KNOW THE TIMES

If somebody tells you to “note the times”, it means there is something expectant or strange about to happen. During Jeremiah’s time, lying prophets were on the increase in Israel that God revealed to Jeremiah to warn the people of Israel of His anger. These false prophets were lying and deceiving the people with impunity as if God is not present. In Matt. 24, Jesus preached that an end of the world will come and one key issue He warned about is the issue of false prophet/ teachers/ Christ (Matt. 24:11, 24). In the times we live now, the same issue of false prophets/ teachers has become a real threat to true Christianity. The one behind all this, is Satan. Why? Since he was thrown unto the earth, he has decided to deceive the whole world and more as he knows his time is short (Rev. 12:1-12).

Who are these false prophets/ teachers? How can we identify them? How can we protect ourselves from their falsehood?

The Bible

The bible has a lot of warnings about “false prophets/ teachers”, who will come to deceive even God’s elect (Matt. 24:23-27). 2Corin. 11:14-15 tells how Satan and his servants will present themselves as angels of light.  Therefore, it is important to distinguish between false and true prophets/teachers. Revelation 13:13-14; 19:20 foretells of even how false prophets will perform miracles like calling fire from heaven. Yet Elijah, a true prophet did same (1Kings 18:36-38). Describing a scenario of Judgement day, Jesus recounted how false prophets/ teachers were telling Him (the Judge) how they did miracles in His name while on earth (Matt. 7:22-23).The warnings about false prophets/ teachers in both the old and new testaments shows that they have been in existence since old times- Jeremiah (5:30-31); Paul (Acts 15:1-2; 20:29-30); Jesus (Matt. 24:10-11, 7:15) and Peter (2Pet. 2:1-3).

Who is a false prophet?

A Prophet is a man who is inspired of God and speaks for God. A false prophet is therefore one who is not speaking on behalf of God (Deut. 13:1-4). Generally, they speak out of their human mind or on behalf of a demon, which is contrary to that of God. (Acts 13:6- sorcerer, witchcraft, etc.)

Characteristics of a False Prophet/ Teacher

·   They appear genuine/ pretentious (Matt. 7:15)

·   Many follow after them (Luke 6:26)

·   They can do miracles as does a true prophet  to lead you away from Christ (Matt. 24:24)

·   They are mainly motivated by money/ wealth (2Pet. 2:2-4, Isa. 56:10-11, Ezekiel 22:25)

·   They tell people what their ear wants to hear (2Tim. 4:3-4)

·   They reject the deity of Christ and His work on the cross (2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn 4:2-3)

·   Their prophesies do not always fail (Matt. 7:22)

·   Their own character includes: Pride (2Pet. 2:10) (ii)  Greed (2Pet. 2:3)  (iii) immorality (Jer. 23:14)

How to identify a False Prophet/ Teacher (Matt. 7:16, 20- their fruits)

·   Their doctrines are contrary to scripture. They bring destructive teachings and lies into the church, often by telling people what they want to hear (Jer. 23). They provide layers of truth mixed with error, (Jer. 23:16-17, 21, 25; Ezek. 13:2-3) and they do not proclaim God’s word but deny it (2Jn. 9-11).

·   What they say (prophesy) does not come to pass (Deut. 18:20-22, 13:1-5). e.g. false predictions, etc.

·   They appeal to tradition and worldly wisdom rather than base on Christ or scripture (Col. 2:8-10; 1Jn. 2:26-27; 2Jn. 7)

·   The effect of their teachings in the lives of men are:

          i.   It leads to rejection of God’s word

         ii.   It leads to rejection of biblical authority

        iii.   It leads to division amongst the saints and sin (Jer. 23:2,14)

        iv.   It leads to a life of sensuality (2Pet. 2:2)

         v.   It leads to deception of genuine Christians with false doctrine (Mk. 13:22; 2Tim. 4:3)

Though they profess to know God, their deeds deny Him (Matt. 7:22-23; 2Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:16). So to identify them, you ask yourself - “What are the fruits of the prophesy or teachings I hear from so and so person?”

How to safeguard against False Prophets/Teachers

  

·   Let the word of God be the final authority of what you hear, say or proof not man (Acts 17:11; 2Tim. 3:16-17; Jer. 23:16-17; Col. 2:8). Study the word of God thoroughly (2Tim. 2:15). If anyone wants to become a medical doctor or lawyer, he/she would have to stick to medical/ legal books or to operate a new gadget you study the manual. Same, if you want to become a true Christian, you must stick to the Bible, and refrain from depending on fake prophets and their pamphlets!

·   Have the Holy Spirit and let Him be your sole guide and counselor to all truth (Jn.16:13-14; 1Jn. 2:27)

·   Do not entertain anyone who denies the deity of Jesus Christ (1Jn 4:3, 2:22); denies the virgin birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ or that Jesus is not the only way to salvation and to the father (God)

Always check the fruits of the prophet or Teacher: does it move you closer to God or otherwise? (1Jn 4:1-3; Matt. 7:16)

The best way to keep from being deceived by false teachers and prophets is to be a good Bible student yourself.  If you know the Scriptures well enough, you will easily identify falsehood (Matt. 4). Reading the Bible daily will keep you from believing false teachings which is a gospel from the Devil.  And we are warned to not even entertain them in our house (2Jn. 9-11). 

Finally

Brethren, we need to see to it that we are not deceived by these false teachers/ prophets who will flood the end times. We cannot afford to miss heaven.

·   Luke says we should know the times because like the cloud gathers then we anticipate it will rain. So also with the appearance of false prophets means Jesus is preparing to come. Not to do more miracles but to judge our deeds (2corin. 5:10)

·   Hebrews 11 talks about the irony of the Christian faith where some succeeded in their faith and others had to suffer for their faith and in the end died without getting what they wanted. But in all this scenarios, they did not compromise their faith in God. Likewise, we need this enduring and patient spirit in these last days to survive temptations and tribulations that will frustrate us to compromise with the world.  

Matt. 7:15, 20 says: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”. wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 

Know the times and you will not be deceived by the false prophets/ teachers. Amen!