If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is ac

[bdavidc]

Can Someone Sound Biblical and Still Be a False Teacher?

2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” That means not everything that looks good, sounds spiritual, or uses Bible verses is truly from God. Some of the most dangerous deceptions come from people who seem sincere, quote Scripture, and even talk about Jesus—yet lead people away from the truth.

So here’s the question I want to open up for discussion:

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is actually a false teacher?

What do you personally look for when testing a teacher? How do you compare their words to Scripture? Are there red flags that immediately make you cautious?

Let’s use the Bible and discernment to sharpen each other on this important topic.

 

[Dash RipRock]

Let’s use the Bible and discernment to sharpen each other on this important topic.

Notice how more and more people claim to not need the written Word of God and instead claim they just listen to the "spirit"

The majority of those saying this also embrace things God's Word teaches are sin such as the claim one can be gay and be a Christian, or that it's OK to get stoned on weed or drunk on alcohol, or sex before marriage

It's a trick of satan to cast aside God's Word and go by what one thinks they are hearing from the "spirit"

The real Holy Spirit leads people to God's Word according to Jesus - John 16:13

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

If They do not abide in the Holy Spirit, they are not worthy of Christ Jesus, for they have other gods ! but they force their own will on others is what such a one of Satan does.

We all start out Lost but the seeking Soul seeks the Truth untill one is Found !

No one can make you born again, you will know it when that happens in fact ! because you will be changed from that point on, because you know Christ Jesus as he is one in you ! for Grace abounds that is of Lordship Salvation !

No Grace of God in one shows one is not Saved in fact ! if they talk of killing People, lack of regard for People, That is not Charity in Christ Jesus at all, but that of one with a Demon who is under the Curse ! I have come across such people who are devoted in studdy of the Bible in fact, but They are Carnal, they see such knowlage as power and peddle issues of This world foremost ! that's their Game ! and peddle the 2ed coming as The Answer ! they reject that anyone has gone to Heaven over the last 2000 years and they serve to bring about the Hell fire so they can bring in the 2ed coming !
But They will excape the Hellfire that they have created ? so they demand ! but they will go to Hell in fact ! why is that you may ask, well it's because if you do wrong in regards Christ Jesus then you are not His in fact !
Doing wrong never makes anything right in fact ! Would Jesus do such ? Never ! so that's not abiding in Jesus is it at all !
Ones Religion never made the grade in fact. You must be born again of the Holy Spirit ! not of spirits ?

 

[soberxp]

“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

Usually Satan will let you eat the fruit of the tree of good and evil, and then declare "evil" in the name of "justice", make you believe what he called "good and bad", Then you gradually move away from the word of God, a trick that has been used since Genesis.

 

[Rita]

We are called to test the words of others, so we should not take anything on face value but look things up for ourselves and allow for discernment. The Holy Spirit guides us to truth of the written word.
An angel is usually a messenger, conveying words - so it’s the words that need to be evaluated.
This also applies to those Things that lead us to make certain choices in life. We are called to ‘ hold every thought captive to the Lord ‘ …..think, reflect, pray ect - is what we are being directed to do, in line with what the Lord would do……….

From Genesis onwards man was deceived by doing what they thought was good in their own eyes , instead of what God had advised them ( what was good in Gods eyes ) ……

 

[quietthinker]

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is ac​

By where their emphasis is.

 

[Dash RipRock]

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is ac​

By where their emphasis is.

By whether they rightly divide the Word of Truth (God's Word)

 

[quietthinker]

By whether they rightly divide the Word of Truth (God's Word)

'rightly dividing' is theoretically correct but on the ground it depends on how one interprets. Interpretation is a fulcrum.
Where do you think the primary emphasis is in the scriptures?

 

[Papa Smurf]

Can Someone Sound Biblical and Still Be a False Teacher?

Hello bdavidc, of course, they wouldn't be much of a "false teacher" if they didn't at least sound Biblical, would they

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is actually a false teacher?

