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False Prophets in The Bible – Viral Believer
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False Prophets in The Bible

Throughout the ages, the Bible has continually warned believers about the rise and cunning ways of false prophets. These deceptive individuals use manipulative tactics to lead the faithful astray, causing confusion and division among God’s people.

As followers of Jesus Christ, it is our responsibility to remain vigilant, ensuring that we are not influenced or deceived by these wolves in sheep’s clothing. In this article, we will delve into various instances in the Bible where warnings about false prophets were issued and how to recognize their deceitful ways.

Using the NKJV version of the Scriptures, let’s explore in-depth the biblical teachings and insights about false prophets and how to safeguard our faith against their malicious intents.

1. Unmasking the Deceit: False Prophets in the Bible

The presence of false prophets is not a new phenomenon. We can find instances of deceitful prophets in the Bible who fabricated messages and supposedly spoke on behalf of God. They led many innocent people astray, fulfilling their own selfish desires.

In the Old Testament, God explicitly warned His people about false prophets in Deuteronomy 18:20: “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”

Some instances of false prophets in the Old Testament include:

  • Naboth’s vineyard: The prophet Jezebel hired false prophets to accuse Naboth of blasphemy and condemn him to death, ensuring that King Ahab could seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16).
  • Jeremiah’s prophecy: The false prophets Hananiah and Ahab misled the nation by contradicting Jeremiah’s message of repentance and promising peace and prosperity instead of wrath and destruction (Jeremiah 28:1-17, 29:21-32).
  • False prophets in the days of Ezekiel: God commanded Ezekiel to denounce these deceitful prophets who spoke false visions and divinations, leading His people to sin (Ezekiel 13).

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warned His disciples about the rise of false prophets, particularly during the end times. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus cautioned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Jesus made it clear that we can recognize them by their fruits, the outcomes of their actions, and their lack of spiritual substance. The apostles also unmasked false prophets and warned the early church to be cautious.

Some instances of false prophets in the New Testament include:

  • Simon Magus: He attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money, claiming to be someone great, but was condemned by Peter for his wickedness (Acts 8:9-24).
  • Elymas the Sorcerer: Paul exposed Elymas’ deceitful practices as he tried to turn people away from the faith, leading to Elymas’ temporary blindness (Acts 13:6-12).
  • False apostles in Corinth: Paul uncovered the deceit of false apostles who masqueraded as servants of Christ but were in fact agents of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

God’s Word gives us the guidance we need to discern truth from falsehood and to recognize when someone is approaching us with deceitful intentions. The key to unmasking these false prophets is to stay vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

2. Biblical Red Flags: Warning Signs of a False Prophet

The Bible clearly warns us to be vigilant about discerning false prophets, which can lead believers astray with their enticing words and deceitful teachings. In order to identify these wolves in sheep’s clothing, we must familiarize ourselves with some biblical red flags that can serve as clear warning signs.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 instructs us to be wary of those who advocate for following other gods or performing miracles to draw people away from the Lord, while Matthew 7:15-20 emphasizes the importance of observing the fruits of their behavior and teachings to identify their true nature.

There are several specific indicators that can help us recognize a false prophet. Some of these red flags include:

  • Contradiction of Scripture: A false prophet’s teachings are often inconsistent with or directly contradict the Bible (2 Peter 2:1).
  • Focus on Personal Gain: A false prophet may use their position and influence to enrich themselves materially or satisfy personal desires, rather than genuinely seeking to serve the Lord and His people (2 Peter 2:3; 1 Timothy 6:5).
  • False Predictions: Prophetic claims that do not come to pass reveal their falsehood, as in the case of the ancient test in Deuteronomy 18:22.
  • Immorality: A false prophet’s lifestyle may be characterized by sin and immorality, demonstrating their disconnection from the Holy Spirit who inspires and guides true prophets (2 Peter 2:14).
  • Dishonoring Christ: A key warning sign is that false prophets won’t correctly proclaim the person and work of Christ. They may diminish His divine nature or ignore His sacrificial death and resurrection (1 John 2:22-23; 2 John 1:7).

By keeping these red flags in mind and carefully evaluating the teachings and actions of those who claim to be God’s messengers, we can better discern the true prophets from the false and stay firmly rooted in our faith, guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s unchanging Word.

