False Prophets
In the Bible, "false prophets" are individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but actually convey messages that are misleading, deceptive, or contrary to divine truth. They often arise during times of spiritual decline or social instability, leading the faithful away from God's commandments and the true teachings of Scripture. The term is explicitly mentioned in several passages, such as Matthew 7:15, where Jesus warns His followers to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of false prophets, who may appear benign or even righteous but ultimately seek to harm the spiritual well-being of the community.The Old Testament also addresses the issue of false prophets, particularly in the context of Israel's covenant with God. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 outlines the criteria for determining a true prophet, emphasizing that a true prophet’s predictions must come to pass. In contrast, false prophets are characterized by their failure to align with God's revealed will and their propensity to promote messages that serve personal gain or societal approval rather than divine truth. Jeremiah 14:14 speaks of prophets who prophesy lies in God's name, highlighting the danger they pose to the faith community. Ultimately, the Bible underscores the importance of discernment and adherence to God's Word to safeguard against the influence of false prophets.
False Prophets19
Sermon on the Mount, 12
By John Wesley0MAT 7:15John Wesley warns against false prophets who appear harmless but are actually destructive, likening them to ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing. He emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophets by their fruits, which reflect their character and the impact of their teachings on others. Wesley highlights the danger of following the broad way that leads to destruction, urging believers to adhere to the narrow path of righteousness. He calls for vigilance in recognizing those who teach a false way to heaven, stressing that true prophets will always lead others towards holiness and good works. Ultimately, he implores listeners to seek God's guidance and to be wary of those who mislead them in their spiritual journey.
Elijah Against the False Prophets
By Charles Alexander1.3K39:23LUK 23:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:28EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a significant event in history that had far-reaching consequences. He emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in times of obscurity and encourages listeners not to lose heart. The speaker also discusses various current events, such as violence and the urban guerrilla movement, and criticizes the governments for their lack of effective solutions. Ultimately, the sermon reminds listeners to trust in God, who sent his son to alter the course of history and reign over all.
True and False Prophets - Part 1
By Art Katz4.3K1:12:36PSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 1:1EPH 2:202TI 3:161PE 2:211PE 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to and meditating on the word of God. They encourage the audience to make use of cassette tapes and technology to revisit and reflect on the message. The speaker also highlights the need for training and preparation in order to be ready for God's work. They stress the significance of seeking God in the quiet place and being obedient to His counsel. Additionally, the speaker discusses the relevance of true propheticness in the current times and the challenges that come with it. They call for a willingness to bear the pain and humiliation that may arise from a life of obedience. The sermon concludes with a plea for the restoration of the Apostles and Prophets in the Church and the importance of communicating God's truth to the world.
Last Day False Prophets
By Jim Cymbala5.8K41:37PRO 26:11MAT 4:12TI 3:162PE 2:12PE 2:172PE 3:3In this sermon, the preacher warns against false teachers who exploit people with made-up stories and greed. He references biblical examples of God's judgment on sin, such as the punishment of angels, the flood in Noah's time, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The preacher emphasizes that God knows how to rescue the righteous and hold the unrighteous accountable. He also criticizes the seduction of truth and the manipulation of spiritual tone by certain ministers. The sermon encourages believers to be discerning and not be deceived by those who promise liberty but are themselves slaves to sin.
Ezekiel 13:10
By Chuck Smith0PRO 30:5EZK 13:10MAT 7:15JHN 14:6ROM 10:17GAL 5:191TI 6:102TI 4:32PE 2:1REV 20:15Chuck Smith addresses the dangers of false prophets, emphasizing their ability to lead people into a false sense of security and trust in false hopes. He warns that these prophets often assure individuals that they are safe in their sins, neglecting the urgent call to repentance and the true message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Smith highlights the destructive consequences of following such misleading teachings, which can ultimately lead to spiritual ruin. He concludes with a strong admonition to be wary of those who seek to comfort in sin, manipulate for money, or add to the Word of God, reminding listeners that true salvation is found only in Christ.
