Text: 2 Peter 2:1 NKJV

Further Reading: Matthew 7:16-20

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:1 NKJV

MESSAGE

Today we will look at the ways to identify false prophets. Since they will dress and behave like sheep but inwardly are ravenous wolves, believers must watch for certain signs to identify them.

Let us not be deceived beloved, many false prophets have risen in the world today and are here to deceive many. We must therefore put on our defence to guard against falling victims of these false prophets.

As an African proverb says, a man’s behaviour is like smoke, no matter how you cover it, it will find its way out. No matter how a man pretends, his true nature will still show forth one day. Also, Jesus said, we will know them by their fruits, no one calls Jesus Lord and dishonour Him. If the life of any preacher does not produce the fruit of righteousness, we can question his calling and avoid his ministry altogether.

One of the commendations of Jesus to the church in Ephesus was their ability to identify and send out those who called themselves Apostles but were not. So likewise we must trust God to help us. One way to do this is to test all spirit and discern if what they preach glorify Jesus or self.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. I John 4:1 NKJV

Anyone who preaches the gospel of greed and covetousness is a false prophet. They are they who say that gain is godliness and make merchandise of the people of God. Such is not a true Shepherd.

“Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, Everyone is given to covetousness; And from the prophet even to the priest, Everyone deals falsely.
Jeremiah 6:13 NKJV

You can also see that these false teachers speak lightly of sin and they will not preach about the Holiness of Christ. They declare that sinners will have peace when God says that there is no peace for the wicked.

They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace. Jeremiah 6:14 NKJV

These false prophets will never warn men about hell nor preach about heaven, all you see them talk about is the things of this world like riches, fame, and other worldly attainments. They will even tell you that the way is not that narrow and grace covers all sin –  you must flee from such men and women.

Let us clothe ourselves with righteousness and guard ourselves with truth lest we fall prey to the hands of the false prophets who the devil has sent into the world to draw many into hell.

REFLECTION

Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Matthew 7:20 NKJV

Anyone who does and teaches any doctrine contrary to the word of God is a false teacher or prophet. Flee from such and his doctrine.

PRAYER

Father, please grant me discernment so as not to fall victim to false prophets.