How would I define a “false teacher” and discern false teachings?

A false prophet or teacher or minister will teach false teachings for power, money, personal objectives, and things along this line.  We are told by Paul to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”  If we study the Scriptures and know and do what the Scriptures says, we can spot a counterfeit from the real thing.  A leader that does not teach the truth is a false teacher.

John tells us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets are here.  We are told that false Christ and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible.  Peter tells us “They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them and in their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.”  From Matthew says “false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect.” 

The bottom line is that there are only two “ways of life” a person will follow in their lives, the Way of Life and the way of death.  One way is following the teachings, examples, commands and the scriptures on the Way of Life we are to follow.  These are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  The false teacher will teach parts of the way of death in little things that will then add up.  These will lead to the works of the flesh.

Blessings

Stephen

(1 Th 5:21 KJV)  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

(2 Pet 2:1-3 NIV)  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} Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. {3} In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

(Mat 24:24 NIV)  For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible.

(1 Pet 3:15 NIV)  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

(1 John 4:1 NIV)  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.