Warning about False Preachers

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Mathew 7:15-20)

New Testament writers warned about false teachings that sounded good but defied truth

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Tim. 4:3)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.(1 John 4:1)

Believers today must still heed these warnings! Ungodly leaders subtly twist truth with such conviction that unprepared Christians can be charmed by their lies. That's why the Bible instructs us to evaluate the message of whoever desires to lead us (Matt. 7:20).

The false teacher is deceptive

Verse 15 of describes False Teacher as a wolf in sheep's clothing. He appears to want people to know the "real" truth about God, but his interpretation of Scripture may contain outright lies or a distorted mix of fact and error. Since wise believers study God's Word, they can detect a "sheepskin" starting to slip. The wolf is further exposed by his personal life, which won't be consistent with righteousness

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Matt. 7:16)

A close study of his decisions, actions, and words will reveal that he does not follow the Lord's will or biblical principles.

The false teacher's life and message are self-indulgent
His enticing ideas appeal to his listeners' fleshly nature. In fact, he'll often permit activities prohibited in Scripture. Some deceivers describe God's grace as a license to live without restraint (Jude 4). Paul clearly denounces this lie, teaching that believers have died to sin and shouldn't live in it

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom. 6:2)

The body of Christ is expected to use Scripture as the standard against which to measure a leader's lifestyle and words. When we seek divine truth, we are given the discernment to know a holy message from a misleading one.