Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teaching of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

It is an interesting thing when you come across professing modern-day apostles and prophets who are teaching on how to discern false teaching. Such a thing happened the other day while making my way through the “interwebs”, which seems a rather appropriate term to use for such a topic. I saw a video with that very title, and I paused with curiosity to see what was taught because the individual teaching about this discernment was a popular self-professing prophet in the hyper charismatic movement.

He told the people listening that the only way to discern a false teaching is through the gift of discernment of spirits, mentioning 1 Timothy 4:1 and 1 Corinthians 2:4-6 to solidify his point. He also alluded to a gospel absent of miraculous manifestations as being a false teaching falling under 1 Timothy 4:1. This was his main example of how to discern a false teaching. It seemed as if the gospel in accordance with Scripture was not sufficient in its power, though we know full well that it is (Romans 1:16,17), and it seemed that Scripture was not the final authority for any believer in having proper Biblical discernment. There were other teachings I came across, one from a self-professing female apostle who told those in attendance that individuals who call people like herself into question are like the Pharisees and that they operate in jealousy. They are unable to see in the Spirit because their hearts are impure for speaking against others’ teaching. These are common things one will hear in the New Apostolic Reformation. However, I soon would hear a teaching that was more blatant in its spiritual abuse and manipulation.

This teaching came from Jenny Weaver who oversees a women’s discipleship group called The Core Group. At least ten thousand women are part of this group, which requires a monthly subscription ($20) to have access to teachings, retreats, services, groups, and to Jenny herself. Though sisterhood is encouraged and promoted, loyalty to the leader and submission is expected. In this particular teaching she recorded, this same passage in 1 Timothy was addressed, stating that there were people operating in seducing spirits. Prior to her discussing this verse, she prefaced it by stating who she was under leadership wise. She went on to state that her doctrine could not be contested because she taught from the Bible, and those who had issues with it had demonic spirits, such as the seducing spirit referenced in 1 Timothy 4:1. In other words, there is no error coming from her; if you dare question, the error lies with you, and you most likely are demonically inspired.

She told those listening that seducing spirits will cause you to lose your salvation and that they like to take over your mind and thoughts. She said that this spirit makes the truth seem false and that those who operate in it in trying to use discernment are sowing seeds of discord. She also stated that the seducing spirit will pervert and manipulate, pulling one away from God and resulting in a heaven and hell issue. As I listened to this teaching, I could not help but to be saddened for these women who were invested in this group and who believed that these teachings were sound.

It pained me more to consider what was taking place in this teaching. Whether intended or not, these women were being conditioned into thinking that critical thinking is not only unacceptable, but it is demonic. Questions were not permitted, and this was made clear in the statements of the doctrine not being open to inspection and testing. It was also concerning to hear someone tell others that a demon could remove one’s salvation.

As a believer in Christ, we have such joy in His salvation. We are told that the Holy Spirit seals us for the day of redemption. He is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:13,14). Jesus said that He will not lose all that the Father has given Him, and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 6:39, 10:28,29). For those in Christ, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38,39). I believe in eternal security because my salvation is not based on my own merit. In other words, I am gently yet firmly contesting her doctrine, and I am going to stick with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The teaching of individuals “having demons” or a particular spirit in operation seeming to oppose these leaders and the move of God is not a new teaching. I believe it shuts down critical thinking, commanded Biblical discernment and testing, and it manipulates people into not questioning a leader. This crosses into spiritual abuse, and false teachers and even cult leaders profess such teachings that are said to be airtight and not privy to being called into question. It instills fear in people who do not want to show irreverence to God because they will believe that calling the leader into question will leave them potentially demonized and even damned. People are told to be careful because they could be blaspheming the Holy Spirit by calling teachings into question. This teaching is a prime example of such claims. No one is above inspection and evaluation in a public teaching or proclamation, and to encourage others to not test teachings against Scripture rightly divided is to instruct others to disobey God’s Word.

There has been a rampant demonization of people in this movement, typically transpiring when questions and concerns are expressed. Many are left feeling confused, fearful, angry, and devastated when accused of demonic activity. I would even go so far as to say that Biblical illiteracy is a great contributor to this problem. When time is not spent in the Word of God as part of our fellowship with the Lord, it is then we can be blown around by all sorts of doctrines, and we can be led into deception. It is important we understand that twenty-six of the twenty-seven letters of the New Testament warn of false teachers and false prophets at some point. It would seem God deemed it vital to recognize the presence of false teaching and why His Word rightly divided is vital in the life of a believer.

Let me say that I have neither malice nor jealousy in making such statements about these teachings. As someone who was extended tremendous mercy by God in coming out of deception and out of false teaching, I pray He would do the same for others. This includes those who are teaching false doctrine and who lead others astray. For me to relish in their demise and deception would be as equally wicked as the false teachings being perpetuated. I hope many others will come out of this movement and trust in Christ. I pray that many others would make time in God’s Word a daily priority. We are to abide in His Word as His disciples, and in His Word is freedom (John 8:31,32). His Word is truth.

Do you want to know how to discern false teaching? You remain in His Word, trusting that the Spirit of God, the very Author of Scripture, will lead you into all truth. As lovingly as I can, flee from such teachings discussed by Jenny and those who would demonize and add to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Understand that if you are a believer in Christ, God has sent His Spirit to indwell you and to help you to discern and to use reason. That is not demonic. That is Biblical.

Listen to this episode that discusses a recent teaching on seducing spirits and the concerns surrounding this teaching: The Lovesick Scribe Podcast: Discerning False Teaching According to False Teachers on Apple Podcasts