I believe that both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, our Heavenly Father has clearly revealed to us what to watch out for so that we can recognize these in our lives when they try to creep in through false teachers and their false teachings.

The first verse I would like to use to illustrate this is found in Isaiah 29:13:

’Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.’

This shows that people have knowledge of the Lord’s word, but it is only through commandments taught by men, and their hearts are far from God.

From the verse, it is also clear that God is grieved by the fact that the human heart is distant from Him. But who wouldn’t be hurt? Just think about the last time someone treated you unjustly, how did it feel to you? I can say about myself that it feels very unpleasant when someone hurts me, and I think I don’t deserve it. It might be false accusations about me or gossip behind my back. However it may be, we all know that even though our Heavenly Father doesn’t deserve it, we can’t pretend that He is not aware of it. Our Heavenly Father also took care that we wouldn’t be ignorant about it when He had this verse written through King David in the Book of Psalms.

‘Psalm 94:8 – 94:12

8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law.’

Fortunately, the circle is closed here, and our Heavenly Father says only this: ’Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.’

But how can we recognize false teachers then?

’Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

1 John 4:1 – 3

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

2 Timothy 4:3 – 4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.’

There is a verse that illustrates well where we should go if we are uncertain about anyone. ‘2 Timothy 3:16 – 3:17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.’

In other words, our entire Bible was written by our Heavenly Father through His prophets, apostles, kings, and anyone else He wanted to use. We cannot get a more accurate guidance from any earthly teacher. Therefore, even though I listen to other teachers, I always try to examine everything through the lens of the Bible. And I encourage you to do the same.

Anything you hear from the Bible from other teachers, examine it in the light of the Scriptures. And if you get stuck on something, remember this verse.

‘James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.