False prophets abound, and they share common attributes or identifying marks. They don't arrive with the words false prophet tattooed across their forehead, but the discerning believer should be able to identify one.
Jesus said to His followers, and us moderns by extension. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-16 NIV
This is a direct reference to Ezekiel 22: 27-28 which reads "Her princes in the midst of her are like wolves rending and devouring the prey, shedding blood and destroying lives to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them over with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Lord God--when the Lord has not spoken".
Not much has changed in several thousand years.... If Jesus is saying beware, then we jolly well should be!
Have you ever tried to take a false prophet to task? I have on more than one occasion. I discovered that false prophets HATE to be corrected, rebuked or heaven forbid, disciplined. Do you remember, or know about the Y2K debacle at the turn of the century? A well known prophetic voice and author wrote two books about how God had told him that Y2K would usher in the end of the age, and our Lord's return. Well, it didn't. I contacted him and asked for a public retraction of his claims. He told me in no uncertain terms just what he thought of me and my impudence. No apology was forth coming, and I see he was one of those to whom God apparently told that Trump was going to win.
Another sign of a false prophet or teacher is a love of money and status, and they often use the Gospel for personal gain. Some years ago I was involved with a group that were keen to bring a well known teacher/prophet with a TV ministry to New Zealand. When we were presented with her "demands" we soon dropped the project. First class travel to and from her country, first class travel within New Zealand, five-star accommodation, a "lower-limit" on dollars for every "love-offering" at all speaking engagements, plus an additional "appearance fee", two security guards, and no meetings with the organizing committee. The final "kicker" that killed the project... absolutely no interaction with any congregations after any meetings.
For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17 ESV
The Amplified Bible renders that verse a little more strongly. For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters making a trade of] peddling God's Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]; but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence of God.
A false prophet/teacher is usually adored/loved by his/her followers, but is often roundly criticized, if not actually hated by outsiders. If everyone hates the person, it usually means that they are cruel, operating at the cost of others. If everyone loves the person, then they are seeking man's approval rather than God's. A good teacher/prophet will be loved by some, disliked by others, but generally have a good reputation with outsiders. This is in fact a Biblical requirement!
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3:17 NIV
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21 NIV
A false prophet avoids operating in churches with a strong leadership/elder-ship structure. They usually operate in a fellowship with a weak foundation, thus avoiding correction/discipline. All churches should be led by elders, and everyone is accountable to those elders. The false prophet/teacher usually surrounds him/herself with weak-willed people, those who are easy to manipulate and control, "yes men" if you will. A false prophet/teacher will butter you up with titles, compliments, promises of promotions, leadership positions, often "confiding" in you as a friend. Don’t be mistaken, this is all about getting control over you. When and if you wise up to his/her ways and begin to question things, you will be called a rebel, trouble-maker, dissident, and eventually asked to leave the church. False leaders shoot their wounded!
Perhaps the clearest sign that a person is a false prophet/leader is their over-arching desire to be worshiped. This desire was Lucifer's downfall. (Read about this in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14)
A false prophet/leader distorts the Word of God in preaching, lifestyle, behavior. They tell people what they want to hear, expecting to receive what they want, power, fame, prestige and money! A false prophet wants to be served, worshiped, rather than serving and leading God's people.
A false prophet is just that...false. Their life will be one of deceit, deception and lies. Their preaching and teaching will distort the Word and work of God. Often when their true lifestyle is ultimately exposed they will blame others, seek to belittle those "showing them up" and finally if there is no coming back from their exposure, move on the greener pastures.
The words of our Lord in Matthew 7:15-17 bear repeating often "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits."
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