Matthew 4:1-11 would be a great place to start (since the Lord dealt with THE false teacher himself in that passage). So, it seems to me (as others have already mentioned above) that we need to know and understand the Bible well enough to recognize when a false teacher is misusing it, as well how he/she is misusing it (like the Lord did in the wilderness with Satan in Matthew 4:1-11), so that the correct understanding is brought to bear/made known to any/all who listen to what false teachers have to say.

God bless you!!

--Papa Smurf

2 Timothy 2 ​

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling/rightly dividing the word of truth. ​

.

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

Hello bdavidc, of course, they wouldn't be much of a "false teacher" if they didn't at least sound Biblical, would they


Matthew 4:1-11 would be a great place to start (since the Lord dealt with THE false teacher himself in that passage). So, it seems to me (as others have already mentioned above) that we need to know and understand the Bible well enough to recognize when a false teacher is misusing it, as well how he/she is misusing it (like the Lord did in the wilderness with Satan in Matthew 4:1-11), so that the correct understanding is brought to bear/made known to any/all who listened to what the false teacher had to say.

God bless you!!

--Papa Smurf

2 Timothy 2 ​

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling/rightly dividing the word of truth. ​

.

Like Pope Francis ? even carnal people loved him. even the MSM Whore left him alone ! when the MSM was always on the attack of the last two Popes in fact full on, just as like they have been with Trump in fact.

So who has the power over most people in this world ? The MSM has in fact ! They play their Tune and the mice and Rats follow along will all such in fact !

Their is a dispute regarding a Boarder ? it's all about the Boarder and nothing other. and the People are sacreficed willingly, with no regard for the people or property damage at all ! and all is made to look good by such as the Media ! The Majority of people can easy be lead to have no regard the peoples lives in fact at all ! Ukraine anyone ?

Then again regarding the State of Israel, look see ! who attacked in a outright gutless way and still only willing only to attack ! and who suports them ? The MSM does in fact !
Now if their was only suport for the State that was attacked, the War would of ended in weeks, but No, who is prolonging this War as well, Oh it's the MSM once again in fact helping out the criminal intent, so are only to drive the War on !

So one can see the Devil in the detail, if one looks further than what the MSM only wants to peddle, just only a one sided view point in fact, because if one had a view of both then, The Game is up, exposed !

So to is the criminal intent within Churches peddling their Religion and they have another Jesus ! one who is of this world ! that's what they seek ?
They seek a Man in the flesh in fact to save them ? why is that ! it's because they are not Saved by the Holy Spirit in fact !
They think that they need one in the flesh so as to tell them what to do ?

It's all a woking of what one could say, Smoke and mirrors that are used !

When buying a Car, do you swallow all that the dealer claims ? So why idolise the Media.

 

[bdavidc]

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is actually a false teacher?

The Bible gives us clear instruction on how to discern truth from deception. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, it warns us that “such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” This shows that not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The only way to be sure we’re not being led astray is to test everything by the Word of God. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans because “they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” 1 John 4:1 also commands, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” We are not to trust appearances, emotions, or personalities. We must measure every teaching against the unchanging truth of Scripture. If it contradicts God’s Word or adds to it, it is false, no matter how convincing or “biblical” it might sound.

 

[PS95]

Can Someone Sound Biblical and Still Be a False Teacher?

2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” That means not everything that looks good, sounds spiritual, or uses Bible verses is truly from God. Some of the most dangerous deceptions come from people who seem sincere, quote Scripture, and even talk about Jesus—yet lead people away from the truth.

So here’s the question I want to open up for discussion:

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is actually a false teacher?

What do you personally look for when testing a teacher? How do you compare their words to Scripture? Are there red flags that immediately make you cautious?

Let’s use the Bible and discernment to sharpen each other on this important topic.

We are in times now where many false teachers are becoming obvious with their licentiousness. If people are drawn into believing even them, how much more deceitful can it get?
Plenty.
If you don't know your bible and know the Lord, you can easily be manipulated by people with bible in hand.
Remember, we are talking about wolves in sheep clothing- it is not obvious. The clothing is very convincing to someone who does not know their bible or knows a good bit, but not and IN CONTEXT.
The verse cherry pickers are alive and well, and it is a huge manipulative tool. Always be a berean and always pray. Do not trust someone because they say they are a berean- be one yourself. Do not simply trust because they appear to know more than you do. Many times, they are the most blind! Matt 17 is good one to pay attention to because they indeed are here now. Always read in context! Pray.

 

[PS95]

The Bible gives us clear instruction on how to discern truth from deception. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, it warns us that “such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” This shows that not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The only way to be sure we’re not being led astray is to test everything by the Word of God. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans because “they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” 1 John 4:1 also commands, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” We are not to trust appearances, emotions, or personalities. We must measure every teaching against the unchanging truth of Scripture. If it contradicts God’s Word or adds to it, it is false, no matter how convincing or “biblical” it might sound.

I see we think alike. Amen. Another very good topic, brother!

 

[bdavidc]

Are there red flags that immediately make you cautious?

The Bible gives clear red flags that should immediately make us cautious of false teachers. In 1 Timothy 6:3-5, Paul warns, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.” A key red flag is when someone teaches doctrine that contradicts or adds to the clear teaching of Scripture. Another sign is found in 2 Peter 2:1-3, where it says, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies… and many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.” When someone promotes ungodliness, denies core biblical truths, or draws people to themselves rather than to Christ, these are clear warnings. Jude 1:4 also warns of those who “pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” False teachers often twist Scripture (2 Peter 3:16), promote greed (2 Peter 2:3), and exploit people with smooth words. These are the red flags the Bible tells us to watch for so that we are not led astray.

 

[Aunty Jane]

“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

Usually Satan will let you eat the fruit of the tree of good and evil, and then declare "evil" in the name of "justice", make you believe what he called "good and bad", Then you gradually move away from the word of God, a trick that has been used since Genesis.

Good points. If the devil can make something evil appear to be good, how do we test this out? By the world’s standards…..or God’s?
Man’s standards are a roller coaster of change, as time has shown us all the way from the Victorian era to this 21st century…how many of those in the Victorian era could come back to this world and not see Sodom and Gomorrah?

How does satan accomplish this? He has time to do things gradually…like the proverbial “frog in the pot” who fails to notice that the temperature is increasing to a point where he will cook himself and die.
That has happened all through history….the merging of standards so gradual that people come to accept what they never would have if the change had been sudden. Like the frog, it would have jumped out of the pot before the damage was done.

Moral and spiritual decay are insidious…..leading to physical corruption of the flesh in all manner of diseases that are transmitted by conduct that God forbids. Those who follow the Bible’s guidelines protect themselves from such things. But spiritual decay has a deeper affect on humanity.

When a leader promotes what God forbids, then to follow that leader, no matter how pious he may appear on the surface of it, or how charismatic he may sound to his audience, using the Bible alone in its entirety is the only way to test the validity of any teaching that may sound right to those not educated in the Bible’s overarching theme.…and that is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the son of God (John 17:3).…and the role he plays in the Kingdom of God. They must understand why he was sent, what his death accomplished, and where that will lead us. And they must understand what God’s Kingdom is…..most have no real idea.

Most religious leaders today are educated only in theology, not the Bible….and theology is man’s interpretation of Scripture, led by the “angel of light”, they are guiding the majority down a dark path with a white stick…the blind leading the blind.

We can have faith that God will lead the worthy ones (of his choosing) to the truth…the only truth there is….the genuine diamond in a pile of broken glass. (John 6:44; 65) Those who are already convinced of their truth and are not willing to keep searching and proving things for themselves, will fall prey to the “lion” who is perpetually hungry for more victims.

If we do not understand how early the rot set in, (as Jesus warned) we will never recognize that rot for what it is…it has been around so long that no one questions it.….it is accepted because “the church” said it was so….but what was “the church” who said it? Who was its leader?
Not Christ.

 

[Aunty Jane]

We are not to trust appearances, emotions, or personalities. We must measure every teaching against the unchanging truth of Scripture. If it contradicts God’s Word or adds to it, it is false, no matter how convincing or “biblical” it might sound.

So if we cannot trust appearances..…and all who purport to be teachers of God’s truth, differ on so many issues…how is one to discern who is actually telling the truth, when they all appears to be doing so, to those who follow them.

