If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is actually a false teacher?

[bdavidc]

14 hours ago, warrior12 said:

Not changing the topic here, but to reinforce the point of how each believer reading the very scripture you are reading would have difference of outcomes.  Are they being decietful or ???

When different people read the same Scripture and come to opposing conclusions, it does not mean the Scripture is unclear; it means someone is wrong. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and His Word does not contradict itself. The issue is not that truth changes based on who reads it, but that people approach Scripture with different hearts, some humble and teachable, others prideful or influenced by false doctrine. That’s why 2 Timothy 2:15 commands, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Not every misinterpretation is deceitful, but some are. 2 Peter 3:16 warns that “they that are unlearned and unstable wrest the Scriptures “unto their own destruction.” Some are sincerely misled, others are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), and still others are simply immature and need to grow. That’s why Scripture tells us to “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to “search the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Truth is not found in opinions or consensus, it is found in the written Word of God, rightly divided, and revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who truly seek Him.

[warrior12]

2 hours ago, bdavidc said:

When different people read the same Scripture and come to opposing conclusions, it does not mean the Scripture is unclear; it means someone is wrong.

Iagree with that .But who is the judge here on earth to pronounce the verdict ?.  How do you know that your conclusion is  absolute and correct.   For example, can women be pastors and are they to be silent in the church ?.   

Come let us reason . You see, I am not trying to be antagonistic, but to show, that there are scripture, that each has to wrestle with and come to their conclusion.  Some may see it different from you, and I guess  each will have to give an account on that day as to his stance.  If two people have the holy spirit to teach and guide them, and two different outcome or interpretation or revelation or insight or spiritual guidance, or whatever you want to call it, then who is the judge.  In your eyes, you are sure, absolute, and I get that, because you are sure you are rightly testing the spirit.

In many obvious cases, yes , the beliver can denounce a teaching that is false, but in some case, there are cause to understand what the word is saying about a situation.  Example, head  covering, for me it is plain that  women are to cover their head, but multitudes say the women hair is that covering and so on.   You know all of this , so while these are not salvation issues, they are nevertheless to contemplate with .

Well, we now have thousands of different church fragmentation, all because of difference in understanding the word as written .   Humans are fallible men, even saved ones.  We can and do error at at times and if steadfast in the word and prayer, the holy spirit would pick us into the right pathways, if we are obedient and not stray from the righteous pathways.

I think I will conclude my discussion here and let others have their say. Bless.

Edited May 10 by warrior12

[Michael37]

6 hours ago, bdavidc said:

When different people read the same Scripture and come to opposing conclusions, it does not mean the Scripture is unclear; it means someone is wrong. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and His Word does not contradict itself. The issue is not that truth changes based on who reads it, but that people approach Scripture with different hearts, some humble and teachable, others prideful or influenced by false doctrine. That’s why 2 Timothy 2:15 commands, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Not every misinterpretation is deceitful, but some are. 2 Peter 3:16 warns that “they that are unlearned and unstable wrest the Scriptures “unto their own destruction.” Some are sincerely misled, others are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), and still others are simply immature and need to grow. That’s why Scripture tells us to “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to “search the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Truth is not found in opinions or consensus, it is found in the written Word of God, rightly divided, and revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who truly seek Him.

Hi @bdavidc

If I say thankyou for your observations, will you reply with some contrarian remark, or engage in edifying, empathetic dialogue?

Gal 6:1  Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

We sometimes have to place members on Moderation Review, with none of their posts being made public until approved by one of the Oversight Team. It's just a gentle way to encourage maverick members not to savage other members with offensive rhetoric.

[Tristen]

8 hours ago, enoob57 said:

Those of us that know Scripture know you are a man of Scripture 

Thank you @enoob57. Your encouragement is appreciated.

[George]

I just read through this thread ... very interesting ... 

Just out of curiosity -- if you really think about it, as we walk with the Lord over time, our theology often adjusts to new insights and revelations. It’s like a working theology. I can’t recall which church father said it, but he likened the Word to a mansion with a thousand doors, each with its own unique key. The right key unlocks a more profound mystery, allowing us to enter further into the maze of understanding.

Can we honestly say we believe the exact same way now as when we first came to faith? If we taught something early on that we later adjusted as we grew in understanding, did that make us “false teachers” when our understanding differed from today? And if we continue to adjust our beliefs over the years, does that mean we were insincere in the past?

