There are also phony Christians attempting to pass themselves off as the genuine article. This is a particular problem when it comes to teachers who claim to be speaking for God when they are not. How can you distinguish the genuine servants of Jesus from the counterfeits? 2 Timothy 2:24-25outlines the marks of authenticity of the Lord’s people.

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,… (v. 24). Dialogue about God eventually leads to points of disagreement because of the religious confusion that is so prevalent in the world. However, the one who truly walks with Christ will not be abusive in making his points. He will attempt to teach in a gentle and patient way. He will not use the Bible as a club, but instead, attempt to persuade by teaching from it. A person who thrives on quarreling is not a genuine servant of Christ.

“… in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, …” (v. 25). A true follower of Jesus does not display arrogance, especially when he is trying to persuade you on a point. Even if he is speaking God’s truth, he does so humbly. Yet, his qualities of gentleness and humility don’t mean he will not attempt to show you the error of your ways. Just as Jesus spoke words of rebuke and correction, His true servants will too. Following Christ doesn’t mean a person never disagrees or even condemns, because Christ did both. Yet, He always did it with the right motivation — love. Love demands of the servant of Jesus that he attempt to show you where you need to change and convince you of the truth of God.

You can’t be sure that one follows Christ and is teaching His saving message simply because he claims to be doing so. He must teach the message of the New Testament and manifest the same spirit the Lord did.