3. Unraveling the Truth: Discerning between True and False Prophets

In our walk with Christ, it is crucial to learn how to discern between true and false prophets, as the Bible warns us in Matthew 24:11, “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Scripture provides us with clear guidelines to equip ourselves in identifying the genuine from the counterfeit.

To ensure we do not fall prey to such deception, let’s delve into three Bible-backed signs of a false prophet:

  • Does not remain faithful to the teachings of Christ
  • Displays inconsistency in character and fruitfulness
  • Seeks self-glorification and personal gain

Firstly, a true prophet will remain rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and adhere to sound doctrine. In 2 John 1:9, we are told, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.

He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” Be vigilant in comparing the words of any prophet to the Word of God.

Secondly, examine the character of the prophet, as we are instructed in Matthew 7:15-20 to look at the fruits they produce. A true prophet will exhibit a life of righteousness, humility, and selflessness, while a false prophet’s fruits will be inconsistent and ungodly.

Lastly, consider the intention of the prophet. Are they seeking personal gain or glorification? The goal of a true prophet is to direct others toward the one true God and to build up His Kingdom, whereas false prophets will often manipulate their prophetic gifts for their own benefit, as warned in 2 Peter 2:1-3.

4. Lessons from Scripture: How to Guard Against False Prophets

In the Bible, we are warned repeatedly about the danger of false prophets. Jesus Himself addressed this issue when He said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

In order to guard against these deceptive individuals, we must first be able to discern their true nature. 1 John 4:1 advises us to,

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.” Here are some important principles to follow when testing the spirits:

  • Check their message against the Word of God: A prophet’s messages must align with Scripture. Isaiah 8:20 states, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
  • Examine their fruits: Jesus taught in Matthew 7:16-20 that we will know false prophets by their fruits. Are they displaying the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, or are they exhibiting selfish ambition, greed, and divisive behavior?
  • Test their prophetic accuracy: A true prophet’s predictions will come to pass. In Deuteronomy 18:22, we are instructed, “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”

It’s vital for us as believers to be rooted in the Word and to develop a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This foundation will help us in discerning the true prophets from the false ones. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit plays a significant role in guiding us on this matter.

As John 16:13 says, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

By praying for wisdom and discernment and being grounded in the Word of God, we can guard ourselves against the deception of false prophets and remain steadfast in our faith.

5. Confronting Falsehood: The Impact of False Prophets on Biblical Events

Throughout biblical history, we have seen a significant impact caused by false prophets and their deceptive teachings on events and people’s lives. One notable example in the Old Testament is Ahab and the battle of Ramoth-Gilead, as described in 1 Kings 22.

King Ahab of Israel sought counsel from 400 false prophets, who assured him of victory in the battle against Syria. However, the true prophet Micaiah warned Ahab that the false prophets were lying, and disaster would follow. Ahab chose to ignore Micaiah and went to battle, which ultimately led to his death.

The New Testament also provides evidence of the influence of false teachers, prophets, and teachings on the early Christian church. The Apostle Paul, for instance, had to deal with various forms of false teachings infiltrating the churches he oversaw. Some examples include:

  • False teachings about the resurrection in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 15)
  • Judaizers advocating for adherence to the Mosaic law in the Galatian church (Galatians)
  • Debates about genealogies, myths, and the law in the churches of Timothy and Titus (1 Timothy 1:4, Titus 3:9)

It is essential for Christians to remain vigilant and discerning to avoid falling prey to false prophets and teachings. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 serve as a timeless reminder for believers: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that the Bible warns us about false prophets and their deceitful ways. The lessons and encounters presented throughout Scripture serve as a reminder to remain discerning and vigilant in our faith journey.

As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, we cultivate a deeper understanding of His truth, allowing us to discern between the genuine teachings of Christ and the deception of these false teachers.

It is essential for us, as believers, to always uphold the teachings of the Bible and the principles that Jesus taught, and to be cautious not to fall prey to deceptive beliefs and practices.

Through prayer, studying the Word, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can fortify our faith and stand firm against the temptations and falsehoods that surround us.

Let this article serve as a starting point to explore the topic of false prophets further and to nurture your awareness of their presence, both in biblical times and today. Always remember, as Jesus said, “By their fruit, you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).

So let us continue to grow in our faith, bear good fruit, and cling to the truth found in the Word of God, so that we may be well-equipped to stay the course and avoid the snares of false prophets.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.