If we can adjust our theology as we grow in the Lord without being labeled as “false teachers,” can we extend that same grace to others? This is why examining a teacher’s motivations and fruit is so important. Are they genuinely seeking the truth but caught up in a falsehood, or are they intentionally leading others astray? The distinction matters.

[1to3]

6 hours ago, George said:

This is why examining a teacher’s motivations and fruit is so important. Are they genuinely seeking the truth but caught up in a falsehood, or are they intentionally leading others astray? The distinction matters.

Hello @George

I would sincerely hope and pray that as a person who finds salvation through Gods plan of Mercy and Grace, grow in Christ and become more and more the child of God, God always intended for them to be.

If a person remains the same, stagnant  unchanged, after years and years of claims they are a christian yet their lifestyle, how they treat others says different, than how is the Holy Spirit of God truly working in them?

you mentioned: This is why examining a teacher’s motivations and fruit is so important

It is extremely important, especially if they have been given a status of authority.

James ch3:1  marks how important it is not to mislead, especially when in a position of authority.

"Are they genuinely seeking the truth but caught up in a falsehood, or are they intentionally leading others astray? The distinction matters. "

Either way, they are mislead and misleading

If a brother or sister sees that another brother or sister is in sin, they need to help by lovingly showing Gods Word to them to point them in the correct direction, if the other does not want correction, then one should not coddle that person in their sin, Becoming an inabler is not helpful for the person caught up in their sins,

Yes we do grow in Christ Jesus when we are willing to truly submit to the authority of Gods Word over our own reasoning and justification for continuing in our sins.

Sin, uncorrected leads eventually to a reprobate mind.

False teachers are those who live in sin uncorrected and mislead others in their uncorrected state.

It is written that teachers or people given a status of authority higher than others do have a bigger responsibility in seeing that they teach property and not mislead others.

Misleading others is a grave offence.

 

James ch3:1 which states, 

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment." 

This verse highlights that those who teach will be judged more strictly. 

[bdavidc]

9 hours ago, George said:

I just read through this thread ... very interesting ... 

Just out of curiosity -- if you really think about it, as we walk with the Lord over time, our theology often adjusts to new insights and revelations. It’s like a working theology. I can’t recall which church father said it, but he likened the Word to a mansion with a thousand doors, each with its own unique key. The right key unlocks a more profound mystery, allowing us to enter further into the maze of understanding.

Can we honestly say we believe the exact same way now as when we first came to faith? If we taught something early on that we later adjusted as we grew in understanding, did that make us “false teachers” when our understanding differed from today? And if we continue to adjust our beliefs over the years, does that mean we were insincere in the past?

If we can adjust our theology as we grow in the Lord without being labeled as “false teachers,” can we extend that same grace to others? This is why examining a teacher’s motivations and fruit is so important. Are they genuinely seeking the truth but caught up in a falsehood, or are they intentionally leading others astray? The distinction matters.

The Bible, not human growth or evolving perspectives, is the final and unchanging authority on truth. While it’s true that believers grow in their understanding over time (2 Peter 3:18), that growth is meant to bring us into clearer alignment with what is already written, not to introduce “new revelations” or evolving theologies. Scripture is not a mansion of shifting keys but a solid, finished foundation, “forever settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). The idea that our theology must change over time undermines the sufficiency and clarity of God's Word. According to 2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” God’s Word equips us fully, not partially, not gradually through shifting interpretations.

When someone teaches error, regardless of motive, that error is still false. The Bible warns that even well-meaning people can be deceived and deceive others (2 Timothy 3:13). Paul rebuked Peter publicly in Galatians 2:11–14, not because Peter had evil motives, but because his behavior was not according to the truth of the gospel. Intent does not excuse error, especially in teaching. Teachers are held to a higher standard (James 3:1), and Scripture commands us to test everything by the Word (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11), not by a person’s perceived sincerity or fruit.

The word for “false teacher” in 2 Peter 2:1 is pseudodidaskalos (ψευδοδιδάσκαλος), which literally means a spurious or counterfeit instructor. It describes someone teaching what is not true, regardless of whether they feel sincere. If a person teaches a lie about Christ, salvation, or any foundational truth of the faith, even if they later correct themselves, they were wrong then. God’s grace may cover the repentant, but it doesn’t redefine error as truth while they were in it.

Yes, we must be discerning (Philippians 1:9–10), and yes, we show grace to those who are genuinely seeking. But the Bible never tells us to soften the label of false teaching just because someone’s motives seem noble. Instead, we are to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3), holding fast to the truth and exposing error so that others are not led astray.

