The Peril Of False Prophets (Part 1) Series

The Peril of False Prophets (Part 1)

Matthew 7: 15-20

As I studied this passage, I was reminded of the relevance of Scripture for every generation. 2 Tim.3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That is certainly true, and we ought to give attendance to all of God’s Word. We live in a day where truth is not being preached as it should. I am convinced this portion of the Sermon on the Mount needs to be proclaimed from every pulpit in America. The church needs to understand the warfare in which we are engaged. Satan doesn’t mind the church gathering together; he doesn’t mind the activities that we engage in, as long as we don’t share the truth of the gospel. He doesn’t mind preaching as long as it doesn’t reveal the depravity of humanity and the salvation available through Christ our Lord.

I will never forget, while in Bible College, one of my instructors warned us that for every God called preacher that filled a pulpit in America, the enemy would also provide a counterfeit. I am convinced our world is filled with those who preach every week, but they are not preaching truth. Jesus dealt with false prophets in His day and they continue to plague our society and hinder the work of the church today.

I trust you have taken the time to read and meditate upon this passage. It reveals a present danger that is prevalent among us. I want to consider the dangers concerning false doctrine raised in the text as we think on: The Peril of False Prophets.

I. The Exposure of False Prophets (15) – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Jesus exposed the false prophets for what they truly are in this statement. Let’s consider it a bit more in depth. Notice:

A. Their Danger – Jesus offers a profound warning as He begins to speak of the false prophet. He urges all who hear His words to beware the false prophet. The word has the idea of “paying attention, being cautious, and aware.” You can sense the urgency in His voice. Jesus knew the danger associated with false prophets and the consequences of their deadly poison. They sought to replace the truth of God with a cheap counterfeit, one that pleased men and their passions.

The dangers of false prophets and their heresy were not uncommon in Jesus’ day nor were they new on the scene. Throughout the ages, men have been influenced by the false teaching of those who sought to promote their agenda rather than God’s. During the days of the prophets, God sent a message of repentance and judgment. The false prophets refuted the claims of God’s men and preached a message of peace and prosperity. Jesus dealt with the Pharisees and Jewish legalists. Paul warned of the dangers of false prophets. Acts 20:29 – For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Peter and John dealt with them as well. 2 Peter 2:1 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 1 John 4:1 – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. The false prophet remains today and we must be aware of the dangers they pose to the church.

B. Their Description – Jesus was very plain and bold in His warning. Beware of false prophets. He exposed them for what they truly were. These were those who had distorted the truth, seeking to benefit their fleshly desires. Many in Jesus’ day denied that He was the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Paul dealt with those who sought to mix Judaism with the teachings of the gospel in order to receive salvation. He faced the false doctrines of the Greeks and other pagan influences.

Our world is filled with false doctrine today. There are few among the billions upon this earth that teach and affirm the truth. Religion is alive and well in our world. Mankind seeks to satisfy the spiritual element of his being. He will worship something. Many religious teachings have been developed in an effort to appease the passions of humanity. Many today affirm that we all serve the same God, we are all going to experience the same afterlife, and although we are traveling different courses, we are ultimately heading in the same direction.