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"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You'll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you'll recognize them by their fruit.” - Matthew 7:15-20 HCSB

If you're planning to vacation in Zambia, beware of the street-corner "emerald vendors." And if you're driving, be prepared for some confusion in the streets, owing to stolen traffic lights. The two warnings are related: The traffic light thieves are selling green glass chips to unsuspecting tourists who think they're getting bargain-basement emeralds.

There are people out there who will try to lead you by using spiritual language. They may, like their father the devil, even quote Scripture. But if you examine them closely, you will discover that their references are misquoted or taken out of context. They will quote only one verse and not compare it to the entirety of Scripture.

False teachers will pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. They promote empty speculations rather than God's plan, which operates by faith. False teachers are also characterized by a spirit of contention. They will argue over every little thing. They will quibble over trivialities.

Truly scriptural instruction will lead to love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these fundamental things and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don't understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.[1]

Another trait of false leaders is their motivation. Ask them to be accountable or to submit to church leadership and see what happens. They are driven by pride of place saying, “I have such and such a spiritual pedigree. I have such and such a level of knowledge.”

Trying to sell false goods, claiming to be spiritual while being characterized by worldliness, twisting the Scriptures or an inadequate knowledge of Scriptures, pride, an unsubmissive spirit, self-aggrandizement, an argumentative attitude, surrounded by strife, a desire to be known as spiritual leaders…all these things characterize false teachers.

So what should you do? First, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits of so-called teachers to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.[2]e like the Bereans who were welcomed the Gospel message with eagerness yet examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was so.[3] And last; stop those who are teaching wrong doctrine lest they lead others astray.[4] Buyer beware! Second, b

[1] 1 Timothy 1:3-7

[2] 1 John 4:1

[3] Acts 17:11

[4] 1 Timothy 1:3

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The First Sin