Looking at the world today and observing how deceit has infiltrated many churches, it seems that when Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets," many did not take Him seriously.
Day by day, it appears there are more false prophets in the world than true ones. This is a matter of grave concern because, as more people are deceived, foreign doctrines and manipulative practices are introduced into the congregation.
In this message, we will return to the scriptures to examine exactly what the Bible says about false prophets and the specific warnings Jesus gave us.
What Does The Word 'Beware' Mean?
First, let us examine the word "Beware" and what it suggests to us. When you see inscriptions like "Beware of dogs," "Beware of snakes," or "Beware of trains," what comes to mind? Danger, right?
"Beware" is a warning that calls for heightened alertness. It means to be cautious, to be on your guard, and to watch out for impending peril.
The Greek word used in the context of this study is Prosechō. It literally means to "hold the mind towards" something or to pay close attention. It implies that you must be in an active state of alertness, not passive. It suggests that if you do not pay close attention, the danger will overtake you.
Therefore, when we see the scriptural command to beware of false prophets who come as wolves in sheep's clothing, it suggests a danger that is hidden within deceit. You must be watchful because the danger is not always obvious.
Beware Of False Prophets: The Bible Verse
There are many events in the Bible where people were warned about deception. However, for this message, we will focus on the specific command given by Jesus in Matthew 7:15.
In Matthew 7:15 (WEB), Jesus said:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.”
The book of Matthew, chapter 7, is a profound section of scripture where Jesus teaches on judging, prayer, the Golden Rule, and the narrow gate.
His teaching on false prophets begins in verse 15 and runs through verse 27. When He finished teaching, verses 28 and 29 tell us the crowds were amazed because He taught with authority, unlike the teachers of the law.
The question we must ask is: Were they paying attention to the substance of what He said, or were they merely captivated by how He said it? Think about that for a moment.
Matthew 7:15 opens a critical door for every true believer. We must pay vivid attention to this warning for the sake of our spiritual safety and proper association.
Who Is A False Prophet?
To understand the concept of a false prophet, we must first define who a true prophet is.
A prophet is generally defined as someone who speaks on behalf of God regarding present or future events. In scripture, a prophet is often seen as a "seer" or a mouthpiece of God. They see and speak the Word of God to the people through the Spirit of God.
A False Prophet, therefore, is a person who claims to speak from God but is actually speaking from their own imagination, the deceit of their heart, or sources other than God.
In the Greek text, the word used is Pseudoprophētēs. This is a compound word combining pseudes (false, lying) and prophētēs (prophet). It describes someone who acts the part, pretending to be a divine messenger, while uttering falsehoods. They are essentially spiritual impostors who look like the original but lack the divine source.
- A prophet of God teaches truth because they speak the mind of God.
- A false prophet is also a false teacher because, in speaking what God did not command, they teach lies.
While both may seem to "see" and "hear," the distinction lies in the source of their authority. One is of God, and the other is of the flesh or the devil. Their messages may conflict, but ultimately, the truth always prevails.
The true prophet establishes people in the Word of God, while the false prophet distracts them from the truth.
What Does the Old Testament Say?
While there are many writings in the Old Testament against false prophets, Jeremiah 23 provides one of the most striking condemnations.
In this chapter, God narrates a powerful charge against prophets who run without being sent. He questions their audacity, asking if they can hide in secret places where He cannot see them. God expresses His anger toward those who prophesy lies in His name, claiming "I have dreamed, I have dreamed," when in reality, they are merely speaking the deceit of their own hearts.
God points out that these false prophets steal words from one another to sound authentic, yet they lead the people astray, causing them to forget God's name just as their fathers forgot God for Baal.
The scripture highlights that God is against those who use their tongues to say "He says" when the Lord has not spoken.
Here are the key verses from that narration in Jeremiah 23:21 and 30-32 (WEB):
“I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I didn’t speak to them, yet they prophesied... Therefore behold, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who steal my words everyone from his neighbor... Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, says Yahweh, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I didn’t send them, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, says Yahweh.”
Two points I want us to take from there about false prophets are:
- They replace God's name with their own influence: They come in God’s name but gradually cause people to forget Him. When you hear people make a statement like, “The god of my papa,” you must ask: Is the focus on God, or the man?
- They cause error through vanity: False prophets cause people to err through lies and vain boasting.
A Personal Experience with Deception
I recall a church service I attended some years ago where a guest minister was preaching. He spent the majority of his time boasting about lands given to him for free, his expensive attire worth a fortune, and the luxury house he built.
A friend and I, who were in attendance, were initially captivated, thinking this was simply the "grace of God." But the red flag appeared when he instructed the congregation that to access his "level of grace," they needed to sow a specific amount of money.
It was the early 2000s, and he asked people to sow a currency figure matching the year (e.g., if it was 2002, he asked for 202,000 in local currency).
He used such persuasive language that people rushed out in droves. As the service went on, he lowered the amount, and eventually, that friend of mine went forward. I knew he didn't have the money, but he made a pledge to pay later.
I admit, I was skeptical, but his persuasion was so strong that if I had the money, I might have gone out too.
Did God orchestrate such an event?
Some might say yes. But if you look closely, the attention was shifted away from God and placed on the "man of God." This is a classic example of making people err.
I have witnessed many such events. When I compare the people who "bought" these lies with the ministers who sold them, I conclude it was never about the well-being of the people. It was a strategy to enrich the minister’s pocket.
