False Teachers In Their Own Words

Welcome, friends. Today, we’re going to look at something both uncomfortable and necessary—words spoken not by strangers, but by well-known voices who claim to represent Christ. These are voices heard around the world, filling arenas, bookstores, and screens—yet what they preach is often more about self than Savior.

Why bring this up? Because the Bible commands us to do so. Paul didn’t hesitate to call out false teachers in his day—and neither should we. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul warns of a time—our time—when people will love themselves, crave money, boast, and twist truth for gain. Sadly, that time has come.

Let me be real with you. People often make assumptions about pastors. They see a nice pair of shoes and assume extravagance. They see a watch and assume wealth. But what they don’t see is what truly matters—the heart, the doctrine, and whether that teacher’s life aligns with Scripture.

Some false teachers aren’t easy to spot. They look like us. They sing better than us. They preach with passion. Yet Jesus said in Matthew 7 that on the Day of Judgment, some will cry, “Lord, Lord,” and He will say, “I never knew you.” They believed for a time—but they were never born again. They tasted, but they never drank. They hovered near the faith, but never entered it.

That’s why this matters.

We must not be swayed by charisma or stage presence. We must not tolerate teachings that distort the Gospel under the guise of motivation or self-help. When preachers tell you that your words create reality, that speaking positivity will bring prosperity, they’re not preaching Christ—they’re preaching humanism with a Christian veneer.

Take Joel Osteen, for example. He teaches that your words shape your future, that you should avoid negativity. But the Gospel calls us to repentance—something he rarely, if ever, mentions. He’s even claimed Mormons are Christians, despite their belief in multiple gods and planets ruled by men who become gods.

Benny Hinn once said, “You are a little god on earth,” and taught that Adam could fly and travel to the moon. Kenneth Copeland describes God as a being just like us—6 feet tall and 200 pounds—and even claimed God is “the biggest failure in the Bible” because of what He lost.

These are not harmless statements. They’re distortions of Scripture. And they matter because millions are following these voices, sending them money, and being led astray.

False doctrine isn’t just incorrect—it’s dangerous. It misleads hearts, wounds souls, and replaces the Gospel with greed, mysticism, and fantasy. Paul named names—Hymenaeus and Alexander—because they were dividing and damaging the church. Should we do less?

Let me ask you—who are you listening to? Whose books are on your shelf? Whose words are shaping your view of God? Don’t be fooled by spiritual-sounding slogans that offer shortcuts to blessing. Real faith doesn’t always bring comfort or wealth—it brings Christ.

Some people lose everything and still praise God. Others face hardship and yet remain faithful. Why? Because their foundation isn’t built on hype—but on truth.

We must be people of the Word—rooted, discerning, and unwilling to compromise. Scripture says in Hebrews 13:7 to remember those who have taught the Word of God and to consider the outcome of their lives. Not just their words—but their walk. Not their fame—but their faith.

Friends, this is not about being judgmental—it’s about being vigilant. It’s about guarding our hearts, our churches, and our children from teachings that may entertain but do not save.

So be alert. Be wise. Be anchored in the Word of God. And if you see deception—call it what it is. Because love warns. Love speaks. And love stands for truth, even when it’s unpopular.