All Scripture references are from the New Living Translation (NLT)
In a world filled with voices clamouring for our attention and claiming to speak for God, discerning truth from deception is a vital skill for any believer. Scripture provides clear guidance on how to identify false prophets and protect ourselves from their misleading teachings. Applying the wisdom of these scriptures, we can stand firm in faith and avoid being led astray.
Jesus Himself warned about the rise of false prophets in Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”
Jesus’ vivid imagery highlights a critical truth—false prophets often appear trustworthy or godly on the surface. They often use religious language, perform apparent miracles, or appeal to our emotions, but their true nature is revealed through their actions and teachings.
One way to identify them is by examining their "fruit," as Jesus instructs in Matthew 7:16-17: “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.”
A false prophet’s life and teachings will not align with God’s Word. Their actions may reveal greed, pride, or immorality, even if their words sound convincing. For example, if someone claims divine authority but promotes division, self-interest, or sin, their fruit betrays their falsehood. I can hear someone thinking, “but are we not instructed not to judge?”. Indeed we are not to judge, but as a friend of mine quips, “we can and should be fruit inspectors”!
Another hallmark of false prophets is their tendency to twist or contradict Scripture.
In 2 Peter 2:1, we read: “But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them.”
These individuals may cherry-pick verses to suit their agenda or outright reject biblical truths, such as the divinity of Christ or the need for repentance. Believers must test every teaching against the full counsel of Scripture to avoid being deceived.
False prophets often rely on signs and wonders to gain credibility, but the Bible cautions us not to be swayed by these alone. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns, “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.”
Miracles, while impressive, are not proof of authenticity. Satan himself can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), so we must look beyond the spectacle to the message being proclaimed. Does it glorify God and align with His revealed truth, or does it draw attention to the prophet and their own power?
Avoiding the influence of false prophets requires proactive steps rooted in faith and wisdom. First, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Regular study of Scripture equips us to recognize distortions and stand firm against deception. When we know the truth, lies become easier to spot. This means not just reading the Bible casually but meditating on it, memorizing it, and letting it shape our thinking.
Second, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises in John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
The Spirit, who dwells within believers, provides discernment that human reasoning alone cannot achieve. Through prayer and a surrendered heart, we can ask God to sharpen our spiritual senses and alert us to falsehood.
Third, we must be wary of flattery and promises that appeal to our own will and desires.
False prophets will often prey on people’s longing for wealth, health, or power. As 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”
If a teacher’s message consistently caters to selfishness rather than calling for holiness and surrender to God, it’s a red flag.
Finally, fellowship with mature believers can safeguard us. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”
Trusted Christian friends, pastors, and/or mentors can offer perspective and accountability, helping us test what we hear against biblical standards.
Identifying false prophets and avoiding their teachings is not about living in fear but about walking confidently in God’s truth. Jesus assures us in John 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
By staying close to the Good Shepherd, immersing ourselves in His Word, and relying on His Spirit, we can navigate a world of deception with discernment and peace.
In these days, as false prophets multiply, let us hold fast to what is true, test every spirit (1 John 4:1), and trust God to keep us secure in His love and grace.
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study