Recognizing the Marks of a False Teacher

Show: Contending for the Word Q&A with Dave Jenkins Date: January 16, 2026

Show Summary

False teachers often appear sincere and may use Christian language, but Scripture warns that their message leads people away from the truth. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical marks of a false teacher and how Christians can grow in discernment rooted in the Word of God.

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From the days of the early church to our own, false teachers have sought to twist the Word of God for personal gain or spiritual deception. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”False teachers do not always appear dangerous. They may sound sincere. They may use familiar Christian language. They may even quote Scripture. Yet their message ultimately leads people away from the truth of God’s Word.Because of this, Scripture calls believers to discernment. Discernment is not optional for the Christian—it is essential to spiritual maturity. Recognizing false teachers protects our faith, preserves the purity of the gospel, and guards the church from deception.

False Teachers Distort the Gospel

The first mark of a false teacher is a distortion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Galatians 1:8–9, the apostle Paul gives a sobering warning:

“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”

False teachers may speak of Jesus, faith, and grace, but they redefine these words. Often they add human effort to salvation, promise earthly prosperity, or claim secret revelation beyond the Word of God. Their teaching shifts the focus from Christ’s finished work to human performance or personal experience.The true gospel exalts Christ alone. Any message that adds to or subtracts from His finished work, as revealed in Scripture, is not good news at all.

False Teachers Exhibit Corrupt Character

Second, false teachers are marked by corrupt character. Second Peter 2 describes false teachers as greedy, arrogant, and immoral. They exploit others for gain and appeal to sensuality rather than holiness.Jesus made this clear in Matthew 7:16 when He said, “You will recognize them by their fruits.” Sound doctrine produces godly living. False teaching produces pride, confusion, and moral compromise.True teachers lead people toward humility, repentance, and love for the truth of God’s Word. False teachers lead people toward themselves.

False Teachers Reject Sound Doctrine

Third, false teachers reject sound doctrine. Jude 4 warns that false teachers pervert the grace of God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.They dismiss biblical correction, ridicule sermons grounded in Scripture, and elevate emotion or experience above truth. Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3–4 that a time would come when people would not endure sound teaching but would gather teachers to suit their own passions. That time is now.The mark of a false teacher is an unwillingness to submit to the Word of God. The mark of a true teacher is joyful submission to the Word of God.

Why Discernment Matters

So why does this matter for your life? First, we must know the Word deeply. The best way to spot counterfeits is to know the genuine article. That requires regularly reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture.Second, we must evaluate fruit, not just words. Ask whether a person’s life reflects the character of Christ and submission to the authority of God’s Word.Third, stay rooted in a faithful local church. God designed the church to protect and nourish believers through sound doctrine and biblical shepherding.Finally, pray for discernment and humility. Gifted personalities and persuasive speakers can be difficult to discern without wisdom from the Lord. Ask God to help you test everything by His Word alone.False teachers will always arise, but God has equipped His people with truth that never changes. The Bible provides everything we need to recognize error, protect the gospel, and grow in maturity.Discernment is not cynicism. It is love for God and love for His people. It guards the sheep and honors the Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Episode Notes

• False teachers distort the gospel (Galatians 1:8–9).
• They exhibit corrupt character (2 Peter 2; Matthew 7:16).
• They reject sound doctrine (Jude 4; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).
• Discernment requires testing everything by Scripture.
• Believers must stay rooted in a faithful local church.

Call to Action

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