Basic Checklist for Christians to Detect False Doctrines

The first message Paul sent to Timothy was to command men not to teach false doctrines and follow worthless man-made myths.

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work- which is by faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3 & 4).

Peter Lewis said, "To say, Never mind doctrine, let's get on with evangelism' is as ridiculous as a football team saying, 'Never mind the ball, let's get on with the game!'

1. You are saved by grace through faith in Christ and not by works. If your own works can save you, the death of Christ on the cross has no meaning. You are saved not by work, and being saved, your life will produce good works. Don't put the cart before the horse. Remember which one is first and what follows.

2. You have been set free from bondage by Christ. A doctrine that puts you back in chains by what things you should eat or not eat in the name of dietary regulations is false doctrine. The same thing is applicable to dress code and the celebration of days. These things should not become barriers to your liberty in Christ. Just keep a day aside to honour God and be modest in your dressings.

3. God is holy and we are called to be holy and his sons and daughters. A doctrine that preaches careless living and not holiness is false doctrine and must be avoided.

4. A true doctrine is founded on the teachings of the Scripture and not on mere human feelings. Any doctrine that does not square up with the Scripture but is based only on human emotions should be rejected immediately.

5. The first temptation to man was, “You will be like God." Listen to preachers carefully. Are they emphasising their own greatness? Or are they teaching about humility that leads you to worship the Almighty God?

6. Don't hero-worship preachers no matter how internationally famous they may be. Any direct or indirect hint of placing humans above God and his word is false doctrine. Hero worship is idolatry, and it also results in the pride of the preachers.

7. A teaching that makes you slothful and inactive is false doctrine. True teaching or doctrine prepares you to actively engage in the missions of the church. Remember, God desires all men to be saved.