Trademarks of a False Prophet
By Shane Idleman1950:45JER 23:21Shane Idleman addresses the alarming rise of false prophets in today's society, emphasizing that they distort God's truth and promote sin under the guise of grace. He argues that true worship and a return to God's Word are essential for hope and change, rather than political upheaval. Idleman warns against the complacency of the church in confronting sin and the moral decline of society, urging believers to discern truth from error. He highlights the need for boldness in preaching the Gospel and calls for a commitment to God's standards over societal pressures. Ultimately, he stresses that the church must be a voice for the voiceless and stand firm in the truth of God's Word.
K-490 False Prophets of the Last Days
By Art Katz2.1K55:051KI 18:26PSA 119:105PRO 19:21MAT 7:24JHN 4:232TI 4:3JAS 1:22In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal experience of witnessing a demonstration of power without the presence of the living God. He describes a situation where a preacher performed miracles and people were amazed, but the speaker felt an unbearable anguish because he sensed something was wrong. He also mentions another incident where a well-known evangelist turned out to be a notorious homosexual, causing him great pain and questioning the discernment of the church. The speaker emphasizes the importance of discernment and urges listeners to question the history and credibility of preachers before accepting their messages.
Matthew 7:15
By Chuck Smith0JER 6:14EZK 13:10MAT 7:15ACT 20:29ROM 16:172CO 11:13GAL 1:61TI 4:12PE 2:11JN 4:1Chuck Smith addresses the issue of false prophets, emphasizing their deceptive nature as they often appear as 'wolves in sheep's clothing.' He points out that while they may speak truths, they omit critical aspects of God's holiness and judgment, leading believers away from true reliance on God. Smith warns that these false prophets have plagued the church since its inception, often charming congregations with unsound doctrine and a focus on personal experiences rather than scriptural truth. He highlights the importance of discernment in identifying these deceivers and the need to ensure that our hope and salvation are firmly placed in Christ alone.
Avoiding Deception
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 24:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for discernment in a time of moral and religious confusion, warning that the faithful Lord has provided us with guidance to avoid the pitfalls of deception. He highlights the increase in religious fervor and the rise of false prophets, urging believers to remain vigilant against those who claim to be Christ. Tozer reminds us that amidst wars, famines, and societal turmoil, many will be misled by false teachings and signs. He calls for a close examination of God's words to navigate these turbulent times and to protect ourselves from being deceived. The sermon serves as a clarion call to remain steadfast in faith and discerning in spirit.
Concerning the Near Appearing or Presence of False Prophets
By John Nelson Darby01JN 4:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the urgency of discerning true prophets from false ones, particularly in a time when allegiance to Jesus as Lord is increasingly challenged. He warns that false prophets will promote worldly ideals and undermine the Lordship of Christ, leading many astray with their deceptive teachings. The sermon stresses the importance of testing the spirits and adhering to the truth of Jesus' incarnation and authority. Darby encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to recognize the signs of the times, as the spirit of antichrist is at work. Ultimately, he calls for vigilance and obedience to God's word to avoid falling into deception.
Jude - Pt 3 Self-Righteousness
By Billy Strachan1.0K45:41GEN 4:3Billy Strachan emphasizes the dangers of self-righteousness, self-willedness, and self-exaltation as traits of false prophets, warning that these behaviors can infiltrate the church and lead to its destruction. He illustrates these points through the biblical examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, highlighting how their actions stemmed from a desire for personal gain and recognition rather than true submission to God's will. Strachan urges believers to recognize their own tendencies toward these traits and to seek a spirit-filled life that aligns with God's righteousness instead. He concludes with a call to humility and reliance on God's timing and direction in our lives.
1 John 4:5
By John Gill0MAT 7:15JHN 17:141JN 4:5John Gill emphasizes the distinction between true believers and false prophets, who are characterized by their worldly nature and teachings. He explains that these false teachers, influenced by the spirit of antichrist, promote doctrines that align with worldly desires and human wisdom, appealing to the carnal minds of their followers. Their messages, which often deny the necessity of grace and promote justification by works, are well-received by the unregenerate, highlighting the danger of their influence. Gill warns that the popularity of such teachings among the masses should not surprise true believers, as both the preachers and their audience are aligned with the world.
