Discerning True and False Prophets

Discerning True and False Prophets and Teachers, 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2Peter 3:17-18

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
17 You therefore, beloved knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen

I have often had people ask me how they may discern between true and false prophets and teachers. Without a long theological discussion here are some simple points.

1. Read and study your Bible form cover to cover every year. When you are familiar with the written Word you will also become familiar with the living Word if you allow His word to convict and cause you to change your heart and behavior.
2. Examine the Fruit:
Does the prophet or teacher’s life style and message agree with the whole counsel of God? Is the power of the supernatural evident? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident?
3. Question the source and purpose of the teaching:
A. Do they claim to have a new or specially revealed truth? The rediscovery of truth is good as we see in Ezra but when too much of the message is focused on the revealing of the hidden things a good measure of caution is required to avoid danger.
B. Is the focus of the teaching uplifting God or peoples abilities? If there is a focus on laws or principles which give people the power or draw attention to mankind’s abilities as they do certain things then you may getting away from Biblical truth. This is where many New Age and false religions build their foundations. They will take biblical truth and combine it with things what seems to be true according to mankind’s current or ancient knowledge (scientific, philosophical, or mystical truths) These combinations lead us away from the unmerited favor of God which we need because of our fallen nature and it’s contamination of Man’s original created state.

An example would be teaching that anyone can have a miracle (Webster says; Miracle 1: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs) without the supernatural work of God on our behalf. While this may occur we would have to ask ourselves what the source was that allowed the powers of nature to be subdued to power reserved for the dispensation of God’s grace, timing and purpose.

Bottom Line question:

Is a subduing of the laws of nature or their manipulation to our advantage without the direct intervention of God pleasing to Him or something we want to be part of?

Remember Lucifer’s lie in the Garden was that we would be as God. That lie is still very prevalent today.

If the fruit and the power are in line with God’s Word, which uplifts God and His purposes then it is reasonable to believe that he or she is of God

.