Mat 7:20 | MHM | STEP | v. 20 : Jesus repeats, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20 ). The best way to recognize false teachers is to pay attention to what their lives produce. This includes both their personal character and the effects of their teaching on others. If their teaching leads people away from God, encourages pride, selfishness, or sin, then it is not from God (Galatians 5:8; James 3:15 ). But if their teaching leads to true love, humility, and holiness, it is a sign that they are genuine. When in doubt, we should also check what they teach against the Bible, "the law and the testimony" (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1 ).

‏ Matthew 7:20

v. 20: Jesus repeats, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20 ^a). The best way to recognize false teachers is to pay attention to what their lives produce. This includes both their personal character and the effects of their teaching on others. If their teaching leads people away from God, encourages pride, selfishness, or sin, then it is not from God (Galatians 5:8; James 3:15 ^b). But if their teaching leads to true love, humility, and holiness, it is a sign that they are genuine. When in doubt, we should also check what they teach against the Bible, "the law and the testimony" (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1 ^c).