Scripture

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”

Observation

False prophets present themselves as members of God’s flock, but they are really ravenous wolves. You can tell them by their fruit. A good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.

Not everyone who calls out “Lord! Lord!” will enter God’s kingdom. On Judgement Day many will claim to have done great works, even prophesied and cast out demons in the name of Jesus, but He will say to them, “Go away! I never knew you.”

Application

A false prophet is not a prophet who makes mistakes. No, a false prophet is someone who leads people away from true faith in Christ.

A false prophet is false because he or she is not surrendered to Christ. Their words come from their own spirit, or worse, from a demonic spirit.

Not everyone who claims to minister in Christ’s name is true to Him. Those who have falsely ministered will be subject to judgement unless they repent.

False prophets, false teachers, and false apostles, wreak havoc in the church. They cause people to stumble, even fall away from the faith. They destroy congregations with their evil ways.

We need to have a discerning spirit about such people. Jesus says we will know them by their fruit. We must not believe every person who comes with a new word or a powerful ministry. Instead, we should look to see if their life matches up with their performance, and if they truly show the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Lord, may your church be always discerning in its acceptance of prophets and other ministers. Amen.