Jesus never told His followers to believe every spiritual voice they encountered. Instead, He issued the sobering warning that false prophets often clothe themselves in sheep’s clothing though they are inwardly ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15). Those words matter more than ever.
Our generation enjoys unprecedented access to Bible teachers all over the globe. A smartphone, microphone, ring light, and internet connection allow anyone to present themselves as an expert on Scripture. Podcasts, YouTube channels, livestreams, and social media feeds place countless influencers at our fingertips. Unfortunately, popularity is not always a reflection of faithfulness. Algorithms reward confidence more than accuracy, and charisma often attracts a larger audience than biblical truth.
But imagine with me that your child suddenly developed a life-threatening heart condition. I am confident that you would not select a surgeon because his videos had gone viral or because online followers reached the millions. Instead, you would seek out someone with proven training, unquestioned integrity, and a track record you could trust. And rightly so. Yet, when it comes to matters of faith and the health of our souls, we are often much less discerning of those who manipulate God’s Word.
Ironically, Scripture accurately predicted this reckless cycle. “The time will come,” warned the Apostle Paul, “when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths (2 Tim. 4:3-4). If that weren’t bad enough, Jesus lamented the abundance of false teachers eager to scratch our heretical impulses (Matt. 7:22-23).
How, then, can we recognize the wolves among us?
Thankfully, Jesus answered with one simple phrase: “You will know them by their fruits (Matt. 7:16).” Because a good tree cannot bear bad fruit; and because a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, we can examine two distinct areas of a teacher’s life to determine if they deserve a hearing (Matt. 7:17-19).
First, is the matter of doctrine. Sound teachers submit themselves to the authority of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17). They preach the whole counsel of God, not merely the portions that draw applause (Acts 20:27). They gladly proclaim God’s love without ignoring His holiness. They rejoice in grace while refusing to minimize sin. They call people to repentance because they understand that forgiveness only has meaning when we first acknowledge our guilt.
By contrast, false teachers often sound remarkably orthodox at first. Though they use familiar Christian vocabulary, they subtly redefine biblical terms. Some deceivers openly deny the plain meaning of Scripture. Others quietly ignore biblical truth. Sadly, what some refuse to say can be just as dangerous as what they do say. They might speak of forgiveness with no mention of repentance. They might promise salvation with no concern for the narrow road that precedes it (Matt. 7:13-14). Jesus’ substitutionary death, His coming judgment, or His claims of exclusivity are dangerously absent (John 14:6). Assurances of peace when there is no peace is the common invitation that wolves love to offer (Jer. 6:14).
Second, is evaluation of a messenger’s devotion. Right doctrine alone does not qualify someone to lead the Lord’s church. The character of a leader’s life is just as important as the content of his message. Truth was never meant to remain behind a pulpit. Practicing what one preaches is the key for avoiding spiritual manipulation. Regrettably, a preacher may possess remarkable communication skills, impressive academic credentials, or even a large ministry platform, yet still lack genuine godliness (Matt. 7:20).
The New Testament insists that spiritual leaders demonstrate integrity, humility, self-control, and faithfulness (1 Tim. 3:1-7). Their homes, relationships, and personal holiness should reinforce the message they proclaim. A man who faithfully preaches biblical messages on Sunday but habitually disregards it throughout the week undermines his own ministry. Eloquence is never a substitute for godliness.
Warnings like these extend far beyond the pastorate, though. Parents should teach and model Scripture to their children. Sunday School teachers will influence young minds by what they say and do. Every Christian who opens God’s Word should strive to live consistently with what he teaches. Doctrine without devotion produces hypocrisy, while devotion without sound doctrine leads to confusion. God desires both.
So, be careful who you listen to. Many who stand before the Lord one day will hear the devastating words, “Depart from Me. I never knew you (Matt. 7:23). Christ also calls us to exercise discernment. We should never surrender our minds to charisma, celebrity, or popularity. Instead, we must test every spiritual voice by the unchanging truth of God’s Word and by the unmistakable fruit of a godly life (1 John 4:1).
In an age overflowing with religious content, Jesus’ warning has never been more relevant. The safest teachers are not necessarily the most entertaining or the most influential. They are the ones whose doctrine faithfully reflects God’s truth and whose daily lives consistently reflect God’s Son.
Adam B. Dooley
July 23, 2026