⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 4 min read
Biblical Discernment in an Age of False Teaching
Contending for the Word – August 12, 2025
Series: Discerning the Times – Answering Today’s Most Urgent Questions
False teaching isn’t a distant threat—it’s a daily reality. From bestselling books and viral videos to Instagram reels, YouTube “prophets,” and even some pulpits, deceptive doctrine is infiltrating the lives of many professing Christians.
This raises a crucial question for believers: How do we biblically discern false teaching in today’s world?
Why Is Discernment So Urgently Needed?
Jesus warned His followers,
“Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray” (Matthew 24:11)
And the Apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching…” (2 Timothy 4:3)
False teaching doesn’t just offer a different opinion—it distorts the gospel, leads people into sin, and undermines the authority of God’s Word. For Christians, discernment is not optional—it’s essential to spiritual survival.
What Does the Bible Say About Discerning False Teaching?
Discernment isn’t just about spotting error—it’s about being so grounded in the truth that anything false becomes immediately obvious. The Bible gives us seven clear steps to help us walk in discernment and protect ourselves and others from deception.
7 Biblical Steps to Discern False Teaching
1. Know the Truth
Discernment begins by knowing what is true. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were commended because they “examined the Scriptures daily” to test Paul’s teaching.
A Christian who studies theology, reads Scripture faithfully, and sits under sound preaching is far less likely to be deceived.
2. Test the Teacher’s Message
Ask key questions:
– Does this teaching align with Scripture? (Galatians 1:6–9; 2 Timothy 3:16)
– Is it Christ-centered and gospel-rich? (1 Corinthians 2:2)
– Does it exalt God or man? (Colossians 1:18)
False teaching often elevates man, promotes worldly values, or distorts the grace of God into license.
3. Examine the Fruit
“You will recognize them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16
Is the teacher marked by humility and holiness—or greed, pride, and immorality? Are the followers growing in Christ or becoming confused and unstable? Long-term fruit reveals the root.
4. Be Aware of Subtle Twists
Most heresies don’t appear obviously wrong. They contain mostly truth, with just enough error to poison the message. Even Satan quoted Scripture in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)—but twisted it.
Error often comes dressed in emotional, therapeutic, or inspirational language.
5. Stay Rooted in a Healthy Local Church
The local church is God’s design for protection and growth.
“Pay careful attention…to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…” — Acts 20:28
Biblically qualified elders are tasked with guarding the truth and the people. Christians who isolate themselves are far more susceptible to deception.
6. Follow the Holy Spirit’s Leading
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). He illuminates the Word, convicts the heart, and guards the believer from error (1 John 2:26–27).
Discernment is both spiritual and doctrinal—anchored in Scripture and shaped through prayer.
7. Call Out Error with Humility and Boldness
“Speak the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15
Contending for the faith (Jude 3) does not mean being harsh or prideful—but it also doesn’t mean staying silent. Christians must speak clearly and graciously when the truth is under attack.
What Are Some Common False Teachings Today?
- Prosperity Gospel – Offers health and wealth instead of repentance and faith in Christ.
- Progressive Christianity – Denies inerrancy, redefines sin, and embraces cultural ideologies.
- New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) – Adds “apostles” and new revelation alongside Scripture.
- Universalism – Claims that everyone will be saved regardless of faith in Christ.
- Legalism – Adds human works or rituals to the gospel, denying its sufficiency.
Any teaching that diminishes the supremacy of Christ, adds to the gospel, or contradicts the Word of God is false teaching.
Summary: Real Discernment Is Anchored in the Word
Biblical discernment is not about being cynical or suspicious of everything—it’s about being anchored in the truth of God’s Word. It means you know the real gospel, you can spot the counterfeit, and you’re willing to protect others from being misled.
Know the Word. Know the gospel. Know the difference.
Recommended Resources
