The Biblical Discernment Framework
Five biblical tests for measuring any preacher, teacher, or ministry
against the unchanging standard of Scripture.
"Test everything. Hold fast to what is good."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Why This Framework?
In an age of spiritual confusion, believers need clear, biblical criteria for testing teachers. Our framework is drawn from Scripture's own standards for recognizing true shepherds and exposing wolves in sheep's clothing.
These five tests are not arbitrary—they're rooted in passages like Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 2 Peter 2. They've been used by faithful Christians for centuries to discern truth from error.
Title & Authority
The Question: Are they self-appointed or biblically recognized?
What We're Testing:
- •Were they called, trained, and sent by a local church?
- •Do they meet the biblical qualifications for eldership/teaching? (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9)
- •Are they accountable to other godly leaders, or do they operate independently?
- •Do they claim new apostolic authority or special revelation?
Red Flags:
- ⚠Self-appointed with no clear ordination or church sending
- ⚠Claims to be a modern-day apostle or prophet with new revelation
- ⚠Operates independently with no accountability structure
- ⚠Uses grandiose titles (Bishop, Apostle, Prophet) without biblical basis
Key Scriptures:
Gospel Message
The Question: Do they preach Christ crucified and risen?
What We're Testing:
- •Is the gospel centered on Christ's substitutionary atonement?
- •Do they emphasize repentance and faith, or just positive thinking?
- •Is salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone?
- •Do they preach the cost of discipleship or "easy-believism"?
Red Flags:
- ⚠Preaches prosperity, health, and happiness as the main message
- ⚠Rarely mentions sin, judgment, the cross, or repentance
- ⚠Gospel becomes self-help, motivational speaking, or pop psychology
- ⚠Claims "99.9% of people are good" or denies human depravity
Key Scriptures:
Fruit & Lifestyle
The Question: Does their life reflect biblical character?
What We're Testing:
- •Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23)
- •Are they "above reproach" in marriage, parenting, and personal conduct?
- •Do they live simply, or in luxury and excess?
- •Is there a pattern of scandal, cover-up, or moral failure?
Red Flags:
- ⚠Lives in mansions, flies private jets, accumulates extreme wealth
- ⚠Repeated scandals (adultery, embezzlement, abuse cover-ups)
- ⚠Defensive, secretive, or unwilling to be corrected
- ⚠Life contradicts their preaching
Key Scriptures:
Revelation & Practice
The Question: What role does Scripture play versus personal revelation?
What We're Testing:
- •Is Scripture their final authority, or do they claim ongoing revelation?
- •Do they teach expositionally, or sprinkle Bible verses into motivational talks?
- •Is their ministry built on signs, wonders, and experience, or God's Word?
- •Do they add to Scripture with new "words from God"?
Red Flags:
- ⚠Claims God speaks directly to them with new revelations
- ⚠Emphasizes dreams, visions, and prophetic words over Bible study
- ⚠Uses Scripture as a prop to support human wisdom
- ⚠Manipulates verses out of context to justify prosperity or excess
Key Scriptures:
Finances & Transparency
The Question: Is the Gospel free or monetized?
What We're Testing:
- •Does the ministry operate with financial transparency and accountability?
- •Is the gospel freely given, or sold and manipulated for money?
- •Does the leader live modestly or accumulate extreme personal wealth?
- •Do they use "seed faith" or give-to-get manipulation?
Red Flags:
- ⚠Refuses to disclose finances or how money is spent
- ⚠Uses fear tactics: "If you don't give, you'll be cursed"
- ⚠Teaches that giving to the ministry guarantees material blessings
- ⚠Personal wealth is obscene (mansions, jets, luxury cars)
Key Scriptures:
How to Use This Framework
Step 1: Listen & Observe
Watch sermons, read books, listen to podcasts. Take notes on what they teach and how they live.
Step 2: Test Against Scripture
Use this 5-point framework. Compare their teaching to God's Word. Be a Berean (Acts 17:11).
Step 3: Make a Biblical Judgment
If they pass all 5 tests, learn from them. If they fail even one critically, exercise caution or avoid them.
Step 4: Warn Others
If you discern false teaching, lovingly warn your brothers and sisters. Protect the sheep.
Ready to Apply This Framework?
Explore our watchlist to see how we've applied these biblical tests to modern preachers and teachers.
A Final Warning
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."
— Matthew 7:15-16
The stakes are eternal. False teachers lead people to hell with a smile. Your vigilance today could save someone's soul tomorrow.
Test everything. Hold fast to what is good.