When Jesus sent His disciples out in Matthew 10:16, He said, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves."
But regarding false prophets, He warned that they would come in sheep's clothing, though they are actually wolves. They pretend to be carriers of light, but like a thief, they come to steal, kill, and destroy.
The Analogy Of False Prophets: By Their Fruits
How do we spot them? Jesus gave us the perfect analogy.
“By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” — Matthew 7:16–20 WEB
When Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets," He immediately followed it with the method of identification: Fruit.
"Fruit" here is plural, referring to their character, their doctrine, and their actions.
In Matthew 12:33–37, Jesus clarifies that fruit is what comes out of a man. The fruit you bear is identical to the seed inside you.
Jesus compares false prophets to thorns and thistles.
Thorns have sharp points; they pain and wound. They cannot produce grapes or figs, which are edible and nourishing. A false prophet may pretend to produce good fruit by mimicking the actions of a true prophet, but time will always reveal their true nature.
A Second Personal Example:
Another guest preacher once told a congregation that the "Holy Spirit" instructed him to collect a specific large sum from a certain number of people. When the number of people didn't come out, he lowered the amount.
I had to ask myself: Does the Holy Spirit bargain? Did the Spirit change His mind because the price was too high?
When subjected to scriptural scrutiny, it is clear: The Holy Spirit did not ask for that money. The "fruit" of that ministry was greed, not the Gospel.
Don't Be Deceived: Miracles Are Not The Only Proof
After Jesus explained the analogy of the fruit, He gave a terrifying warning:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’” — Matthew 7:21–23 WEB
Three shocking truths about false prophets from this verse:
- They can prophesy in Jesus' name.
- They may cast out demons.
- They can perform mighty works (miracles).
If false prophets couldn't do these things, they wouldn't be able to deceive so many people!
The Case of Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8)
Let us look at a scriptural example of a false prophet trying to infiltrate the church. This story is recorded in Acts 8, where Philip went to the city of Samaria to proclaim Christ.
The scripture records that the multitudes listened to Philip with one accord because they heard and saw the signs he did, as unclean spirits came out crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed were healed. There was great joy in the city.
However, there was a certain man named Simon, a sorcerer, who had previously amazed the people of Samaria. He made himself out to be a "great one," and the people followed him, calling him "the Great Power of God."
When the true Gospel arrived, things changed. The people believed Philip and were baptized. Even Simon himself believed, was baptized, and continued with Philip, amazed by the true signs and miracles he was witnessing.
But the true test of Simon's heart came when the Apostles Peter and John arrived from Jerusalem. When they laid hands on the believers to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon saw the display of power. His old nature resurfaced, and he offered the Apostles money, asking them to sell him this power so that anyone he laid hands on would receive the Holy Spirit.
Peter’s rebuke was instant and sharp. He did not mince words about the state of Simon's heart.
“May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” — Acts 8:20–23 WEB
Key Lessons from Simon:
- He was a deceiver: He had the whole city fooled and was called "The Great Power of God."
- He infiltrated the church: He followed the religious protocols. He believed, was baptized, and followed Philip.
- His heart was exposed by money: He wanted to commercialize the anointing.
Does this sound familiar? It reminds us of modern ministers who sell "points of contact" (handkerchiefs, oil, water) or demand money for prayers.
Conclusion: How to Stay Safe
We have covered a lot, but the conclusion is simple. False prophets may dress in suits, carry big Bibles, and stand on holy pulpits. But often, what they want is your purse, your pocket, and your portion.
They use "word of knowledge," telling you your phone number or village address, to dazzle you. But ask yourself: To what end? Is it to point you to Christ, or to manipulate you into submission?
As soon as they have you under their influence, they control you. Christ is not their focus; He is merely the bait they use to achieve their aims.
Take it or leave it: No true prophet of God needs to ask your permission to prophesy. Phrases like "Can I prophesy?" are often psychological tricks to gain your compliance.
The only way to avoid deception is to know what the Bible says about false prophets. Take Jesus' words seriously. Check the fruit. Watch their character.
Beware of false prophets. They are everywhere, rifle like a mobile network signal, but if you know the Truth, the Truth will set you free.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the main Bible verse for "Beware of False Prophets"?The primary verse is Matthew 7:15, where Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves." Other key verses include Jeremiah 23:16 and 1 John 4:1. How can you identify a false prophet?According to Matthew 7:16, you identify them "by their fruits." This refers to their character, integrity, and doctrine. If their lifestyle contradicts scripture (greed, pride, manipulation) or their prophecies fail, they are likely false. Can false prophets perform miracles?Yes. In Matthew 7:22-23 and Acts 8 (Simon the Sorcerer), the Bible confirms that false prophets can perform signs, cast out demons, and do mighty works. Therefore, miracles alone are not proof of a true prophet; the fruit of their character is the test. What is the difference between a true prophet and a false prophet?A true prophet speaks the Word of God to edify, exhort, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3) and points people to Jesus. A false prophet speaks from their own imagination (Jeremiah 23:16), often for financial gain or personal power, and points people to themselves. Why does God allow false prophets?Deuteronomy 13:3 suggests that false prophets test our hearts to see if we truly love the Lord our God. They also serve as a warning for believers to study the Word for themselves rather than relying blindly on human leaders. |
