How to Spot False Teachers in an Age of Compromise
We live in an era where truth is branded “hate,” righteousness is mocked as “bigotry,” and those who dare to proclaim God’s Word without apology are crucified by the world. The Apostle Paul’s warning to Timothy cuts to the heart of our current crisis: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). False teachers are not lurking in shadows—they’re on prime-time TV, bestselling book lists, and even behind pulpits. But their fruit betrays them. Worse yet, many of the most dangerous offenders wear the label “Christian” while preaching doctrines crafted in hell.
Paul charged Timothy to “command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer” (1 Timothy 1:3) and exposed the motives of these spiritual frauds: “They are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions” (1 Timothy 6:4). Today’s false teachers operate the same way. They peddle feel-good heresies, twist Scripture to excuse sin, and stir division by aligning with cultural rebellion over biblical fidelity. Shockingly, many of these wolves claim to follow Christ. They preach a “gospel” stripped of repentance, justice, and holiness—a cheap grace that winks at sexual immorality, mocks biblical manhood and womanhood, and swaps the fear of God for political correctness.
These self-professing Christians are the worst offenders. They parrot the world’s values while attacking those who uphold God’s standards. They label faithful believers “divisive” or “unloving” for refusing to bless what God calls sin. They conform to the world so completely that they become indistinguishable from it, violating Paul’s command: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). They are modern Judaizers, more devoted to social approval than Scripture.
Speaking truth today comes at a price. The world’s system—run by the “enemies of God” (James 4:4)—rewards compromise and punishes courage. If you preach that salvation is through Christ alone (John 14:6) and say “Christ is King!” prepare to be labeled “antisemitic.” If you call sin sin, expect to be deplatformed, debanked, or slandered as a “phobe” of some kind. This is not conjecture—it’s reality. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).
Yet contrast this with the compromisers. They’re celebrated! They land New York Times columns, ink book deals with publishers who despise God’s standards, and receive standing ovations for preaching a neutered “gospel” of moral relativism. Their doctrine is a buffet of heresy—take what you like, leave the “offensive” parts. They are modern-day Balaams, “who loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15), trading eternal truth for temporary relevance. Even more grotesque, many of these deceivers claim to represent Christ while forming alliances with those who openly mock Him.
Balaam, the ancient mercenary prophet, sold his divine gift to the highest bidder, attempting to curse God’s people for a paycheck—until the Lord sovereignly hijacked his lips (Numbers 22-24). But when his curses failed, Balaam weaponized compromise, seducing Israel into idolatry and sexual sin to trigger God’s judgment (Numbers 31:16). His legacy? A warning label stamped on every spiritual hustler who exploits God’s people for power, profit, or political clout.
Fast-forward to today: modern Balaams have swapped Moab’s gold for Zionist idolatry, turning the modern state of Israel into an untouchable golden calf. They preach that blind allegiance to a geopolitical nation-state—one that often tramples the poor, persecutes believers, and mocks Christ—is equal to faithfulness to God’s eternal covenant. This is heresy. These charlatans extort churches and governments, waving Bible verses like magic charms to justify apartheid, corruption, and war crimes, all while silencing prophets who dare to say, “Thus saith the Lord: ‘He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’” (Micah 6:8).
The same spirit of Balaam that corrupted ancient Israel now infiltrates pulpits and airwaves, demanding Christians bow to a nation rather than the King of Nations. These wolves twist Scripture to equate criticism of modern Israel’s wickedness with “antisemitism,” spiritually blackmailing believers into funding oppression. They’re not defending God’s people (Christians)—they’re defending their own power. Just as Balaam used religion to enrich himself while leading Israel into moral ruin, these false shepherds exploit end-time madness to build empires and line their pockets, ignoring Amos’ roar: “Let justice roll on like a river!” (Amos 5:24). True Zion isn’t a flag or a border—it’s Christ Himself, the Lion of Judah, who demands His Church rise above this wicked idolatry of those who hate and reject Him and stand unflinching for truth, even when it costs us donors, platforms, or fake “prophetic” accolades. The Lord sees. The Lord judges. And He still has a remnant who won’t trade eternity for the cheap glitter of Balaam’s wages.
False teachers are easy to spot. They’re the ones handing out participation trophies in the race to hell. They claim to love Jesus but reject His commands (John 14:15). They quote Scripture out of context to justify evil and silence the faithful. They are “clouds without rain” (Jude 1:12)—promising revival but delivering rebellion.
To the remnant refusing to bow: keep fighting. Paul’s charge to Timothy is ours: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Do not fear the wolves, especially those in church attire. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
We serve a King who was crucified, slandered, and buried—only to rise in victory. So speak. Expose. Unmask the wolves. And remember: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). The answer? No one. Now go live like it.
Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab AI Inc
Christ is King
