Know the Word...

Spiritual discernment is a powerful resource to keep you from falling into the clutches of a false teacher. Bible study and memorization are the tools that will increase your spiritual discernment. You must know Scripture; it must become a part of you. 

Weigh the words of those that teach and preach to you from God's Word. This would include Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, small group leaders, mentors, counselors, radio and television "preachers" not just pastors and evangelists standing in the pulpit.

1. Do they add opinions or preferences? 
2. Do they add traditions? 
3. Do they add popular worldly thoughts, beliefs, or ideas? 
4. Do they twist God's Word to make it say something it does not?
5. Do they fail to teach the "whole counsel" by leaving things out?

If so, you may have discovered a false teacher... a wolf in sheep's clothing.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.