If they can all quote Scripture and all “appear” to be doing and teaching the right things…..how do you tell the “wheat” from the “weeds”? How does Jesus discern the “sheep“ from the “goats”?

By whose interpretation are people to measure what they hear? If it is convincing and yet not truth, how do you know that what YOU preach is accurate? Are you yourself not convinced of your beliefs? Who are you? Just another dissenting voice among thousands who make the same claim.

So I will ask again, who are your brotherhood? Who as a global community of Christians joins you in worship with “one God, one faith, one baptism”. I guess you will just ignore the question like you did before.

If you cannot direct others to the ones who do as Paul stated in Hebrews 10:24-25, then are you not just another opinion, with nowhere to go but your own ideas about what Scripture teaches?

Is Christianity just a scattering of true Christians rubbing shoulders with the fake ones?
Please tell us where Jesus would send us….to worship his Father “in spirit and truth”? (John 4:23-24)

 

[PS95]

Good points. If the devil can make something evil appear to be good, how do we test this out? By the world’s standards…..or God’s?
Man’s standards are a roller coaster of change, as time has shown us all the way from the Victorian era to this 21st century…how many of those in the Victorian era could come back to this world and not see Sodom and Gomorrah?

Truth does not change.

How does satan accomplish this? He has time to do things gradually…like the proverbial “frog in the pot” who fails to notice that the temperature is increasing to a point where he will cook himself and die.That has happened all through history….the merging of standards so gradual that people come to accept what they never would have if the change had been sudden. Like the frog, it would have jumped out of the pot before the damage was done.

Precisely! It happens in politics, and pop culture and in false religions. Do your taught truths change slowly, Jane?
Does your religion call itself "the truth"? Do they tell you that Jesus' did not pay for your personal sins, only Adams?
They are lying to you.

Moral and spiritual decay are insidious…..leading to physical corruption of the flesh in all manner of diseases that are transmitted by conduct that God forbids. Those who follow the Bible’s guidelines protect themselves from such things. But spiritual decay has a deeper affect on humanity.

When a leader promotes what God forbids, then to follow that leader, no matter how pious he may appear on the surface of it, or how charismatic he may sound to his audience, using the Bible alone in its entirety is the only way to test the validity of any teaching that may sound right to those not educated in the Bible’s overarching theme.…and that is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the son of God (John 17:3).…and the role he plays in the Kingdom of God. They must understand why he was sent, what his death accomplished, and where that will lead us. And they must understand what God’s Kingdom is…..most have no real idea.

Why was Jesus sent Jane? Just to recover what Adam lost in the garden to pave you a trail to work on for salvation? Or was it much more? Did Jesus die for you to pay for your sins, Jane? If only you would believe God!

Most religious leaders today are educated only in theology, not the Bible….and theology is man’s interpretation of Scripture, led by the “angel of light”, they are guiding the majority down a dark path with a white stick…the blind leading the blind.

Did the watchtower say angels direct their teachings? and you must obey. Did those teachings then change to the opposite? Did the watchtower claim to be God's sole spokesperson and sole channel of communication whom you must obey or die? and did those teachings also change? Did the Creator's Promise change a few times ,too? Do you ever have to revert to former teachings and flicker back and forth like a light switch? Do you ever feel blown and tossed like the wind to and fro? Or a you that frog in the water?
Never able to come to the TRUTH? THE TRUTH IS JESUS!

We can have faith that God will lead the worthy ones (of his choosing) to the truth…the only truth there is….the genuine diamond in a pile of broken glass. (John 6:44; 65) Those who are already convinced of their truth and are not willing to keep searching and proving things for themselves, will fall prey to the “lion” who is perpetually hungry for more victims.

Yes, please take your own advice and don't fall to the lions. "No one can come to me unless the Father calls Him." It's your new favorite verse lately. Why hasn't the Father called you to His Son yet, Jane? why do you think He has not? Why don't you belong to Jesus? Why aren't you born of God? Why isn't Jesus your only mediator? Why?
To believe the bible and Jesus and the multitudes of scriptures that teach that He did indeed die for your sins- is being called if you BELIEVE!.
Mediate on those many verses. I know you have seen them. I have posted.
Accept that amazing gift, and shout in praise and rejoicing in that truth -----------and Jesus will set you free indeed. follow Him all of your days, not man.

