Virtual Service March 20, 2022
What Is Truth? Pt. 7
1 Corinthians 14:31-33 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and may be comforted. The spirits of the prophets are (MUST BE) subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…
False Prophets Are Numerous
1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
Jesus Personally Warns Of Them
Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ and they shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:11 …many false prophets shall rise and they shall deceive many.
The Lord Wants Us To Anticipate Them
Matthew 24:23-26 …if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets who shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they may deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you ahead of time! Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
The Performance Of Miracles Is Not Proof Of A Prophet’s Authenticity
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of MY FATHER WHO is in heaven. Many will say to ME on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in YOUR NAME and in YOUR NAME drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The Apostles Warn Us Of Them
2 Peter 2:1 False prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
Acts 20:29-31 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard!
False Prophets Claim To Have Power In Spiritual Realms
2 Peter 2:10-12 These false teachers are bold and do anything they want, they reject authority. They are not afraid to speak against the fallen angels. Even the angels, who are much stronger and more powerful than false teachers, do not accuse them with insults before the Lord. But these people speak against things they do not understand. They are like animals that act without thinking, animals born to be caught and destroyed. Like wild beasts, these false teachers will be destroyed.
Angels Dare Not Rail Against Even The Devil!
Jude 1:9-10a …even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand…
The Test Of A Prophet Is In A Prophet’s Lifestyle
Matthew 7:15-20 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Further Test Of A Prophet Is Found In The Prophets Teaching
1 John 4:2-3 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in flesh, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person is the spirit of Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
A True Prophet Confesses That Only Jesus Christ Is Savior
1 John 5:1-5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
True Faith Is Faith Only In Jesus Christ!
John 6:28-29 …therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” (what does God want us to do?) Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him Whom He has sent.”
1 John 3:23 This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.