that truly believe in Christ may still be saved, but their work for Christ (the fruits of their ministry) will be burned up. The souls these teachers think they are saving could well be burned up with fire on the last day; yet they themselves shall be saved with great loss. Those that build on the foundation of Christ properly will receive rewards in heaven. Paul wrote specifically on this to the Corinthians who were arguing over what Gospel teacher (Paul vs Apollos) had it right”.
How can a false teacher be a true believer in Christ, what truth is there in them to bring anyone to the light, when they themselves will not come to the light because their deeds are evil. By these people they way of truth is blasphemed. Their gospel is design to close the door to heaven on anyone who receives it as truth. A deceitful worker is going to heaven on what grounds Pete??? Is either you gather with him or you scatter (antichrist)Mat 12:30, and they are not gathering but scattering. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Pls 5:9Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Roman 3:13
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Eze 3:18
How much more of these false teachers who ways are deceitful. How do they get a pass?
The thief (false teachers) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Joh 10:10 ……..very clear contrast.
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. Ps 37:20
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.Jeremiah 23:1
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 heart of the simple Roman16:18
“Many teachers claim there are multiple paths to God. I have heard this from Oprah, Joel Osteen, others and sadly even from Billy Graham. I hope Billy just made a mistake but He did say it on Larry King. Jesus is THE way, the truth and the life. He is the ONLY way to Father. This type of false teacher is harder to spot than the others because they speak of God, Jesus, the Bible, Love and many attributes of the truth. But they do not speak the whole truth and that is the problem. Do not measure the truth by how popular or smooth sounding the message. Measure truth by the word of God”.
About Mr. Graham, he has made some of the outlandish statement that should make any one who seeks for truth weep for him and his hearers. Yet he is seen as one of greatest evangelist in modern day history along with many false teachers, past and present. I say only in the false Christ kingdom. Definitely not in the kingdom of Christ of the scripture. I do not have any hatred against him or any of the others I feel for them,,,, truth be told is heart wrenching to hear him and others distort the truth,,,, in your own admission Pete you have been to his crusades,,,but never was converted (why was that?)….to Jeremiah the lord said of the false prophets…. if these prophets I have sent them they will cause my people to walk in my counsel…not depart far from it.
“One of his favorite statements (unscriptural) I may add is that God don’t see the old evil heart of Bill Graham, but he sees Jesus”. All because he teachers the false doctrine of “IMPPUTATION OF RIGHTOUSNESS”.
Jeremiah 23: 24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
The statement you alluded to I saw the clip on larry king,,,,taking to Dr. schillar another one….then John Macarthur (another one) who hold to OSAS teachings . All outraged and bent out of shape,, about Mr. Graham statement..i say,, is all theater with these folks. Go to oneplace.com you will see them there,,,,,they feed of each another. If you can reach Mr.Graham speak to him before is too late,,, sad to say with these people they have lost their ears to hear and refuse Godly instruction, why simply because they are prude and above reproach. I sense you have soft spot for him But Pete there is no such thing as half truth in Christ and call them out we must.
“Many false teachers only teach the Love of God and totally ignore the command that we obey God and seek a life of holiness before Him. The fear of God and the wrath of God that comes on the sons of disobedience is not even mentioned or at least in proper context”.
We are told to preach the whole counsel of God. Just as today they preach the Grounds by which we are saved and completely ignore the condition one must met to get saved (we told by Christ scripture cannot be broken). Again half truth is no truth at all…..
“This type of false teacher is harder to spot than the others because they speak of God, Jesus, the Bible, Love and many attributes of the truth. But they do not speak the whole truth and that is the problem. Do not measure the truth by how popular or smooth sounding the message. Measure truth by the word of God”.
They are hard to spot,,, if you are unable to read between the lines….they all say the same thing just in different voices,,,, but the bottom line of their message is the same ,,,resulting death to the hears. Again half truth is no truth at all…. They mix truth with error so is difficult for you to see them as being false….but like Jesus said you know them by their fruit…..they can’t preach,,,what is not in them…but what is in them which is corruption which they preach.
4. True teachers don’t do it for money
I agree,,,,if one study Paul ,,,you will see that with him it was all about bring people from darkness to light, weep day and night pleading ….sticking to what is important, which is saving souls.
“God knows your heart, if you are striving to obey and upon conviction by the Holy Spirit when you stumble into a sin; your love for God will drive you to confess and seek forgiveness.
Faith is obedient we are call to obey not try to obey. Nothing will make up for our lack of obedience. Yes the first responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin… so one will repent of those sins not just confessing them.
“Weakness and stumbling is not the same as wickedness and practicing sin”. Pete am not sure what you are saying here. Are Christians weak and stumblers or we walk in the power of God thereby having power over sin,,, As we obey the spirit.
“I believe some do indeed reach a sinless perfection state by walking fully in the Holy Spirit and resisting all temptation and only doing what the Spirit of Truth tells them to do”.
That is a True Christians.
“But some false teachers take this too far and claim we must be absolutely sinless without any exceptions” If you believe sin must stop, and Christians as you have describe above are sinless people, because they have cease from sining,,,,,and are set free from sin,,,,and working in righteousness as we are all require to do as Christians,,, I don’t understand your statement “But some false teachers take this too far and claim we must be absolutely sinless without any exceptions”. We can’t have it both ways.
“The problem is some false teachers make it impossible to get into heaven. This is those that teach a works salvation”.
Again salvation is of a working faith from beginning to the end according to the written word of God. We are to work out our salvation with fear trembling as you have said.
“We are called to aim for perfection in our obedience to Jesus. But if one doesn’t reach perfection, then what, what will get him/her over. This leaves the impression that if you are trying and God know that you are trying he cut you some slack….in the end we must be perfect, blameless without spot,,,,trying don’t cut it. His yoke is light if Grace is working in you,,,,,,but his commandments are burdensome to does try out outside his power.
Thank you.