When I consider the lifestyles of some Bible teachers today, what comes to mind is “The lifestyles of the rich and famous.” The dire fact is there are fake Bible teachers in our midst.
To begin with their religion looks fraudulent and materialistic. You may notice some of these fake Bible teachers own one or more large estates. Some jettison across the country in private jets. Add to that hobnobbing with celebrities, driving fancy cars, and living a lavish lifestyle.
Those who proclaim the gospel and instruct us in the scriptures for love of gain is nothing new. However, this duplicity is on the rise.
“And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a robber’s den” (Matthew 21:13).
Is teaching the Bible or evangelism a means to getting rich or gaining profit? This is not what Jesus embraced while He walked this earth during His earthly ministry.
It just so happens the priests of that day were making a profit through selling of sacrificial animals in the temple because they were greedy and covetous. They wanted more money to increase their own cashbox.
Then when Jesus entered the scene He saw that the people were being robbed and ripped off. The priests were fleecing (taking their money dishonestly) the flock instead of feeding them.
Likewise, today, we see fake Bible teachers perverting God’s purposes for their own gain. Some to upgrade their lifestyles, or gain the accolades of man. The point is should Bible teachers be seeking worldly treasures and the recognition of man?
“Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” “And Jesus said to him, the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head” (Luke 9:58).
Or maybe a better question; what was the lifestyle of Jesus and His disciples? Our king Jesus was homeless. And as far as His disciples were concerned there were no golden thrones awaiting them, but only hardship and poverty.
The point here is that giving up the comforts and conveniences of life was the lifestyle of Jesus and His disciples.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16).
Another point I would like to make is to emulate the lifestyle of Jesus is to be a servant. Jesus was the one who came to be the servant of all. Many of these fake Bible teachers do not have a servant’s heart.
By definition they are ministers of the word, which means servant. Unfortunately, the passage of time has made the ministry an exalted position in many circles. But it is simply one of service.
Maybe these fake Bible teachers should step back a moment to consider the lifestyle Jesus led and count the cost? Or perhaps they should take a look at the life of Moses. His was a riches to rags story. Moses gave up an elite lifestyle to become a servant of God wandering in the wilderness with the Israelites.
To be clear, God’s servant Moses sacrificed worldly honor, fame and wealth to become a servant of God. His legacy models real servant leadership in action.
Throughout the scriptures Jesus’ call to His followers is not to find earthly glory. On the contrary, Jesus forewarns us about sharing in His sufferings (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 14:27, John 16:33).
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
What is really going on with these fake Bible teachers? First I believe some are carnal minded. Next, I believe others are playing a role contrary to their real character (wolves in sheep’s clothing).
Let’s start with the carnal Bible teachers. Might I suggest that they are holding onto the world. But the problem is you can’t have both.
These fake Bible teachers may have started out in the right direction. But gradually slipped away from the Holy Spirit’s leading and are now led by carnal thinking and fleshly appetites.
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
Next there are the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Some are fairly easy to distinguish, others are not. Now these men profess to be speaking for God, and give the appearance of a believer. 
They prey on the immature, unstable, and gullible. As 2 Timothy 3:5 states, “Holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.”
Many have made Christianity a profession while seeking after worldly advantages. But the scriptures say that God appoints the teachers in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:28).
This means a person is called by God and given the gift of teaching by Him. Today, we encounter many who are not called.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Another essential point is that some of these fake Bible teachers are young, and they want to climb the ladder of success in a worldly fashion. They wear trendy clothes and talk trendy. As mentioned above some even hang out with celebrities.
They attract younger crowds and professing Christians. Some are what I like to call “celebrity pastors.” Also, many are conformed by the culture, instead of making an impact on the culture. They are carnal-minded and sadly the fruit of their labors is carnal, lukewarm and even fake Christians.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will
accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3). Now it just so happens many will follow fake Bible teachers.
As stated in the scripture above a time will come when many will not endure sound doctrine. A time meaning the“end times.”
Also, bear in mind this scripture states, “They will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.” Meaning many will flock to teachers who will tell them what they want to hear.
Lastly, these fake Bible teachers water down God’s word with their form of Bible teaching. This form of teaching comprises a little bit of God’s word, if at all. Unfortunately, this may keep the sheep in a state of sleep or complacency.
“Therefore, do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Can we spot all fake Bible teachers? The answer is some, but not all. We can recognize the obvious; then again many are not as easily identified.
Therefore, what do we do? It’s necessary we become diligent in the study of God’s word (Acts 17:11). Equally important we need to develop a close relationship with Him.
The more we know God and His word and understand His ways, the more we will enable ourselves to distinguish the counterfeits.
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His, and let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Here’s a beautiful story about a pastor in South Korea called “The Dropbox.”
Aida,
I agree that just a little bit of God’s Word will not cause significant spiritual growth. These false teachers are not teaching the full council of God, and feeding the sheep, so that they may grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. As you mentioned, we need to develop a close relationship with God, especially these days. Thanks for your article.