Let No One Deceive You

“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other.  Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character.  Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say.   A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.”   Matt.  7:15-20   Message Bible

Most Christians are prone not to categorize the “false prophets” of this world with the stigma of the title.

They more often than not wish to stress what biblical leaders have in common and/or what they like about those who do not adhere to the teachings of the Scriptures.   By doing this without discernment they unwittingly support the very teachings that the “false prophets” are trying to disseminate.

We must be aware of this matter because Jesus said to expect a many “false prophets” who will arise to charm people with their acts and teachings.

We need to be cognizant of the signs that God has given to His people that can classify teachers of God’s Word into the criterion of “true” or “false”.

The Apostle John considered that people were inspired by various spirits…..whether good or bad.   The Spirit of God is always whole-some and pure, but when teachings come from angelic spirits, John told us to test the various spirits because many false prophets have gone out into the world inspired by evil spirits. (I Jn 4:1)

It must be understood that evil spirits, including Satan himself, do not often look bad in their external appearance or in their social and religious teachings.

We are told in Scripture that there were numerous people teaching doctrines about Jesus and even looking so good on the outside that they could fool people into thinking that they were the very Apostles of Jesus and yet they were instruments of Satan.

The Apostle Paul warned people in no uncertain manner to be aware of their tactics because these false prophets normally look good and righteous on the surface.

We all know that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

“No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”  II Cor. 11:14