Question: What does God say about following false teachers?

Answer: Plenty! This is one more reason Believers need to read God’s Word. By studying the Bible and praying for the Holy Spirit to give you discernment, you will be prepared when you encounter false teachers.

Among the many Scriptures that talk about false teachers is Matthew 7:15-20. Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” He goes on to say, “You will know them by their fruits…. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (NKJV)

Also, Believers should not be fooled into following those who tell them some things that are godly while also telling them to support sinful behaviors. Read about some of these sinful behaviors in Romans 1:18-32. Jesus spoke of such people.

He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” (Matthew 7:21-23.)

Unfortunately, some Believers choose to follow false teachers. They may admire them because they are famous or in high positions. This would include people in the church as well as people outside church in positions of influence on the national and international stage. They want to continue to give them their support because they agree with many of the things they are saying. But the problem comes when these “teachers” convince Believers to help them spread sinful behaviors to others under the guise of also doing good things. Believers simply turn a blind eye to the sin and convince themselves that giving their support is fine as long as the Believer isn’t practicing the sins themselves.

We read about the Apostle Paul’s warning about such Believers to a young pastor named Timothy. Paul warned: “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; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you (Timothy) be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:3-5)

So, make sure you are not following after false teachers. Protect yourself by studying God’s Word and praying for His Holy Spirit to give you discernment. And look for the “good fruits!”