We are in the middle of a short sermon series at RBC where we have been taking a look at some of the toughest teachings Jesus ever gave. Jesus said a lot of encouraging, inspirational things, but He never pulled his punches when it came to telling the truth about the nature of God and the nature of man.

He especially had harsh things to say about the religious leaders of his day. He considered them, for the most part, to be false teachers. Speaking of these false teachers in Luke 6:39, Jesus tells what is probably the shortest parable ever:

“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?”

Jesus’ point to his audience is simple—if you are following an ungodly teacher, he’s going to lead you to harm.

Now, I wish I could say that false teachers disguised as prominent, religious leaders were only a problem in the 1st century. But, it’s not. They are alive and well today. There are men and women within the realm of Christianity who are simply out to make money, or gain notoriety, or amass power and wealth. They write many of the books that are in your local Christian bookstore. They have well polished programs on your favorite television stations. They hold huge conferences promising you a better life. They are peddlers of the gospel. And Jesus’ warning to us is very clear—be careful what you read, watch and listen to. You might just end up in a spiritual pit.

So the question for us is, how do we distinguish who is a false teacher and who isn’t. Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas, offers 4 criteria for evaluating any Christian teacher or leader:

1. What do they do with the Scriptures?
Is Scripture their final authority? Is it culture? Is it supposed visions they’ve had? Do they twist clear teachings to mean something they don’t? If someone doesn’t place a strong emphasis on the purity of God’s revealed word, stay away.

2. What do they do with the cross?
Scripture is unbelievably clear that Christ died once as the final sacrifice for sinners. He is our only hope for salvation. That means nothing gets added to the cross. But, what you’ll hear today from many is that it’s the cross plus ______. If you hear a teacher adding anything to what is required for salvation except repentance of sin and trusting in Christ, beware.

3. What do they do with the essence of man?
Is man intrinsically good? Are we really just good people that have made some wrong choices over the years? This is a common teaching among many today. The Bible teaches that because of sin, we are depraved and there is nothing good in us that would make God accept us. That humbling thought should make us run to God for mercy provided through Jesus. Be cautious with anyone who tells you differently.

4. What do they do with Jesus?
Was Jesus simply a good man? Was He an inspirational leader that left us a great, moral, ethical code that we should emulate? If someone teaches that Jesus Christ was anything less than the wrath-absorbing Son of God, resurrected from the dead—they are preaching a false gospel.

It is so important that we evaluate the books we read, the conferences we go to and the sermons we listen to by the truth of God’s Word. There are a lot very engaging, entertaining Christian pastors, teachers and leaders out there who, in the end, will lead you straight into a pit.

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