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]

On 4/25/2025 at 7:28 PM, Tristen said:

I do not consider it my job to judge the "teacher", but rather the teaching. I listen to teaching to hear and learn from God - and not to scrutinize the legitimacy of the one delivering the message. The Holy Spirit can speak to you though a message - even if the doctrinal intent of the preacher is wrong.

Furthermore, a person can be 100% sincere in their faith - and at the same time 100% incorrect in some aspect of their doctrine. Only God knows the heart of the "teacher". 

I would encourage that we have sufficient humility and fear of God to refrain from speaking against potential works of God - simply because we disagree with some aspect of their doctrine. Or do we suppose ourselves to be the only Christian in history whom God has never had to teach and correct?

 

We make utility of basic hermeneutical (interpretation) principles.

For example, does the "teacher's" use of scripture conform to the meaning of the text when considered in-context? That means examining consistency between the "teacher's " use against the immediate grammatical context (surrounding verses, original language), local grammatical context (within the author's argument - e.g. letter or Gospel), and general grammatical context (i.e. the rest of scripture).

 

Anyone who discourages you from examining the scriptures for yourself is a "red flag"- including irritation at you scrutinizing their teaching against scripture. 

Even then, we should employ humility, grace and discernment; remembering that this could be a sign of mere insecurity, and not necessarily insincerity of heart. We all, even our "teachers", have human weaknesses and corruptions to overcome.

 

The Bible makes it clear that we are not only to judge teachings, but also to beware of false teachers themselves. Jesus warned plainly in Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He did not say to listen to their teaching and ignore who they are, but to be on guard against them because of the danger they pose. Paul also warned in Acts 20:29–30, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." False teachers are a threat to the church, and it is biblical to mark and avoid them, as commanded in Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

While it is true that only God knows the heart, the Bible never tells us to ignore error because someone might be sincere. Paul said in Galatians 1:8–9 that even if an angel from heaven preached a different gospel, he should be accursed, not tolerated or treated gently. Sincerity does not excuse false doctrine. Scripture teaches that false doctrine is deadly and must be opposed, not treated lightly (2 Peter 2:1–2).

The Bible also commands us to test everything by the Word of God, but testing includes rejecting false teachers when necessary. 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Testing is not just about analyzing a message in isolation, but about discerning whether the messenger is truly of God.

Scripture demands humility, but humility does not mean tolerating error. Jesus and the apostles confronted false teachers directly. Biblical love warns and protects the flock from wolves, not excuses them under the pretense of being humble.

In short, it is not biblical to separate the message from the messenger if the messenger is consistently corrupting the Word of God. We are commanded to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24) and to reject those who bring falsehood, no matter how sincere they seem.

[Anne2]

4 minutes ago, bdavidc said:

The Bible makes it clear that we are not only to judge teachings, but also to beware of false teachers themselves. Jesus warned plainly in Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He did not say to listen to their teaching and ignore who they are, but to be on guard against them because of the danger they pose. Paul also warned in Acts 20:29–30, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." False teachers are a threat to the church, and it is biblical to mark and avoid them, as commanded in Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

While it is true that only God knows the heart, the Bible never tells us to ignore error because someone might be sincere. Paul said in Galatians 1:8–9 that even if an angel from heaven preached a different gospel, he should be accursed, not tolerated or treated gently. Sincerity does not excuse false doctrine. Scripture teaches that false doctrine is deadly and must be opposed, not treated lightly (2 Peter 2:1–2).

The Bible also commands us to test everything by the Word of God, but testing includes rejecting false teachers when necessary. 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Testing is not just about analyzing a message in isolation, but about discerning whether the messenger is truly of God.

Scripture demands humility, but humility does not mean tolerating error. Jesus and the apostles confronted false teachers directly. Biblical love warns and protects the flock from wolves, not excuses them under the pretense of being humble.

In short, it is not biblical to separate the message from the messenger if the messenger is consistently corrupting the Word of God. We are commanded to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24) and to reject those who bring falsehood, no matter how sincere they seem.

In the days of the Apostles The scripture was not personally available to everybody. The scriptures were read to the mass of the people, by those who had access to them , and the time to study them. There was an authority structure. At synagogue, or at the temple, is where the people had the scriptures read and interpreted.

[Anne2]

18 minutes ago, bdavidc said:

The Bible makes it clear that we are not only to judge teachings, but also to beware of false teachers themselves. Jesus warned plainly in Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He did not say to listen to their teaching and ignore who they are, but to be on guard against them because of the danger they pose.

Who was this speaking to? His disciples especially his Apostles, to those given a ministry and a charge. Or Just anybody going to synagogue or temple to hear the scriptures? With authority comes responsibility, yes?

 

16 minutes ago, Anne2 said:

Paul also warned in Acts 20:29–30, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." False teachers are a threat to the church, and it is biblical to mark and avoid them, as commanded in Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

Again to whom is he speaking? To a Church leader, leadership? 

