The Lifestyle of a False Teacher

How do we recognize the false teachers Jesus called “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15)?

We can start by examining their lifestyles. Are they overindulgent? Are they living like the rich and famous? Are they preaching Christ for profit (2 Corinthians 2:17)? 

We should judge a teacher's lifestyle before listening to his teaching because his lifestyle reflects his true character (Matthew 7:17).  

Wealth isn't necessarily evil, but overindulgence is. We can't love both God and money (Matthew 6:24;1 John 2:15-17; 1 Timothy 6:10).

Furthermore, Bible teachers are meant to be examples (Titus 2:7). God judges them more strictly because they have influence over others (James 3:1).

We can’t know the exact point where a person crosses the line into overindulgence, but typically, these wolves aren’t even close to the line.

It shouldn't surprise us that most rich Bible teachers promote the prosperity gospel (Luke 6:45).
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If anyone tells you it's not our place to judge teachers, you can share these passages: 1 Corinthians 5:12; Matthew 7:15-20.
See also: 
What Scripture Says about Prosperity
The Popular Teachings of Joel Osteen
Bad Guys are Good Warnings- Balaam

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