False Prophets & Teachers

It is important as Christians that we have the Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment and also that we recognize false teachings, false prophecies within the church so that we do not fall into the devil’s traps and deceptions. It is therefore important as Jesus said, that we know the truth, because “the truth will make us free” (John 8:32). It is also imperative that we are not swayed by false prophets and teachers because they will for some time exist among us disguised as sheep, but yet they are wolves.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV
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. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgement has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

It is important to realize that the devil has many deceptive and subtle tactics that he uses in order to mislead people from the truth of God’s word. The battle between God and satan is for souls. You are the prize. The last thing that the devil wants is for people to become born again; to have eternal life; to know Christ and to have a restored and genuine personal relationship with God.
Therefore at times, when the devil or the enemy appears to us, he will not appear physically, spiritually and philosophically as an enemy. The devil will appear to you disguised, as if he is a friend, as if a savior, as is a samaritan, as if a teacher, as if a prophet. But his deep motive is deception and his agenda will be to steal, kill and destroy.

Jesus Himself warned us “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15,16 NKJV)
Jesus clearly wants us to be watchful of those people who appear to be Christians but they are not. A false teacher and a false prophet will speak, act, behave like a Christian outwardly, but in their heart and in their overall agenda they are not for the things of God.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

False teachers and false prophets are motivated to deceive people for several reasons

1. They despise God’s authority and they despise the truth. (John 8:39-47)
2. The false teachers & prophets have deceived themselves. They therefore believe their own lies or the lies of false gods instead the TRUTH that comes from God and His word. (2 Peter 2:13-15)
3. They are motivated by greed, lust, power, material wealth, covetousness (2 Peter 2:3)
4. They are full of pride and therefore they desire to glorify themselves only as well as their accomplishments
5. In various situations, it’s not about the money. The devil does not need money. Some false teachers and prophets are on a mission to deceive for the purpose of fulfilling the devil’s mandate who is their master.

Therefore, remember that the enemy is able to transform or disguise himself into an angel of light. The purpose of disguising himself is so that you do not recognize that person’s true nature.

TODAY. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment.