Discerning False Teachers and False Doctrine
Part One
Written by Dale Ebel
I will divide these next few writings into three teachings to allow for both clarity and time for application. Please pass these on to others, as this topic is vital in our present day.
I write on this subject because I love the Bride of Christ—the Church—and it delights our Lord Jesus Christ to see His Church thrive “without spot or wrinkle… holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:26–27).
These reflections emerged from the lively discussions within our men’s group that meets every Thursday morning. We were studying 2 Peter 2:1–3, which addresses false teachers and their conduct and doctrine. Naturally, several questions surfaced:
- What constitutes false doctrine and false teaching?
- Who qualifies as a false prophet or false teacher?
- Does Matthew 7:15–23 apply to these concerns?
There’s never a dull moment in our biblical conversations!
Matthew 7:15–23 (LSB)
Please read the following passage aloud twice.
(The LSB—Legacy Standard Bible—is the translation produced by the scholars of the late John MacArthur’s seminary.)
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.
21 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
A Brief Explanation of These Verses
Verse 15 – “Beware.”
This is the first occurrence of “beware” in The Renewed Covenant (NT)—so it warrants close attention. There have always been men (and more so today than ever) who claim to be true prophets, teachers, or pastors with new “spiritual insights.” False prophets deceive not by pretending to be sheep, but by impersonating true shepherds. They promote the wide gate and broad way(Matthew 7:13–14). Such teachers must always be tested by their fidelity to allof Scripture.
“Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict His Word are completely in the dark.” (Isaiah 8:20 NLT)
Verse 17 – “Good Fruit.”
For a more in-depth discussion, see my two separate writings on the nature of spiritual fruit.
Verse 18 – “Bad Fruit.”
The principle of “fruit inspection” applies both to individuals and to systems. Doctrinal fruit is as vital as moral fruit. False teachers reveal themselves by what they teach.
For example, teachers who blend evolutionary philosophy with Genesis 1–3 are distorting the foundations of Scripture. The doctrine of evolution has produced no good fruit—only atheism, humanism, communism, fascism, and racism. By its fruit, it is a false and evil philosophy.
Likewise, the Marxist ideologies behind the modern Social Justice Movementhave generated poisonous fruit—such as Critical Race Theory, the myth of systemic racism, identity politics, and liberation theology. Any teacher who promotes these as compatible with the message of the Bible is, by definition, a false teacher.
Verse 22 – “Do many miracles.”
It is remarkable that prophets and miracle workers—perhaps sincere, perhaps not—may profess to serve Christ, yet remain unsaved. Some are even enabled by Satan to perform “wonderful works” (KJV) in order to lead others to a false Christ.
Verse 23 – “Lawlessness.”
False teachers reject God’s moral law and selectively reinterpret Scripture to support their own philosophies or experiences. By doing so, they cannot possibly be doing the will of the Father (7:21).
Verses 19 & 23 – “Thrown into the fire… I never knew you.”
These are sobering statements. Such teachers never possessed genuine saving faith in Christ. Though they appear righteous and gain large followings, their fruit exposes their true condition.
The Parable of the Sower — The Parabolic Key
When Jesus told the parable of the sower, His disciples didn’t understand it. Later He said,
“Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” (Mark 4:13).
This parable is the interpretive key for all others. To me one of the significant messages is: when the Good News is proclaimed, there will be true and false conversions.
Judas exemplifies a false convert—a hypocrite (a pretender, Psalm 26:4 LSB) whose love for riches and power choked out genuine commitment to Christ. He was a thorny-ground hearer—one in whom “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things” rendered the Word unfruitful (Mark 4:19). It is interesting that it took a period of time for his pretending to be manifested. SCARY!
False converts display surface-level spirituality. Judas certainly did. He handled the money, appeared compassionate, and deceived even the other disciples. When Jesus predicted betrayal, none suspected Judas—they suspected themselves.
“18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me. 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said], [Is] it I?” – Mark 14:18-19 KJV
Likewise, few in the modern church suspect how many “Judas-hearers” sit among us. Yet the evidence is clear: despite countless professions of faith, the Church’s influence on society is minimal. We cannot even protect the unborn or affirm the created order of male and female in many states. We excuse Islam as peaceful when it remains an ideology of violence. The Church at large has lost its prophetic voice.
Something is gravely wrong.
If believers would courageously step into civic, educational, and governmental spheres—rather than remaining cloistered in church programs—the tide might change. Praise services and Bible studies are essential, but not sufficient if we never engage culture with truth.
Charlie Kirk has modeled such courage by entering the public square and speaking biblical truth against prevailing ideologies. I believe God will raise up others who will carry this same mantle!
A Foundational Principle: Judging Is a Vital Part of Life
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 AMP)
Christ-followers are commanded to make righteous judgments about who are true and false teachers.
Many misuse Matthew 7:1 (“Judge not, lest you be judged”) to forbid all discernment. But Jesus condemns unrighteous, hypocritical judgment—not spiritual evaluation. In verse 6, He immediately calls us to discern who are “dogs” and “swine”—those unreceptive to Truth.
Discernment is essential. Every person makes judgments daily about what is moral, productive, or harmful. The issue is not whether we judge—but whether we judge rightly.
“The spiritual man judges all things…” (1 Corinthians 2:15 AMP)
“Do not judge by appearance, but judge fairly and righteously.” (John 7:24 AMP)
And remember:
“It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God…” (1 Peter 4:17 LSB)
Christians will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ to give account for our works—not for salvation, but for rewards (1 Corinthians 3:11–15). Meanwhile, unbelievers will face the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11–15).
Non-believers will account and depend only on their works and deeds, both good and bad. Deeds vary and individuals like Stalin, Saddam Hussein, the Hamas terrorist Sinwar, and others will be judged with greater severity.
“21 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.” – Matthew 11:21-22 ESV (Emphasis added. Notice the comparative clause, “more bearable.”)
A Word About Wokeism and the Church
Though the term “woke” has faded somewhat, its influence still lingers in the spirit of many pastors. Being woke means one is awakened to the sin of their white privilege, which is totally contrary to the doctrine of sin in the Scriptures.
I would rather align with biblically faithful churches led by humble, God-fearing men who proclaim Truth regardless of cultural resistance (1 Peter 5:2–3; 2 Timothy 4:2). May their tribe increase!
As a pastor for 38 years, I too was regularly judged—biblically and rightly—for my doctrine and character. This is healthy.
My conviction: Pastors who embrace the false ideologies of wokeism, CRT, or social justice theology are false teachers. In contrast, righteous pastors teach correctly the whole counsel of God.
A Practical Question from Our Group
Q1. How should we respond to “woke” churches led by pastors who have embraced heresies like CRT, BLM, and Social Justice Ideologies?
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3–5 LSB)
My Response:
Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Equip yourself to present Truth with humility and strength. Speak to your pastors, elders, family, and friends—rooting your appeal in Scripture.
If your church leadership receives correction, stay and engage. If not, leave—and encourage others to do the same. Sometimes financial withdrawal is the only language unfaithful institutions understand. Many culturally adjusting churches are supported by a few wealth generous donors.
“Whoever does not welcome you or listen to your message, shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14 AMP)
Applications from This Teaching
- Explain Matthew 7:15–23 aloud to someone else.
- Describe how Christians are presently judged (1 Peter 4:17).
- Reflect on the principle of righteous judging.
- Ask yourself: Am I staying alert?
- Why do I believe “woke teaching pastors” are false teachers?
- How would you respond to Question #1 above?
- Choose three Scriptures from this study to meditate on further.
Staying Alert with You,
In Christ,
Dale