False Teachers - Beware the Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Good morning, church! Today, we’re diving into a topic that might not be the most pleasant but is absolutely necessary: false teachers. Now, I know, this sounds like something straight out of a spy thriller, right? Wolves in sheep’s clothing, secret agendas, hidden motives. But sadly, false teachers are real, and they’re among us, not lurking in the shadows, but often standing in the pulpit, smiling, and speaking words that sound good but lead us astray.

We need to be on our toes, because, like any predator, these false teachers are tricky. They don’t wear neon signs that say, “I’m here to lead you down a wrong path,” and they don’t look like villains from a movie. No, they’re much sneakier than that—they come looking like sheep. Sweet, cuddly, innocent little sheep. But inside? Wolves. And that’s why we need to know how to spot them, so we don’t get snatched up in their agenda.

So, let’s take a look at what the Bible says about these wolves, how to recognize them, and how we can protect ourselves with the truth of God’s Word.

What Makes Them Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing?

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus gives us a warning: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Now, notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “Watch out for wolves.” No, He says they come in sheep’s clothing. They’ll look good at first. They’ll speak in a way that sounds spiritual, like they have all the answers, and maybe even use the Bible to support their arguments. But their agenda is far from godly. Jesus calls them ferocious wolves. They’re predators in disguise, looking to devour the unsuspecting.

These false teachers aren’t just mistaken or misguided. Their intentions are destructive. They want to manipulate and control, to lead you away from the truth, and in the process, they distort God’s Word to serve their own selfish needs. Whether they want your money, your loyalty, or your praise, they are using God’s name to advance their own agenda. And that’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

How Do We Recognize Them?

Now, I know you’re probably wondering, “How do we spot a false teacher? How do I know if someone’s a wolf in disguise?” Well, let’s break it down.

They Water Down the Truth

One of the key signs of a false teacher is that they water down the Gospel to make it more palatable. The message of the cross, repentance, and salvation through Christ alone might get soft-pedaled or even completely ignored. Instead, they’ll preach a gospel of “feel good” messages, focusing on prosperity, comfort, and self-empowerment. The problem is, the Bible says that “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and the truth doesn’t always feel comfortable. It sometimes hurts—but that’s how we grow.

Biblical Examples of False Teachers

Let’s take a quick look at some examples from the Bible. If we know our history, it helps us spot these wolves in today’s world.

The Pharisees (Modern Day Catholics)

The Pharisees were the religious leaders of Jesus' time. They looked all righteous on the outside—wearing fancy robes, quoting Scriptures, and appearing to follow God’s laws. But inside? They were full of pride and hypocrisy. Jesus was very clear when He called them “whitewashed tombs” in Matthew 23:27—looking clean on the outside, but on the inside, they were dead and full of corruption. They were more about keeping people under their thumb than helping them find salvation.

Simon the Sorcerer

In Acts 8:9-24, we meet Simon, a man who was practicing sorcery and amazed people with his power. When he saw the apostles healing and performing miracles in the name of Jesus, he wanted in on the action. He tried to buy the Holy Spirit’s power with money. But Peter rebuked him, saying, “Your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21). Simon was not interested in following God, but in using the power of God to further his own agenda. That’s a textbook example of a false teacher.

False Prophets in the New Testament

In 2 Peter 2:1, Peter warns, “There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” These false prophets and teachers were leading people astray with lies and deceit, and Peter goes on to say that their condemnation is certain.

Modern Day Examples of False Teachers

Now that we know what false teachers look like from the Bible, let’s talk about some modern-day examples so we can be even more vigilant.

1. Prosperity Preachers

The prosperity gospel is one of the most prevalent false teachings today. It teaches that God’s will is for you to be wealthy, healthy, and successful in every area of your life. While God does bless His people, these preachers make the mistake of claiming that if you’re not financially flourishing or physically healthy, it’s because you’re not faithful enough or you haven’t given enough money to their ministry.

Kenneth Copeland, for example, has famously preached that God wants you to be rich and has repeatedly claimed that poverty is of the devil. His ministry, and others like it, use the Bible as a tool to manipulate people into giving them money, promising that it will result in personal blessing. But the truth is, God’s Word never guarantees wealth or a life of comfort. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). He didn’t say, “Blessed are the rich.”

