5 Signs of a False Teacher

In 2 Peter 2, Peter takes time to warn the church about false teachers and their destruction. Destruction and confusion are the fruit of false teachers. Before you readily take in well-crafted words of someone, consider their ways; what is the fruit of their life? It's easy to catfish anybody online these days because anyone can present a version of themselves that looks impeccable, relatable, and admirable - where's their fruit at?

Here are 5 signs of a false teacher.

1. They Deceive and Are Deceived

2 Peter 2:1, "....secretly bring destructive heresies.:

Secretly. Subtle. Not transparent.

These people are usually lone rangers, charlatans, and hype-guys. They talk a great game. They give the impression they're accountable, covered and transparent, but they operate in secrecy.

Here's the tragic thing - these people more often than not, actually believe their own deception. They don't just deceive - they are deceived!

What they sell sounds sooo satisfying, so attractive, but make no mistake; it's a pyramid scheme and it will enslave you. (See what I did there?)

2. They Promise What They Can't Deliver

2 Peter 2:3, "By covetousness (strong desire to have what someone else has) they will exploit you with deceptive words."

If someone has to promise you something, anything, that is a problem. If someone's vocabulary is working overtime, take a step back and ask yourself this, "Do their words and walk match up?"

The gospel they present is all about me, myself and I. Self-gratification is at its core. They woo, they flatter.... they're nice!

REMINDER: the Message Jesus brought was the Gospel of transformation, not affirmation.

3. They're Full of Pride and Hate Authority

2 Peter 2:10-11, "....They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of authority."

Humility is far from them. They'll not hesitate to speak ill of another leader if it paints them in a positive light.

This is huge. That someone is not afraid to speak evil of authority is scary. Usually, it's masked with a false "concern" for people but know this, if they speak evil of someone to you, they'll have no problem speaking ill about you.

4. They're Advocates For Happiness Over Holiness

2 Peter 2:13, "....having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls."

They don't lead; they entice; false promises, smooth talk that feels too good to be true.

Holiness; set apart, consecration - this means more often than not we deny the flesh not satisfy it.

False teachers appeal to the flesh. They promote individual happiness over holiness.

5. They Say a Whole Lot of Nothing

2 Peter 2:18, "....they speak great swelling words of emptiness."

WORDS [should] create WORLDS.

Be careful whose seed you allow to land on the soil of your heart.

Destruction is ultimately the fruit of false teachers; they divide churches, discredit people and dilute the Gospel.