But test everything; hold fast to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
How do you discern false teachers? Do you find it easy or hard to discern false teachers? Today we are going to learn how to test the false teacher/teaching. Discerning is recognizing and taking time to evaluate.
First, we must discern their character. As humans, we can assume that all people who say and act like a Christian, do all that they are suppose too. What I mean by this is do we as Christian pray as we should? I have experienced this. People assume that I have an awesome prayer life. Don’t get me wrong, I do pray. I just need to do it more. I struggle in this area. It’s a roller coaster for me. When asked to pray for a need, I do. I say all of this because by discerning the character, does the leader have an active and consistent prayer life? As I am writing this, I am evaluating my own prayer life. I want to be honest here. So please use caution when testing this area of a persons character. I don’t expect any leaders to have it perfect however we should be building our relationship with God and that is including daily prayer. Do the leaders in your life show a heartfelt devotion to God? Do they have honesty, integrity, and moral disciple? Do they show the fruit of the Spirit? Do they love other and the unsaved? Do they preach against sin? Do they resist all forms of sin?
Those are some deep questions that are even good for us to reflect on in our own journey with God. As you ask these question, let the Holy Spirit lead you!! I say this because I really believe that we all struggle and fail and make mistakes. I would be careful to accuse someone as a false teacher and it ends up that they are not. I think with these questions. We also need to be wise of not getting dramatic over it also. It not the Not way to test the false teacher! With that next move on!
Second, discern their motives. Genuine Christian leaders with seek to honor Christ above all things. Christian leaders will lead their church to spiritual growth and holiness. They will lead those who are spiritually lost into forgiveness and a personal relationship with God. They will defend and proclaim the truth of God’s word.
The third way to discern a false teacher is to evaluate fruit of their lives and message. As a minister, the sermons I preach are usually what I am dealing with in my own life or have dealt with in my life. We reproduce what we are in life. We can only pretend to be something we are not only for so long. Then our true self comes out. People with ungodly characteristics will eventually show this. Their message will usually hide the truth and cause conflict and disunity. It will confuse us also. Usually a false teacher is one that has not made a genuine commitment to God.
Test their level of reliance on God. Can I be honest here? It is hard leading people. It’s hard leading in a church. Genuine minister who truly follow God, rely on God. There is no way true followers can do it on their own. We have to believe and live what we preach.
Finally, test their integrity! Watch how they handle the Lord’s money. Are they greedy or not? Do they handle it responsibly? Do they further the growth of God’s work that is godly and in line with his Word?
Please use this questions with care and caution? As I wrote down these questions, I felt like a Christian leader would have to be perfect in order to lead others. However, please remember Christian leaders are humans. They will make mistake and fail. What will be different is if they have humility and repent. Love your leaders as they love you when you fail and make mistakes. Also know that even after all this testing, God will reveal a false teacher when he desires to do so. As long as you are building a strong relationship with God, he will lead you to His truth.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you! I praise you! I adore you! I pray as we are building our life around you that you will protect us from false teachers. I pray the Holy Spirit will guides us to your truth. Help us to discern what is evil and what is good. When we should love and forgive and when to show grace and mercy. Help us to have a mindset as Jesus and you!
In Jesus Name
Amen
