As the Body of Christ, we must be able to recognize false prophets, teachers and doctrine. The Bible study, taught at Breath of Life International Church, teaches God's people how to know and recognize the characteristics of the false.
Genesis 1:8 || Meditate the Scripture daily verse by verse
False Prophets and Teachers
1. BREATH OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH
Latreia Bible Study
17 August 2011
False Prophets and Teachers
True and False Spiritual Leadership
Jesus, our savior and master teacher, did not shy away from bringing attention to false
teachers. He was very bold and clear about confronting those who lacked integrity and
explaining to them what characteristics mark those who are called by and are serving God.
Interestingly enough, Jesus confirmed much of what the Pharisees taught, but not what they
did.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:1-12
What Leadership Characteristics were important to Jesus?
Authority (vs. 1-2)
Integrity (vs. 3)
Sympathy (v. 4)
Humility (vs. 5-7)
According to Jesus’ teaching, what are the characteristics of true spiritual leadership?
Humility (vs. 8-12)
Willingness to serve (vs. 8-12)
Lack of emphasis on title/position (vs. 8-12)
Think about your personal experiences with leadership. What qualities have you seen that
were mentioned in Jesus’ message toward the Pharisees? Which of these qualities have you
exhibited? Were the majority of these examples of true or false leadership?
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2. What is False Religion?
False teachers are birthed from a spirit of false RELIGION. We do not preach religion, but all of
us are religious. Religion simply defines the outward expression of one’s spiritual beliefs. That
expression includes our actions and thought processes as a result of our belief system.
Scripture Reference: James 1:26-27
Characteristics of FALSE Religion
Hypocritical (Matthew 6:5-8; 15:8)
Self-deceiving (Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 4:4)
Worthless and Empty (2 Timothy 3:5; Acts 4:12; Acts 13:38; Ephesians 2:12)
Characteristics of TRUE Religion
Controlled Tongue (Psalm 141:3)
Compassionate Heart (Acts 10:38; Matthew 9:36; Ephesians 2:8-10)
Consecrated Lifestyle (2 Timothy 2:21)
What do false teachers look like?
Paul was very careful to warn the church of false prophets and teachers. He felt it was
important for them to be “on guard” against such leaders.
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 2
Characteristics and Signs of False Prophets and Teachers
Among the people; no strangers to the church
Secretive
Greed and exploitation (money, power and ambition)
Reckless
Self-willed
Lack good reasoning; operate without proper knowledge
Operate in deception and are often deceived; lack true discernment
Carouse with believers
Gravitate toward instability (people and situations)
Forsake the righteous way
Follow the ways of Balaam (use spiritual gifts for personal gain)
Offer false promises; live in bondage to sin
Entice desires of the flesh
Often entangles with worldly affairs, though true salvation is always before them
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3. How do we discern false teachers?
False prophets are not always as obvious as we’d like them to be. We must understand how to
discern that which is false, as they often appear to be sincere, even powerful.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:13-23
YOU WILL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS!
Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 13; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Deuteronomy 13:1-5
The Fruit of False Doctrine
Speaking from one’s own delusion or opinion, rather than as instructed by God
Deny or contradict God’s word, rather than defending it
Deny unpleasant judgments and instruction from God
Offer only temporary relief to problems and concerns
Tell people what they want to hear
Reject the deity of Christ and the power of His work on the cross
The Fruit of False Teaching
Teach others to reject God’s word and biblical authority
Teaching causes division among the saints
Lead followers to a life of sensuality and pleasure seeking
Very deceptive in style and approach
Not consistent in instruction
Consistently foretell things that never come to pass; lack of proof and integrity
Lack of power
The Fruit of Questionable Character
Prideful
Greedy
Often immoral
Dominating
Abusive by using guilt and control to manipulate followers
Profess to know God, but deny Him in action
Delight in authority, but refuse to submit to it
Lack of accountability
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4. Know the Fruit
According to the word of God, fruit are the indication between the true and the false. We must
always strive to bear good fruit and look for the same in others, especially our leaders.
Consider and discuss the following verses of Scripture.
Key Scripture References
Matthew 7:13-23; 12:33-35
1 Corinthians 14:37
1 Timothy 6:5
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Additional Supporting Scriptures
Psalm 1:3; 92:13-14
Jeremiah 11:19; 17:8
Luke 13:6-9
Galatians 5:22-24
Ephesians 5:9
James 3:17-18
Personal Study Notes
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