Recognizing False Teachers
In this episode of Know & Do, we continue going deeper into themes from Sunday’s sermon by exploring how believers can recognize false teachers. Scripture repeatedly warns that false teachers will arise within the church, often subtly distorting truth and leading people away from the gospel.
Drawing from biblical passages and categories described by Tim Challies in his article “7 False Teachers in the Church Today,” we examine several common types of false teachers Christians may encounter. More importantly, we discuss how believers can guard themselves by knowing Scripture and remaining rooted in the truth.
I. Seven kinds of false teachers.
1. The Heretic (2 Peter 2:1)
2. The Charlatan (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
3. The False Prophet (1 John 4:1)
4. The Abuser (Jude 4)
5. The Divider (Jude 18–21)
6. The Ear Tickler (2 Timothy 4:3–4)
7. The Speculator (1 Timothy 1:3–4)