TPW 83 Seven Characteristics of False Teachers from Thomas Brooks

Thomas Brooks outlined these 7 characteristics of false teachers in the 17th century. Nothing has changed. Here they are:

1. False teachers are men-pleasers. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Luke 6:26; Galatians 1:6-10; Isaiah 30:9-10; Jeremiah 23:16-17

2. False teachers are notable in casting dirt, scorn, and reproach upon the persons, names, and credits of Christ's most faithful ambassadors. 2 Corinthians 10:10

3. False teachers are venters of the devices and visions of their own heads and hearts. Jeremiah 14:14; 23:16; Matthew 24:4-5; Titus 1:10; Romans 16:18; Jeremiah 23:1-3

4. False teachers easily pass over the great and weighty things both of law and gospel, and stand most upon those things that are of the least importance and concern to the souls of men. 1 Timothy 1:5-7; Matthew 23:23; Romans 8:1; Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:12; Philippians 3:2; Matthew 23:24

5. False teachers cover and color their dangerous principles and soul-deceptions with very fair speeches and plausible pretenses, with high notions and golden expressions. Galatians 6:12; Romans 16:17-18; Matthew 7:15

6. False teachers strive more to win over men to their opinions, than to better them in their lives. Matthew 23:15; Acts 20:28-30

7. False teachers make merchandise of their followers. Jeremiah 6:13; 2 Peter 2:3