There are those who deceivers. Satan wants to get at the Church. From the outside he uses persecution. From the inside he uses false prophets. Satan loves to use religion to deceive. He will try and get people away from the true Word of God and away from a true relationship with Jesus Christ. The false prophets will try to lead you down the wrong road – the broad road. Beware! There will be falsehoods in God’s Church. How can we recognise what is false and live a life true to God?

1 – We are to discern false prophets. (vs. 15-20)

They have wool on the outside but they are wolves on the inside. The false prophets are not going to identify themselves. They are trying to mimic the real thing. Satan is the master of disguise. See 2 Corinthians 11:13-14. There were false prophets in the Old Testament and they are around today. They will say just enough truth to cover up their lies. These wolves go after those who are spiritually or emotionally weak. We are to test people out. See 1 John 4:1. It is the works that give away the false prophets. The false prophet cannot grow the true fruit. The fruit determines the root. The false prophet needs the cover of wool that they have not produced. They use people for their own ends.

2 – We are to detect false profession (vs. 21)

Not everyone who praises God is real. The wolves are in the pulpit and the pew. Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord!” will get into heaven. These people are not simply atheists, agnostics or members of cults. There are religious people who have a false profession. There are people who come every Sunday to church, who are religious but not righteous. The false prophets are in the pews as well. It is not by their “spiritual” gifts. It is by their fruits that we shall detect false profession. The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, etc.

3 – We are to denounce false prophecies (vs. 22)

These are the same ones who say “Lord, Lord” but don’t bear the spiritual fruit. They make prophecies that are not true. It may be in the name of Jesus but Jesus wants nothing to do with it. There have always been false prophecies by false prophets. These people are not shepherds but wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are preying on the people. They want power and money. God does not want everyone to be rich and well. Paul had a thorn in the flesh that the Lord never took away. God’s grace is sufficient. The best way to detect false doctrine is to know the Word of God. It is truth that will expose error. Here are three things to remember about the difference between a wolf and a sheep.

• Confession is no substitute for Conversion – Lip service is nothing. It is no substitute for a Christian walk.
• Religion is no substitute for relationship – There are plenty of religious people going to hell. Going to church and singing in the choir is no substitute for a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.
• Service is no substitute for salvation – Ministry cannot be substituted for the Master. Serving God is no substitute for personal salvation. Our works are nothing. We need God’s salvation.

Categories: Matthew