Beware the Wolves: Identifying and Dealing with False Teachers

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”— Matthew 7:15

False teachers have always threatened the Lord’s church, and today is no exception. The New Testament offers repeated warnings—from Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, and Jude—about individuals who distort God’s truth and lead souls astray. As Christians, we are not called to ignore this danger but to watch, test, and respond with the Word of God.

The Nature of False Teachers

False teachers are more than misinformed; they are often deliberate, deceptive, and dangerous. The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders that “grievous wolves” would rise from within their number (Acts 20:29-30). Peter said they would “bring in damnable heresies” and exploit others through deceptive words (2 Peter 2:1-3). They may look righteous on the outside, but their goal is destruction.

How to Recognize Them

Scripture outlines clear characteristics of false teachers:

• They reject sound doctrine (1 Tim. 6:3). Instead of teaching the words of Christ, they promote manmade traditions or empty intellectualism.

• They stir rebellion (Titus 3:1-2). False teachers often undermine God-given authority, both in the church and in the home.

• They are proud and ignorant (1 Tim. 6:4). Arrogance replaces humility, and speculation replaces truth.

• They thrive on controversy (1 Tim. 6:4-5). They love arguments, gossip, and discord more than unity and peace.

• They have turned from the faith (2 Peter 2:20-22). These are not simply confused souls; they have rejected what they once knew.

• They preach for profit (Rom. 16:18). Like Balaam, they use religion for gain, flattering crowds but avoiding the hard truths of Scripture.

The Spirit of Error

False teaching doesn’t always come as a blatant lie. It can begin as a subtle shift in tone, an emphasis on feelings over Scripture, or a refusal to call sin what it is. John urges us to “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1), and Paul reminds us that people will eventually “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3).

We must never confuse being nice with being true. Love warns, corrects, and defends the faith (Eph. 4:15).

What Should We Do?

Scripture gives us a plan for how to respond:

1. Mark and avoid them (Rom. 16:17).

2. Rebuke and reject them if needed (Titus 3:10).

3. Inform their congregation if appropriate (Acts 15:22-29).

4. Preach the Word boldly (2 Tim. 4:2).

5. Feed and protect the flock (Acts 20:28).

6. Stay anchored in sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6).

Conclusion

False teachers will always exist—but so will God’s truth. We must remain vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and bold in love. As Paul told Timothy:

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” — 1 Timothy 4:16

Let us stand firm, speak the truth in love, and guard the faith once delivered to the saints.