People like Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, and Benny Hinn are also well-known for spreading the prosperity gospel, often speaking of material wealth as the primary sign of spiritual blessing. They focus on wealth and health, twisting Scripture to serve their own financial interests. But the Bible tells us that our true riches are found in Christ—not in a bank account or physical healing.

2. New Age Teachers

There are New Age spiritual leaders who may not even claim to be Christian, but they often mix Christian terminology with pagan beliefs, drawing people in with promises of “higher knowledge” or spiritual enlightenment.

Oprah Winfrey is one example of someone who has popularized New Age spirituality. While she may not be a "teacher" in the traditional sense, she has frequently promoted ideas like universalism (the belief that everyone goes to heaven) and self-realization (which puts the focus on our own power rather than God’s). She’s also known for recommending books and practices that encourage people to look inward for truth rather than to God’s Word. While she may seem harmless, these ideas can easily lead people astray from the true Gospel of Christ.

The “Law of Attraction,” which suggests that our thoughts can control our reality, is another widely popular New Age teaching. The problem with this philosophy is that it places human desire and power over the sovereignty of God. It replaces the need for faith in Christ with an unhealthy focus on self-worship and control over the universe.

3. Universalist Teachers

There are also teachers today who preach a universalist gospel, claiming that all paths lead to God and that no one is excluded from God’s love—regardless of their faith.

One such example is Rob Bell, the former pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan. Bell made headlines with his controversial book, Love Wins, which questions the traditional Christian teaching about hell and suggests that everyone will ultimately be reconciled to God. This teaching undermines the Bible's clear message that salvation is through Christ alone (John 14:6). Bell’s teachings have been widely rejected by mainstream Christianity, but he still has a significant following.

4. Charismatic Preachers with False Prophecies

There are certain charismatic leaders who claim to have direct messages from God, but many of their prophecies and claims do not come true. Some of them, like Todd Bentley or Kenneth Hagin, have been known to make outrageous claims about healing, miracles, and prophecies that don't align with biblical teachings.

One of the dangers of these types of false teachers is that they elevate personal experience above the authority of Scripture. God may still perform miracles, but when we focus more on miraculous signs than on following God’s Word, we risk being led astray. The Bible is clear: test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and remember that prophecy and miraculous works must align with Scripture.

5. Self-Help, Motivational Speakers who Twist the Bible

Another group of false teachers in modern society are those who present the Bible as a tool for self-help, focusing entirely on personal success, motivational speaking, and positive affirmations. They often take Scriptures out of context to support the idea that if you just have enough faith or do the right things, you will live a better, more successful life.

One popular example is Tony Robbins, a well-known motivational speaker. While Robbins doesn’t present himself as a Christian teacher, he often uses Bible verses or Christian terminology to make his points about success and abundance. But Robbins—like many in the self-help world—takes verses out of context and often reduces God’s Word to mere positive thinking. The Gospel isn’t about making you rich or famous—it’s about salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Matthew 16:26, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

How to Spot the Wolves Today

So, how do we spot these wolves in sheep’s clothing in today’s world?

• They Talk More About Themselves Than Jesus. Are they constantly building their own brand? Are they focused on their fame and fortune? True servants of God point you to Christ, not themselves.

• They Don’t Teach Repentance. False teachers tend to avoid hard truths. They might promise you health, wealth, and happiness but shy away from the uncomfortable truth of sin and repentance.

• They Distort Scripture. A big red flag is when someone starts twisting the Bible to say something it doesn’t. If a teacher is using verses to support their agenda that don’t match the context of the passage, be wary. Stick to God’s Word.

• They Want Your Money. Are they consistently asking for donations, with promises that God will bless you in return? That’s a sure sign of manipulation.

The Danger of Adding or Taking Away from Scripture: A Call for Discernment

Now, let’s talk about something very important. There are some churches and leaders who think it’s okay to twist or alter Scripture to suit their own narrative. This is a serious problem, because God’s Word is not to be altered. We cannot change it to fit our preferences, political agendas, or cultural trends. When churches add to or take away from Scripture, they are not serving God—they are serving themselves and, ultimately, the enemy.

Let’s take a look at a strong warning from the book of Revelation:

Revelation 22:18-19 says: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this scroll.”

So, what does that mean? It means God takes His Word seriously, and we should, too. It is not a suggestion; it’s a command. When we start picking and choosing what parts of the Bible we like and discarding the rest, we are stepping into dangerous territory.

