Now is not the time to believe every word of someone claiming to be a preacher, leader, or just a Christian, is the actual word of God. Scripture warns us time and time again that false prophets are among us. That they will lead many away from God. The Bible even is sure to let Christians know that false prophets will even appear to truly serve the Lord.
Matthew 24:11 (ESV)
11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
Matthew 7:15 (ESV)
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Mark 13:22–23 (ESV)
22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
2 Peter 2:1–2 (ESV)
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
False prophets have always been a part of history. People have always come along to led those with faith in God astray. Causing them to sin and in many instances leading them to believe sinning is okay. As time goes on and the last days draw closer, unbiblical leaders are going to become more and more prevalent.
Christians must pay attention and not fall victim to false doctrine that will lead them away from God. Believers cannot simply trust everything they hear and believe it is actually of God. Instead, we must test those speaking into our lives and confirm they are serving God. Because that is what we are instructed to do in the Bible.
1 John 4:1 (ESV)
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
This is done in a few different ways. First, before you ever allow someone to take a leadership role in your faith, pray about it. Seek God’s guidance and be sure you are following His direction.
Jesus also told us that we would know false prophets by their fruit. So it is important to observe someone and truly see what their life produces. Compare the way you see them live and act to Scripture. Because the way one lives all the time, not just how they act in the pulpit, will tell you everything you need to know.
Matthew 7:16–20 (ESV)
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
The final test is a never-ending test. Don’t simply sit during church and only listen to what the preacher is saying. Open your Bible and follow along with them. Know for a fact that everything they teach aligns with scripture. This is what those from the city of Berea did when they first heard the message of Christ and the Apostle Paul commended them for it.
Acts 17:11 (ESV)
11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Don’t believe you can’t be led astray by false teaching. The truth is every single Christian has the potential to be convinced to follow after false doctrine if they are not careful. Sadly many will follow after false prophets and lose out on salvation. Just look again at the opening verses of this article that tell us this will be the case.
Please realize that you are surrounded on all sides by false teachers and must be careful who you trust. Be wise and use the tools God has given us to test those who claim to be spiritual leaders before allowing them to led you. Now is not the time to immediately trust every voice proclaiming they have the truth.
In fact, don’t even take everything on this site as the truth right away. Compare what we say to the Bible because it is God’s inspired word. It is the only source that Christians should trust and build their life on.
Don’t make a mistake and accept the message of a false prophet that pleases your ear. That message will lead you to eternal torment in hell and not God’s salvation. Stand against all those proclaiming false messages and stand firm on God’s word. Hold on to Gospel truth firmly until the end so you will be saved!
Matthew 24:13 (ESV)
13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
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