"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:15-16
In the present hour, we are experiencing an evil and dark presence in the world. As such, there are increasingly more prophets that are prophesying a "word" to the Church. Therefore, by what proof (fruit) will we know false prophets and teachers? While the bible instructs us not to judge but NOT in the context of evaluating fruit.
If we are called to be "fruit inspectors", we need to do at least three (3) things:
To look beyond what we see with our natural eyes.
To listen more effectively to discern the spirit in the words.
To become followers of the truth for our sake (not others).What the bible says about false prophets and false teachers:
They will bring in destructive heresy (opinions), even denying God who brought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves.
They will malign the way of truth and those who speak truth.
They will exploit you in their greed with made up stories.
They despise authority.
Their deeds are lawless, and their desires are polluted.
They seduce unstable people.They promise freedom but are slaves of corruption.
7 Indicators of False Prophets and Teachers
They cannot be questioned. They find fault with you for asking or appear offended that you would dare ask.
They are leading double lives.
They are more interested in growing the Church than growing the people.
They display emotional immaturity evidenced by outbursts of anger; they are reactive.
They blame others for their behavior.
They live a life that leans into the world rather than God's word.
They treat constructive feedback as criticism and lack of support than being a team player.We cannot evaluate and conclude that someone is a true prophet or teacher simply because they are operating in the gifts of the spirit and are performing signs, wonders, and miracles. We must see beyond what is being shown to us. We must develop inward sight about the outward things. AND, we only develop inward sight when we allow truth to dwell in our innermost being.
John 17:14-16; Matthew 7:12-23; 2 Peter 1&2; Rev 2:6;14-15