One of the dangers of listening to false prophets is segregation.
By listening to the false prophet we are diverted off of our right and true course.
1 Timothy 1:5-7.
In our spiritual journey, we encounter many voices claiming to offer truth and guidance. However, not all of them are aligned with the teachings of Christ. Today, we delve into a crucial topic: the danger of false prophets. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul warned us about their presence. Let's explore these warnings and understand how we can protect ourselves from being led astray by their deceptive teachings.
What can we do? Grow stronger II Peter 3:17-18. Test all teaching Acts 17:11Satan is behind false teaching.
Tried to kill church at Pergamum, Peter warned against it. False Teaching Kills The Church II Peter 2:1-2
Can take various forms
The Lord’s church will live based on its reaction to false teaching. False Teaching Kills The Church
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I. Jesus' Warning About False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-20)
Our journey begins with Jesus' stern warning against false prophets. In Matthew 7:15-20, He emphasized that we can recognize false prophets by their fruits. Just as a good tree produces good fruit, a false prophet's teachings yield harmful consequences. This reminder urges us to exercise discernment when encountering spiritual leaders and teachings.
II. Paul's Alert Against False Prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
The apostle Paul also echoed Jesus' concern about false prophets. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, he revealed that false prophets often masquerade as servants of righteousness, aiming to deceive and lead people away from the truth. Paul's message is a call to remain vigilant and discerning amidst various teachings that may sound appealing but are devoid of godly authenticity.
III. The Danger of Being Led Away by Different Teachings (Galatians 1:6-8)
Shifting our focus, we encounter the peril of being led away by different teachings. In Galatians 1:6-8, Paul expressed his astonishment that the Galatians were so quickly turning to a different gospel. This cautionary tale teaches us the importance of staying rooted in the unchanging truth of Christ, regardless of the persuasive teachings that may arise.
IV. Twisting the Words of Life (2 Peter 3:14-18)
The final aspect of our exploration highlights the danger of twisting the words of life. In 2 Peter 3:14-18, Peter warned that some individuals, due to their own ignorance, twist the Scriptures to their destruction. This emphasizes the importance of solid biblical understanding and the danger of altering God's truth to fit personal agendas.
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V. Holding Firm to the Word (2 Timothy 3:13-15)
Our journey begins with the Apostle Paul's exhortation to hold firmly to what we have heard. In 2 Timothy 3:13-15, Paul emphasizes that the Scriptures, inspired by God, are our safeguard against the cunning deceit of false prophets. By anchoring ourselves in God's Word, we equip ourselves to recognize and reject false teachings.
VI. God's Distinction Between Clean and Unclean (Leviticus 11:47, 13:59, 14:57)
The Old Testament teaches us that God distinguishes between the clean and the unclean. Just as He provided guidelines for identifying clean and unclean animals, He also provides us with discernment to distinguish between true and false teachings. By studying His Word and relying on His guidance, we are empowered to discern what aligns with His truth.
VII. God's Word Reveals Truth (John 8:31-32)
Moving forward, we find in the New Testament that Jesus Himself emphasized the role of God's Word in revealing truth. In John 8:31-32, Jesus declared that abiding in His Word leads to the knowledge of truth, which sets us free from the bonds of deception. His Word becomes a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness of falsehood.
VIII. God's Word Sharpens Our Discernment (Hebrews 5:12-14)
The final aspect of our exploration brings us to Hebrews 5:12-14, where the writer describes the importance of spiritual maturity in discerning between good and evil. Just as solid food is for the mature, God's Word serves as nourishment for our spiritual growth. It enables us to develop a discerning spirit that can recognize false prophets and their teachings.
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IX - False Teaching Kills The Church Revelation 2:13-14
False Doctrine We can be carried away from God Hebrews 13:7-9. We’ll allow others to be carried away II Timothy 2:16-18. Danger can be external/internal Matthew 7:15. II Peter 2:1-3 1
Tried to kill church at Pergamum, Peter warned against it. False Teaching Kills The Church II Peter 2:1-2
Can take various forms
- “Secret heresies” (deception)
- Entertaining, feel-good teaching (no substance)
- Open defiance of God’s revealed law (church proclamations)
The Lord’s church will live based on its reaction to false teaching. False Teaching Kills The Church
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X - Requires judgment in determining who are
Matthew 10:14 refers to “shaking the dust from your feet”
Lack of judgment could mean missed opportunities. Lack of judgment could subject us to being “torn apart”
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. I John 4:1 Matthew 7:15-20
Requires judgment to determine who is a false teacher. Trickery involved, so we can’t just accept everyone, every doctrine
Is the teaching in accordance with God’s revealed law? I Corinthians 5:9-13
Paul tells Corinthians it’s their responsibility to judge inside the church.
Discipline is not always easy, but must be done to keep the church pure
Conclusion:
Let us internalize the urgency of guarding ourselves against false prophets. By holding fast to God's Word, discerning between clean and unclean, acknowledging His Word as the source of truth, and allowing His Word to sharpen our discernment, we are equipped to navigate the treacherous waters of deception.
May we remain steadfast in our commitment to study, meditate on, and apply God's Word in our lives. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and discern the truth in a world inundated with misleading ideologies. Through the unchanging foundation of God's Word, we can stand firm, unwavering against the tide of falsehood, and emerge victorious in our faith journey.
