False Teachers

Jesus'followers today must be aware that within some churches there may be ministers who preach and teach God's Word, but inside they are just like the corrupt teachers of God's law in Jesus' time. Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to know and follow Him is a true believer. There are a number of Christian missionaries, pastors, evangelists, teachers, musicians and other church leaders and workers who are not what they claim or appear to be.

On the outside, these individuals will "appear to people as righteous" (Matt. 23:28). They come "in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (Matt. 7:15). One of the reasons that this type of minister could fool even godly people is because they seem to base their messages on the standards and principles found in God's Word and talk of high moral and spiritual standards. They seem truly concerned for God's work and may show great interest in the spiritual salvation of the lost. These leaders may appear for a time to be great ministers and servants that are empowered by the Holy Spirit. They may even perform miracles and experience great success, causing many to follow their leadership.

No matter how spiritually successful these people may seem to be, they are speaking and acting out of empty hearts. The Bible says they are related spiritually to the false prophets of the Old Testament and to the Pharisees of the New Testament (Matt. 23). Jesus
strongly challenged the Pharisees and teachers of the law who made it difficult for people to understand and accept the truth. He exposed their double standards and false leadership (Matt. 23:27-28). These imposters gain influence in the church in two ways: Some false teachers/preachers began their ministry with right motives, devoted to spiritual truth, moral purity and genuine faith in Christ. Then through pride and immoral desires, they gradually lose their love for and commitment to Christ. As they continue on this path, their devotion dies, and they lose their place in God's kingdom. As a result, they become instruments of satan, while still disguising themselves as ministers of truth. Other false teachers/preachers have never been genuine followers of Christ. satan has planted them within the church from the start of their ministry. He uses their abilities and charismatic or appealing personalities to affect others and to move them further along toward "success". The devil's strategy is to place them in positions of influence so they can weaken and hinder the genuine work of Christ. satan knows that when these dishonest and deceitful leaders are exposed even more damage will be done to the message and reputation of the church. But even worse, the name of Christ will be put to shame.

Testing: Jesus warned His disciples fourteen times in the gospels to watch out for leaders who would twist the truth and mislead people. In other places, God's Word instructs His people to "test" teachers, preachers and leaders in the church to prove that their hearts are in a right relationship with Him and that their lives and messages are consistent with the principles and standards of God's Word. The following steps can be taken to discern, test, and expose false teachers or false prophets:
1. Discern their character. Do they have active and consistent prayer lives? Do they show a heartfelt and pure devotion to God? Are they people of honesty, integrity and moral discipline? Do they show growth in godly character and evidence that God's Spirit is living in and through them? Do they truly love and reach out to those who do not yet have a personal relationship with Christ? Do they hate wickedness and love righteousness? Do they preach against sin - and avoid all forms of it in their own lives?

2. Discern their motives. True and genuine Christian leaders will seek to do four things: honor Christ above all else, lead the church into spiritual growth nd holiness, lead those who are spiritually lost into the light of forgiveness and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and proclaim and defend the true message of Christ as revealed throughout the New Testament.

Evaluate the fruit of their lives and message. The false teacher/preacher will hide the truth, confuse people and cause division. Often, the fruit of false teachers/preachers will be followers and converts who do not have any depth of character and who are not totally committed to all of God's Word.

Discern their level of reliance on God's Word. Do they believe, preach or teach consistently with the original writings of both the Old and New Testaments?

Finally, test their integrity. Do they handle all church finances properly? Do they further the growth of God's work according to New Testament standards?

We must realize that in spite of all that God's faithful people do to evaluate leaders' lives and messages, there will still be false teachers who, with satan's help, remain undetected until God decides to expose them for what they are.