Evaluating Teaching Integrity
Published on: October 15, 2025
Apply objective scriptural criteria; avoid purely subjective impressions.
Test Suite Summary​
| Test | Basis | Focus | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit Test | Matt 7:15-23 | Character & outcome | "By their fruits you will know them" (Matt 7:20) |
| Doctrine Test | 1 John 4:1-3 | Christology & incarnation | "Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God" (1 John 4:2) |
| Submission Test | 2 Tim 4:1-4 | Posture toward Scripture | "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season" (2 Tim 4:2) |
| Gospel Purity Test | Gal 1:6-9 | Additions/subtractions | "There is not another gospel, but there are some who trouble you" (Gal 1:7) |
| Motive Test | 1 Thess 2:3-6 | Greed, glory-seeking | "We never came with words of flattery...nor with a pretext for greed" (1 Thess 2:5) |
Application Flow​
- Gather samples (sermons, writings, statements) - "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess 5:21)
- Map claims to texts used - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God" (2 Tim 2:15)
- Evaluate each test independently - "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps" (Prov 14:15)
- Synthesize composite score (qualitative notes > numeric) - "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Matt 18:16)
- Decide escalation or clarification path - "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church" (Matt 18:17)
Red Flags per Test​
- Fruit: persistent moral compromise, domineering leadership - "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down" (Matt 7:19)
- Doctrine: redefinition of Christ's nature, atonement denial - "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father" (1 John 2:23)
- Submission: allegorizing away plain meaning, proof-text chains - "Handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Cor 4:2)
- Gospel: performance infusion, prosperity promises - "If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be accursed" (Gal 1:9)
- Motive: monetization pressure, manipulative urgency - "They serve not our Lord Christ but their own appetites" (Rom 16:18)