FALSE PROPHETS:
Mark 13:21-23 NLT
[21] “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. [22] For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. [23] Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!
Christ warned His disciples and He is warning us now that there will be a time where false prophets and even messiahs will arise, but we must be careful not to be deceived by them. Please, let us understand that there are false Apostles, teachers, pastors, and evangelists too. There will always be a counterfeit for everything that is good and valuable. The rise of false prophets must therefore not be a surprise to us.
There are several false prophet around these days deceiving many people, including many Believers. Why? Because of the charming way these prophets operate. They operate through……
Deceptive spirits
1 Timothy 4:1-2 NLT
[1] Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. [2] These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
False reporting & visions
2 Thessalonians 2:2-3 NLT
[2] Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. [3] Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
Flattery
Romans 16:17-18 NLT
[17] And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. [18] Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
Well crafted arguments
Colossians 2:4 NLT
[4] I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.
The prevalence of false prophets in our days should awaken us to focus on the most important things in life, deepen our faith in Christ, and love each other sincerely. This is how Paul put it to Timothy and I believe to us all.
2 Timothy 3:13-14 NLT
[13] But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. [14] But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.