If we do not understand how early the rot set in, (as Jesus warned) we will never recognize that rot for what it is…it has been around so long that no one questions it.….it is accepted because “the church” said it was so….but what was “the church” who said it? Who was its leader?
Not Christ.

Are you saying that the Christ leads your organization? Why yes JWs do say that. WHY THEN DON'T THEY KNOW THE GOSPEL and preach a different one? Let them be accursed.. and he said it again! and you still wont heed the scriptures of God and choose to listen to man.
Such a shame when it's right there in front of you in the very scriptures that you use on here. You do not see the forest because of those darned trees in the way. Clear the way Jane and believe what the bible says. It's OK.

 

[Aunty Jane]

Someone seems to think that I excluded myself from my previous post and perhaps has a hate agenda and didn’t notice that when I said “we” I was including ALL who claim to have the truth….that includes me.

Whose version of that truth we accept is entirely up to us….but God has to have somewhere for those who obey Rev 18:4-5….to go and seek refuge from the lies that proliferate in this world ruled by the devil, and those who masquerade as teaching Bible truth.

So can the poster give us a clue as to where that might be? Where do we find the genuine truth taught among the many who claim it?

 

[PS95]

So if we cannot trust appearances..…and all who purport to be teachers of God’s truth, differ on so many issues…how is one to discern who is actually telling the truth, when they all appears to be doing so, to those who follow them.

By testing all things with scriptures and prayer.

If they can all quote Scripture and all “appear” to be doing and teaching the right things…..how do you tell the “wheat” from the “weeds”? How does Jesus discern the “sheep“ from the “goats”?
That is the job of Jesus to separate the sheep from the goats.

By reading scripture in context and prayer . Far more do not do that, than do.

By whose interpretation are people to measure what they hear? If it is convincing and yet not truth, how do you know that what YOU preach is accurate? Are you yourself not convinced of your beliefs? Who are you? Just another dissenting voice among thousands who make the same claim.

You ask too many questions. It gets tiring. Are you a game show host? You are not Jesus. lol
Are you suggesting that we should all be in lock step conformity even if it's wrong for the sake of unity? we should obey teachers who are teaching falsely without being allowed to question? The obey and teach those falsehoods to others? / That is what Jws do. No thank you.

So I will ask again, who are your brotherhood? Who as a global community of Christians joins you in worship with “one God, one faith, one baptism”. I guess you will just ignore the question like you did before.

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one shepherd, and one flock. Why did you leave off one flock? Because you have 2 flocks in your Org? Yes you do.
Christians are all over the world and we all are washed in the blood of Jesus.

If you cannot direct others to the ones who do as Paul stated in Hebrews 10:24-25, then are you not just another opinion, with nowhere to go but your own ideas about what Scripture teaches?

We can meet in many different churches. We don't need to agree on the same everything to have fellowship. Some might not eat pork! Who cares?

Is Christianity just a scattering of true Christians rubbing shoulders with the fake ones?
Please tell us where Jesus would send us….to worship his Father “in spirit and truth”? (John 4:23-24)

You are such a rude person to this new member AGAIN!!! No wonder he put you on ignore.
Now Jane, since we know you have had me on ignore ever since I told you that I understand your teachings because I was raised as a JW but not baptized as a JW-- Why do you shun me?

 

[PS95]

Someone seems to think that I excluded myself from my previous post and perhaps has a hate agenda and didn’t notice that when I said “we” I was including ALL who claim to have the truth….that includes me.

Whose version of that truth we accept is entirely up to us….but God has to have somewhere for those who obey Rev 18:4-5….to go and seek refuge from the lies that proliferate in this world ruled by the devil, and those who masquerade as teaching Bible truth.

So can the poster give us a clue as to where that might be? Where do we find the genuine truth taught among the many who claim it?

The poster's name is David. Your nastiness is oozing. He put you on ignore. Are you having fun? I know I am. David can't see your nasty posts so I reply, and you can't see mine!
HAHAHAHAHA