HOW TO SPOT A FALSE TEACHER…

ACTS 20:29-31: “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I never stopped warning each one of you with tears.” CSB

OBSERVATION: How do you spot a “False Teacher?” How do you know who you can trust and who is rightly dividing the Word of Truth from the pulpit? Is this even something we should be concerned about? Jesus thought so!

“For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance.“ Matthew 24:24-25 CSB

In Acts 20 we find Paul speaking to the Ephesian believers. He is saying farewell to them as he gets ready to travel to Jerusalem. Paul does not know what lies ahead for him but he knows instinctively that he will never see these dear believers again. Moved with love and compassion he reminds them of his ministry to them and calls them to a life of faithfulness to the Lord and His church.

“When they came to him, he said to them, “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and during the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. You know that I did not hesitate to proclaim anything to you that was profitable and to teach you publicly and from house to house. I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.” Acts 20:18-21 CSB

Paul’s ministry to the Ephesian church was marked by sacrifice, humility, service, and love. He was not concerned about “his” ministry. His concern was for the benefit of the spiritual health and well-being of this new, growing church. The focus of his message was repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, juxtapose this to his warning about false teachers in verses 29-31. How could the Ephesian church identify the false teachers that Paul warned them against? It was in their motive and their behavior. While Paul came to follow Jesus’ example, the false teachers would have a different motive. Theirs would not be a ministry of selfless sacrifice but one of selfish ambition. Here is what Paul notes as the identifiers of these false teachers.

• They would see the flock of God as prey to be fleeced rather than sheep to be protected and nourished.

• They will distort the Word of God and introduce teachings of their own making.

• Their motive will be to get people to follow them rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.

Whereas Paul’s teachings were Christ-centric, the false teachers will turn all the focus upon themselves. It will be their understanding, their faith, and their exploits that will be highlighted rather than a pure devotion to Jesus Christ. They will use these teachings to line their pockets with the riches and resources of the flock they are fleecing. In modern terms, they will falsely sell God’s blessings for a gift that is given to enrich their life and ministry.

Paul never used his ministry to enrich himself. In fact, Paul labored as a tent maker rather than putting the financial burden of his support on the new churches he had established. He was not interested in making a name for himself. Paul had the mind of Christ. His interest was in seeing Christ formed in each and every believer through the faithful teaching of the whole counsel of God’s Word.

And now I know that none of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see me again. Therefore I declare to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, because I did not avoid declaring to you the whole plan of God.”Acts 20:25-27 CSB

Then, Paul called them to imitate his ministry and his devotion to both Jesus Christ and the flock of God, putting Jesus first and the needs of the flock before their own.

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 CSB

The airwaves are filled with teachers who are trying to fleece the flock. All the while, there are faithful shepherds who the world does not know, humbly serving their congregations every day. They put the needs of their congregation before their own. They humbly serve rather than expecting others to serve them. They always put Jesus first in their lives and teachings and do not cease to teach the whole counsel of God’s Word – from Genesis to Revelation!

These are the heroes of the faith! These are the faithful shepherds that we should honor. These are the ones who are following in Paul’s stead. It is not hard to identify false teachers. And, though it may be hard to find a faithful shepherd, it should be more important when choosing a church than the church size, quality of their music, size of their programs, or notoriety of their pastor.

Remember, Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits!”

Lord, give us discerning hearts. Give us shepherds after Your own heart. Give us teachers who will faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of Your Word. Bless every church and every pastor who is faithfully stewarding the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

In Jesus’ Name!