2 Corinthians 11:15 - Follow Man or the Word?

2 Cor 11:15 (TLB) Satan can change himself into an angel of
light, so it is no wonder his servants can do it too, and seem like
godly ministers.

Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of
the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will
quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and
humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they
are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve
their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the
Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance,
they have no shield from delusion.......Every conceivable form of error
will be accepted by those who willfully reject the truth.  GC523-4

Satan and his servants can deceive us by appearing to be
attractive, good, and moral. Many unsuspecting people follow smooth-talking,
Bible-quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and
lead them into the practice of immorality and deceit. Don't be fooled
by external appearances. Our impressions alone are not an accurate
indicator of who is or isn't a true follower of Christ; so it helps to ask
these questions: (1) Do the teachings confirm Scripture (Acts 17:11)?
(2) Does the teacher affirm and proclaim that Jesus Christ is God
who came into the world as a man to save people from their sins (1
John 4:1-3)? (3) Is the teacher's life-style consistent with Biblical
morality (Matthew 12:33-37)? [Life Application SB]

Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my
name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matt. 24:4, 5 (KJV)