False Prophets and the Broad Way
By Zac Poonen2.2K57:43MAT 5:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the narrow gate and its significance in the context of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Jesus concludes his sermon with three vivid illustrations: the narrow way and the broad way, the bad tree and the good tree, and the rock foundation and the sand foundation for a house. The preacher emphasizes that the narrow gate is as small as the eye of a needle, highlighting the difficulty for a rich man to enter God's kingdom. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of understanding and practicing the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, which include being merciful, avoiding lust and anger, speaking the truth, loving enemies, forgiving others, and treating others as we want to be treated.
The Sermon on the Mount-(Concluded 6) Matthew 7:13-29
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 7:13R.A. Torrey concludes his sermon on the Sermon on the Mount by emphasizing the stark contrast between the narrow way that leads to life and the broad way that leads to destruction. He warns against false prophets who may appear righteous but bear bad fruit, urging believers to discern their true nature by their actions. Torrey stresses that mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is insufficient; true discipleship requires obedience to God's will. He illustrates the importance of building one's life on the solid foundation of Christ's teachings, which will withstand trials and judgment. Ultimately, he calls for self-examination regarding which path one is on and the necessity of genuine faith and action.
The Battle for Truth - 7 Traits of False Prophets
By Shane Idleman181:00:05JER 23:1MAT 24:11EPH 6:14Shane Idleman addresses the urgent battle for truth in his sermon 'The Battle for Truth - 7 Traits of False Prophets,' emphasizing the need for believers to be grounded in God's Word amidst rising false teachings. He outlines seven characteristics of false prophets, including their tendency to scatter God's flock, encourage sin, and avoid difficult truths, while calling for a return to prayer and repentance. Idleman warns that the church must not remain silent in the face of societal issues and must stand firm in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. He encourages believers to seek God earnestly and to recognize the signs of the times, urging them to be bold in their faith and actions.
Ahab Exposed
By Erlo Stegen01KI 22:6Erlo Stegen's sermon 'Ahab Exposed' warns against the dangers of false prophets and the consequences of turning away from God, as exemplified by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Ahab, influenced by his wicked wife, sold himself to sin and ultimately faced God's judgment, illustrating the peril of allowing evil to dominate one's life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination to ensure one is truly aligned with God's will, rather than being deceived by false assurances. Stegen also highlights the destructive nature of unholy relationships and the need for discipline in upbringing to prevent future ruin. The tragic end of Ahab and Jezebel serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of living outside of God's authority.
Jeremiah 23:29
By Chuck Smith0PSA 119:105PRO 14:12ISA 30:10JER 23:29EZK 34:2MAT 7:15JHN 6:35ROM 8:61TH 5:212TI 4:1Chuck Smith addresses the dire spiritual condition of the nation, emphasizing how false prophets mislead the people with lies, leading them away from the true worship of God. He highlights the consequences of their refusal to heed God's Word, which results in impending judgment and destruction. Smith draws parallels to contemporary society, where many seek entertainment over sound doctrine, preferring the chaff of false teachings over the nourishing wheat of God's truth. He warns that neglecting God's message leads to spiritual decay and ultimately, ruin.
(The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy) Against False Prophets
By Art Katz14K1:16:06In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the need for God's guidance and understanding in our lives. He mentions a notable man's collapse, which he sees as significant and appropriate to the current time and occasion. The speaker emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and heeding God's word, even if it requires radical and drastic obedience, even unto death. He challenges the audience to consider if they have truly given heed to God's word and are willing to proclaim it, even at the risk of offense and personal loss.
Beware of False Prophets
By Rolfe Barnard90753:02JER 6:14MAT 7:13MAT 7:21MAT 7:24ROM 1:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of building our lives on the right foundation. He references Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus talks about the narrow gate that leads to life and the broad road that leads to destruction. The preacher emphasizes that many people who call Jesus Lord do not truly know Him or do His will. He warns against listening to false prophets and highlights the need for daily repentance, surrender, and commitment to Christ.