[farouk]

Topic shows just how vital searching the Scriptures prayerfully must be.

[farouk]

14 hours ago, bdavidc said:

False teachers are a threat to the church, and it is biblical to mark and avoid them, as commanded in Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

 

Hi @bdavidc A searching principle, indeed........

[bdavidc]

14 hours ago, Anne2 said:

Who was this speaking to? His disciples especially his Apostles, to those given a ministry and a charge. Or Just anybody going to synagogue or temple to hear the scriptures? With authority comes responsibility, yes?

While Jesus was speaking directly to His disciples in Matthew 7:15, the warning against false prophets is not limited only to the apostles or those with formal ministry roles. The broader context of His teachings shows that all believers are called to discernment. In the same Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs all who hear His words to act upon them (Matthew 7:24-27). Furthermore, the command to "beware" is given without restricting it to leaders alone. The New Testament also commands all believers to test teachings and spirits (1 John 4:1) and to hold fast to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13-14). The responsibility to be vigilant against false teaching belongs to every follower of Christ, not just to those in positions of authority. Believers are repeatedly urged to be sober and vigilant because their adversary, the devil, walks about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), a warning to the entire church, not only to leaders.

I believe one of the major reasons false teachings are spreading so rapidly is that many who profess to follow Jesus Christ do not take their responsibility seriously. Instead of studying the Word, testing the spirits, and abiding daily in Christ, they have handed over their spiritual vigilance to pastors and leaders, and they are content to sit passively in the pews. This passive Christianity is becoming like a deadly virus in the body of Christ. Much of this mindset has been fueled by the institutionalized church, which often encourages people to rely entirely on religious systems and authorities rather than cultivating a living, active faith and personal discernment rooted in Scripture. If believers do not wake up to this danger, deception will only continue to grow stronger.

[bdavidc]

14 hours ago, Anne2 said:

Again to whom is he speaking? To a Church leader, leadership? 

Paul’s warning in Acts 20:29–30 was directly addressed to the elders of the church at Ephesus, as Acts 20:17 clearly states. These leaders were charged with overseeing and protecting the flock (Acts 20:28). However, the responsibility to guard against false teachers is not limited only to leaders. In Romans 16:17, Paul commands the entire body of believers, "brethren", to mark and avoid those who cause divisions and teach contrary to sound doctrine. Romans 1:7 shows that the letter was written to "all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints," not just to pastors or elders. Scripture is clear: while leaders bear a unique burden of oversight, every believer is personally responsible to discern truth from error, to test teachings (1 John 4:1), and to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). Guarding against false doctrine is the duty of the whole church, not just its leadership. All followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to test everything by Scripture, including what preachers proclaim and what church leaders teach. No one will answer to God for you, not your pastor, not your leaders. You alone are responsible for knowing and obeying His Word.

[Anne2]

3 hours ago, bdavidc said:

Paul’s warning in Acts 20:29–30 was directly addressed to the elders of the church at Ephesus, as Acts 20:17 clearly states. These leaders were charged with overseeing and protecting the flock (Acts 20:28). However, the responsibility to guard against false teachers is not limited only to leaders. In Romans 16:17, Paul commands the entire body of believers, "brethren", to mark and avoid those who cause divisions and teach contrary to sound doctrine. Romans 1:7 shows that the letter was written to "all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints," not just to pastors or elders. Scripture is clear: while leaders bear a unique burden of oversight, every believer is personally responsible to discern truth from error, to test teachings (1 John 4:1), and to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). Guarding against false doctrine is the duty of the whole church, not just its leadership. All followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to test everything by Scripture, including what preachers proclaim and what church leaders teach. No one will answer to God for you, not your pastor, not your leaders. You alone are responsible for knowing and obeying His Word.

So there is no authority in the Church than ourselves?

What traditions were passed down from the Apostles we were to keep? What tradtions were by the word passed onto you?

1Co 11:2  Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

2Th 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Invocation of the holy spirit in their council?

Acts 15:25  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26  Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27  We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. {mouth: Gr. word }
28  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
 

Edited April 28 by Anne2

[farouk]

Just now, Anne2 said:

So there is no authority in the Church than ourselves?

What traditions were passed down from the Apostles we were to keep? What tradtions were by the word passed onto you?

1Co 11:2  Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

2Th 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

@Anne2 Some churches make a lot of unwritten tradition as being so important that it seems even to supersede what it clearly taught in Scripture.

(This can't be right.)

[Anne2]

14 minutes ago, farouk said:

@Anne2 Some churches make a lot of unwritten tradition as being so important that it seems even to supersede what it clearly taught in Scripture.

(This can't be right.)

Yes, Farouk, how many more denominations do we need in this world? They think exactly like you in this. All of them. I just gave you SCRIPTURE which tell us, that traditions were taught, not written down. What were they? 

Edited April 28 by Anne2