Discerning False Teachers

James Brown

Hey everyone, welcome back to Shutter the Dark Shorts. I’m James, and I’m here with Sunshine. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s honestly, well, it’s a little uncomfortable but super important—discerning false teachers. Sunshine, you ready for this?

Sunshine

Absolutely, James. This is one of those things that, if you’re not paying attention, can really sneak up on you. The Bible’s got a lot to say about it, especially in places like 1 Timothy 6. Paul basically tells Timothy, “Look, if someone’s teaching something different, not agreeing with the words of Jesus, and not leading people toward godliness, that’s a big red flag.”

James Brown

Yeah, and what stands out to me is how Paul describes these folks. He says they’re conceited, they don’t really understand anything, and they’re obsessed with controversial questions and arguments about words. It’s like, instead of building up the church, they’re just stirring the pot, causing envy, strife, and all kinds of friction. I mean, you see that today, right? Folks arguing over the tiniest things, but missing the heart of the gospel.

Sunshine

Exactly. And it’s not just about what they affirm, but also what they deny. False teachers might talk about Jesus or God, but they’re not really committed to Scripture. Sometimes they add to it, twist it, or even bring in so-called “new revelations.” And the fruit of all that? It’s never unity or godliness. Peter and Jude both warn that the result is always ungodliness and division in the church. It’s like a spiritual disease that spreads if you’re not careful.

James Brown

That’s a good way to put it—a disease. You know, it reminds me of my time in Search and Rescue. There was this one time, we got a tip about a missing hiker, and the info sounded legit, but it turned out to be a false lead. We spent hours chasing it down, wasted resources, and honestly, it put people at risk. If we’d kept following that, someone could’ve gotten hurt. I think it’s the same with false teaching. If you follow the wrong path, spiritually speaking, it can lead you—and others—into real danger.

Sunshine

That’s such a good analogy, James. And, you know, the Bible says the root of all this is pride. False teachers set themselves up as the authority, like their ideas are better than God’s Word. But in reality, Paul says they “understand nothing.” It’s all just empty talk that leads to chaos, not godly living. And, honestly, sometimes their motivation is just money or personal gain. That’s a tough thing to say, but Scripture doesn’t shy away from it.

James Brown

Yeah, and I think that’s why we have to be so careful. Like, it’s not just about being right, it’s about protecting the church from something that can really do damage. And, as we’ve talked about in past episodes—like when we discussed discernment and truth in the “Path to Salvation” episode—this isn’t just a theoretical thing. It’s real life, and it matters.

Sunshine

So, let’s talk about one of the biggest areas where false teaching shows up: who Jesus is. There’s a long history of people getting this wrong, from saying Jesus never existed, to claiming He was just a good man, or even an angel, or just one prophet among many. It’s wild how many different versions are out there.

James Brown

Yeah, and it’s not just ancient history, either. I mean, you see it all over the place today—on social media, in books, even in some churches. Some folks say Jesus was just a wise teacher, or maybe a revolutionary, but not the Son of God. Others say He was created, not eternal. And then there’s the idea that He was just one of many prophets, not the only way to God.

Sunshine

Right, and the thing is, the Bible’s really clear about this. John 1:14 says the Word became flesh—Jesus is fully God and fully man. Hebrews 1:5-6 makes it clear He’s not an angel. And then you’ve got John 14:6 and Acts 4:12, where Jesus says He’s the only way, the only name by which we can be saved. But these mistaken views keep popping up because, honestly, people want a Jesus that fits their own ideas or makes them comfortable.

James Brown

Yeah, and I think sometimes it’s just easier to accept a version of Jesus that doesn’t challenge us, you know? But if we lose sight of who He really is—eternal, divine, the only Savior—we end up with a faith that’s, well, not really Christian at all. It’s just a nice story.

Sunshine

That’s so true. And, you know, for me, studying systematic theology really helped. I remember, back in seminary, we’d go through all these historical heresies—like Docetism, where they said Jesus only “seemed” to be human, or the idea that He was just the first created being. And then I’d see those same ideas pop up in online forums or even in conversations with friends. It’s like, “Wait, we’ve been here before!” Knowing the real, biblical Jesus helps you spot those errors a mile away.

James Brown

Yeah, and I think that’s why it’s so important to keep coming back to Scripture. Like, don’t just take someone’s word for it—test it. If what they’re saying about Jesus doesn’t line up with the Bible, that’s a problem. And, as we talked about in our “Why Study the Bible” episode, that’s why digging into the Word matters so much. It’s not just head knowledge—it’s about knowing the real Jesus, the one who can actually save.

Sunshine

Exactly. And, honestly, it’s not about winning arguments. It’s about protecting your faith and helping others see the truth. Because, like Jesus said, “Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” That’s not something to take lightly.

James Brown

So, here’s the big question: what do we actually do when we spot false teaching? Do we just ignore it, or do we call it out? The Bible’s pretty direct—Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets,” and Paul tells the church leaders to “pay careful attention” and even to rebuke those who persist in error. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a responsibility.

Sunshine

Yeah, and it’s not just about avoiding them, either. Paul actually names names—Demas, Hymenaeus, Alexander—he doesn’t shy away from saying, “Hey, these folks are leading people astray.” But there’s wisdom in how and when to do it. Like, 1 Timothy 5 says to rebuke publicly only when it’s serious and there’s clear evidence. And, as Desiring God points out, you have to consider things like how serious the error is, how big the audience is, and whether people are vulnerable to being misled.

James Brown

Yeah, and I think that’s where a lot of us get stuck. We don’t want to be judgmental, but at the same time, if we just stay silent, the “disease” spreads. It’s like, if you see someone about to walk off a cliff, you don’t just let them go—you warn them. But you do it with truth and love, not just to win a debate or prove a point.

Sunshine

Exactly. And Ephesians 5:11 says to “expose” the works of darkness, not just ignore them. But it’s not about slinging mud or just dropping names. It’s about explaining the error, giving reasons, and setting a tone of love for the truth. The goal is always to protect the church and help people grow in discernment. Like, the best defense against error is a strong grasp of the truth.

James Brown

And, you know, sometimes that means having hard conversations, even with people you care about. But if we really love them, we’ll want them to know the truth. And as leaders—or just as believers—we have a role to play in keeping the church healthy. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.

Sunshine

Absolutely. And, as we wrap up, I just want to encourage everyone—don’t be afraid to ask questions, dig into Scripture, and, if you see something off, speak up with humility and love. That’s how we protect each other and keep growing together.

James Brown

Well said, Sunshine. That’s all for today’s episode. Thanks for joining us on Shutter the Dark Shorts. We’ll be back soon with more conversations to help you walk in truth and light. Sunshine, always a pleasure.

Sunshine

Thanks, James. Take care, everyone. See you next time!