Idolatry in the Church: When We Make Scripture Fit Our Own Agenda

Now, one of the most deceptive things happening today is when churches make their own agenda more important than God’s agenda. How do they do this? By adding their own ideas to Scripture or removing parts that don’t fit their narrative. This is a form of idolatry—they’re creating a god of their own making instead of worshiping the true God.

When a church decides to water down the truth of God’s Word to make people more comfortable, to make their services more “politically correct”, or to keep the money flowing, they’ve made themselves idols—they’ve turned man’s opinion into the final authority rather than God’s Word. And this is dangerous because we cannot serve two masters.

Matthew 6:24 says: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

If a church is going against God’s Word, then they are not serving God. It doesn’t matter how nice their building is, how many people attend, or how great their music is. If they are not teaching the full counsel of God, they are serving their own agenda, which ultimately serves the enemy.

The Example of Female Pastors: Is This Biblical?

Let’s tackle another topic that’s been distorted in many churches today: the issue of female pastors. Now, this is a hot topic in many modern churches, and some argue that women should be allowed to lead churches just like men. But the Bible is clear on this matter, and it’s not something we can just adjust based on our own cultural preferences.

In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul says: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” This is not a cultural opinion—this is a biblical mandate. And before anyone starts pointing to a few exceptions (like Priscilla teaching alongside her husband Aquila), we need to understand that this was not a position of headship. Priscilla was not leading a church; she was helping teach in a private setting, often alongside her husband.

God has called men to be leaders in the home and in the church. The role of a pastor is one of authority, and the Bible makes it clear that this role is designated for men. Ephesians 5:23 says: “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.”

If a church disregards this biblical principle and elevates a woman to the position of pastor or elder, they are going against God’s Word. No matter how charismatic or successful that church is, they have added to or taken away from Scripture. They’ve turned the truth of God into their own version of reality. And in doing so, they’ve created a false gospel.

You Cannot Serve God and Be Against God

Friends, here’s the bottom line: You cannot serve God and go against God. It’s either His way, or it’s not. You cannot make up your own rules and expect God to bless it. When we change what the Bible says to fit our preferences, we are setting ourselves up for destruction. It doesn’t matter how popular or trendy a teaching might be—it’s either biblical, or it’s not. And if it’s not biblical, it’s not of God.

We must be careful not to fall into the trap of following the crowd or choosing comfort over truth. We must stand firm on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word, even when it’s unpopular, even when it makes people uncomfortable, even when it costs us.

Matthew 7:13-14 says: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

The road to truth is narrow. It’s not easy. It’s not always popular. But it’s the only way that leads to life.

How to Protect Ourselves: Stick to the Word

Now that we know what a false teacher looks like, here’s how to protect ourselves:

• Know Your Bible. The #1 way to avoid being deceived by false teachers is to know God’s Word. The more you read the Bible, the more familiar you become with God’s voice. You’ll know when something doesn’t line up. Think of it like this: if you wanted to spot a counterfeit $100 bill, would you study all the fake bills in the world? No, you’d study the real one so well that when you saw a fake, you’d know it immediately.

  
  

• Test the Spirit. In 1 John 4:1, John warns, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Don’t just take a teacher’s word for it. Look at their fruit. Are they living out the Gospel? Are they leading you toward Christ or away from Him? Are they teaching truth or bending the Word to fit their own desires?

  
  

• Stay in Fellowship. God designed the church to be a community of believers who can help each other discern truth. We need to stay connected to the body of Christ, where we can encourage one another and hold each other accountable. If you’re only hearing teaching from one person without any accountability, you’re setting yourself up for trouble.

Conclusion: Don’t Be Led Astray

So, church, remember this: false teachers are out there, and they’re working hard to lead people away from the truth. But God has given us the tools to spot them—His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of believers. Stick to the truth, hold fast to God’s Word, and don’t let anyone deceive you. The Bible says in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

When you know the voice of the Good Shepherd, you’ll never be misled by a counterfeit.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us and protects us from deception. Help us to be discerning and wise, to recognize the false teachers and teachings that are not of You. May we stay rooted in Your truth and always seek Your guidance. Protect us from the wolves in sheep’s clothing, and lead us closer to You each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Go out and be vigilant, church! Stick to God’s Word and follow the Good Shepherd.