The standard is always the Word of God, rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15), not a shifting theology or evolving maze of interpretations.

[Alive]

3 minutes ago, bdavidc said:

The Bible, not human growth or evolving perspectives, is the final and unchanging authority on truth. While it’s true that believers grow in their understanding over time (2 Peter 3:18), that growth is meant to bring us into clearer alignment with what is already written, not to introduce “new revelations” or evolving theologies. Scripture is not a mansion of shifting keys but a solid, finished foundation, “forever settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). The idea that our theology must change over time undermines the sufficiency and clarity of God's Word. According to 2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” God’s Word equips us fully, not partially, not gradually through shifting interpretations.

When someone teaches error, regardless of motive, that error is still false. The Bible warns that even well-meaning people can be deceived and deceive others (2 Timothy 3:13). Paul rebuked Peter publicly in Galatians 2:11–14, not because Peter had evil motives, but because his behavior was not according to the truth of the gospel. Intent does not excuse error, especially in teaching. Teachers are held to a higher standard (James 3:1), and Scripture commands us to test everything by the Word (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11), not by a person’s perceived sincerity or fruit.

The word for “false teacher” in 2 Peter 2:1 is pseudodidaskalos (ψευδοδιδάσκαλος), which literally means a spurious or counterfeit instructor. It describes someone teaching what is not true, regardless of whether they feel sincere. If a person teaches a lie about Christ, salvation, or any foundational truth of the faith, even if they later correct themselves, they were wrong then. God’s grace may cover the repentant, but it doesn’t redefine error as truth while they were in it.

Yes, we must be discerning (Philippians 1:9–10), and yes, we show grace to those who are genuinely seeking. But the Bible never tells us to soften the label of false teaching just because someone’s motives seem noble. Instead, we are to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3), holding fast to the truth and exposing error so that others are not led astray.

The standard is always the Word of God, rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15), not a shifting theology or evolving maze of interpretations.

Is your own understanding of scripture complete and correct?

[bdavidc]

18 minutes ago, Alive said:

Is your own understanding of scripture complete and correct?

No, my personal understanding of Scripture is not perfect or complete, but that is exactly why we are commanded to test everything by the unchanging Word of God, not by personal opinion or private interpretation. Proverbs 3:5–6 warns us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Our understanding is limited, but God's Word is perfect (Psalm 19:7). That is why we are told to rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15), not reinvent it.

The Word of God stands as the final authority, not man’s evolving insight. Scripture interprets Scripture. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were called noble because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify the truth of what was being taught, even by the Apostle Paul. That is the standard. My responsibility, and the responsibility of every believer, is not to rely on personal wisdom, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word (Romans 12:2), letting Scripture explain Scripture, as it says in 1 Corinthians 2:13, spiritual truths are understood by comparing them with other spiritual truths revealed in God’s Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

The Greek word for “truth” used in John 17:17 is alētheia (ἀλήθεια), meaning that which is objectively true, what corresponds to reality, not opinion. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” So while no man has perfect understanding, the Scriptures are perfect, complete, and sufficient. The issue is not whether my understanding is flawless, it is whether what is being taught lines up with the full counsel of God’s Word. That is the only trustworthy standard.

[Alive]

6 minutes ago, bdavidc said:

No, my personal understanding of Scripture is not perfect or complete, but that is exactly why we are commanded to test everything by the unchanging Word of God, not by personal opinion or private interpretation. Proverbs 3:5–6 warns us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Our understanding is limited, but God's Word is perfect (Psalm 19:7). That is why we are told to rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15), not reinvent it.

The Word of God stands as the final authority, not man’s evolving insight. Scripture interprets Scripture. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were called noble because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify the truth of what was being taught, even by the Apostle Paul. That is the standard. My responsibility, and the responsibility of every believer, is not to rely on personal wisdom, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word (Romans 12:2), letting Scripture explain Scripture, as it says in 1 Corinthians 2:13, spiritual truths are understood by comparing them with other spiritual truths revealed in God’s Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

The Greek word for “truth” used in John 17:17 is alētheia (ἀλήθεια), meaning that which is objectively true, what corresponds to reality, not opinion. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” So while no man has perfect understanding, the Scriptures are perfect, complete, and sufficient. The issue is not whether my understanding is flawless, it is whether what is being taught lines up with the full counsel of God’s Word. That is the only trustworthy standard.

So then, you agree with what George wrote earlier. In your own lack of perfect understanding, might you be a false teacher at times…or just another of many on this adventure in growth and learning? Please consider this and measure your response accordingly.