by Rev. Nicky Joya

As we approach the return of the Master, we are to anticipate a rise in the proliferation of false teachings and teachers (Cf. 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-8). The beliefs these religious charlatans propagate bring about eternal destruction. Peter in his second letter warns, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing

swift destruction on themselves” (2 Peter 2:1). In view of this, Christians are instructed to be more and more discerning of false teachers.

However, not all false teachers introduce heresies. A religious teacher may maintain orthodox beliefs, but if his ways are deceptive, he too, is tagged by God as false. We are to be discerning, not only of doctrines religious teachers spread, but also of the means they employ.
 In Matthew 23:1-12, The Lord Jesus focuses on this type of teachers.  This is not to say that the false teachers He was pertaining to were not teaching heresy. They were. But the focus of Jesus’ indictment was on their motives and means. Notice four characteristics we must watch out for with regard to false teachers.

A. False Leaders are obsessed with power and control

¹ Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ² ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.’”

This was saying in effect that the Pharisees and scribes of His day have set themselves as the official “voice of God”. They speak as if they were God Himself. Behind this is their desire to control people’s lives.

Watch out brethren! Let me share more specific pointers. You know if a leader or a religious teacher desires to control others when…

- He says that he is the source of God’s divine revelation.

- He resorts to visions and dreams to manipulate others rather than expounding on God’s Word.

- He resorts to brain-washing techniques.

- He misinterprets Scriptures to say what he wants the Bible to say.

- He prevents people from studying Scriptures on their own.

Further,

B. False Leaders live inconsistently

³ So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Please understand what Jesus meant by what He said. He is simply stating that the religious leaders of their day were not people of integrity. They do not walk their talk.

Which brings us to the point that religious leaders must be people of integrity. For their role is not only to teach verbally, but visually as well, through their obedient lifestyle. If religious leaders are not living up to par to the standards God has set, they are misleading others. This is echoed by Paul when he instructed Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Not only does correct mentoring ensure that the hearers are on a safe path, but correct modeling as well.

Worse, these…

C. False Leaders are without love and compassion

⁴ They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Some preachers apparently, are not so much concerned about meeting people’s needs as much as expanding their kingdoms. In fact, they heartlessly drive their followers to pursue the expansion of their enterprise, so that they may have the prestige of leading the largest church, the biggest denomination, or the most extensive ministry.  

What a joy to be led by a servant-leader. You are blessed if you are under the leadership of one who has no thought of personal gain or prominence, but only to draw people closer to God. He is, as Peter says, “eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to (them)” (1 Peter 5:1-4).

However, woe to the one whose shepherd is a hireling whose preoccupation is his comfort and satisfaction, and has no compassion towards people’s needs.

This leads us to the last characteristic of false leaders…

D. False Leaders are hungry for prestige and eminence

He is preoccupied with personal elevation. Christ says of the religious leaders of His day:

⁵ "Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; ⁶ they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; ⁷ they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' ⁸ "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.

A true leader, on the other hand must be preoccupied with other people’s edification. The Lord continues:

¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

This is a call for discernment. Be on guard for savage wolves whose beliefs and behavior lead many to eternal destruction. 

Moreover, if you are a spiritual leader, may you be the kind the Lord looks for.

- One who does not resort to manipulative tactics, but faithfully declares God’s Word accurately and allows the Holy Spirit to transform believers into the kind of people God wants them to be.

- One who is maturing and whose life is worth emulating. God has set non-negotiable guidelines for appointing church leaders. Members must see to it that their leaders are living according to this standard.

- One who loves and serves the flock. Leaders must not only exhort their people to obey God but assist them to obey Him.

- One who is pre-occupied with other people’s edification.