We’ve all heard of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
However, what other signs can you look for to make sure you’re avoiding these people as much as possible?
Below are five false teachers identified by David Diga Hernandez that you need to avoid at all possible costs.
1. The Charlatan
These individuals use deception to fabricate miracles, prophetic words or spiritual experiences for personal gain. Whether through staged healings, false prophecies or manipulative tactics, charlatans prey on the desperation of others. While Scripture affirms that God works miracles, believers must test everything against His Word. The true power of God is not for show, but for the transformation of lives.
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“I’m talking about people who outright pay actors. Talking about people who fake the spiritual gifts,” Hernandez says. “Keep a healthy observation of what is going on around you. Keep a healthy, level-headed discernment, not moved emotionally and not stubborn-hearted.”
2. The Hypocrite
The hypocrite may preach holiness while living in hidden sin, or call for generosity while hoarding wealth. Though they may build massive platforms and gain a following, their spiritual fruit—or lack thereof—reveals the truth. The Bible makes it clear that character matters most.
Hernandez notes that this is not people who simply make mistakes or are struggling, but those who are completely acting, preaching a different kind of life than the one they are embracing.
3. The Heresy Hunter
This category includes individuals who dedicate themselves to nitpicking theological differences and publicly attacking others within the body of Christ. They create division rather than edification, often distorting others’ beliefs to fit a false narrative. While sound doctrine is vital, believers are called to correct with love and humility, rather than engaging in a spirit of accusation. True discernment seeks truth, not personal agendas.
“On YouTube, there’s such a thing as drama channels, and this type of genre of video creation simply involves YouTubers talking about YouTubers,” Hernandez says. “Sadly, the church has the equivalent of drama channels and that is the heresy hunter type channel.”
Hernandez also points out that these people most of the time take theological differences, not true heresy, and turn it into something bigger and more out-of-proportion than what it actually is.
4. The Heretic
Unlike the heresy hunter, the heretic actively distorts the gospel itself—denying core doctrines such as salvation by grace, Christ’s deity, or His Resurrection. These false teachers lead people away from biblical truth and into dangerous ideologies. Scripture warns against such deception, urging believers to stand firm on the unchanging Word of God.
“Some people twist [the Bible] into a sin permitting gospel. They tell you ‘Go on living how you want; it doesn’t make a difference,'” Hernandez notes.
5. The Hireling
The hireling is a leader who prioritizes financial gain over the flock of God. Rather than shepherding God’s people with integrity, they manipulate and exploit, often twisting Scripture to justify excessive wealth or mandatory financial contributions. True shepherds lay down their lives for the sheep, not use them for personal profit.
/**/“They only serve because they want money, they want fame, they want fortune [and] they want power,” Hernandez says.
As deception increases, Christians must remain vigilant. Rather than following voices that tickle ears, we must seek teachers who faithfully preach the uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ with a heart ready to serve and place the needs of others before their own.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
