False Teachers

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep... and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority."  2 Peter 2:1-3, 10

False prophets and teachers have been around a long time.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that they will be prolific before the rapture - see verse 11.  Peter tells us at first, they won't be recognized.  Their false teaching begins in secret.  They plant seeds of destruction.  If we are not watchful and careful, checking out what teachers say with scripture, we can be exploited and sent on a destructive path.  Pay careful attention to what they say about Jesus.  Verse ten really caught my attention when I was reading this passage.  They despise authority.  Beware of pastors and teachers that reject accountability - that do not surround themselves with men (and women with women, in women's ministries) that will keep them walking in the light.  Steer clear of churches that are one man shows and watch out for those in your church that want to go it alone.  False teachers ultimately become manifest, with what they do and say about Jesus.

It's so important to be in the Word...know the True Teacher, in and out - He walked this earth in submission to the Father  - when we know the True Teacher, it will be easier to spot the false ones...