In what ways can we discern false prophets as warned in Matthew 7:22? Our Lord’s Warning in Matthew 7:22 “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?’” Why Impressive Works Are Not Enough • Signs, wonders, and persuasive speech can be counterfeited (Exodus 7:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). • Jesus looks beyond public ministry to personal obedience (Matthew 7:23; John 14:15). • True servants point glory to Christ, not to themselves (John 3:30). Key Markers of False Prophets • Unsound doctrine – a message that contradicts revealed Scripture (Galatians 1:8; 2 Peter 2:1). • Bad fruit in character – habitual unrighteousness, greed, or immorality (Matthew 7:16-18; Jude 4). • Self-exaltation – seeking followers, fame, or profit rather than serving Christ (3 John 9-10). • Disregard for Christ’s lordship – calling Him “Lord” while ignoring His commands (Luke 6:46). • Lack of lasting fruit – their influence produces confusion and spiritual decay (Jeremiah 23:16-17). Biblical Tests for Discernment • The Scripture Test: measure every teaching against “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20). • The Christological Test: affirming Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, crucified and risen (1 John 4:1-3). • The Moral Test: a life marked by repentance and obedience (1 John 2:3-6). • The Fruit Test: observable righteousness, love, and humility over time (Matthew 12:33). • The Prophetic Accuracy Test: fulfillment of any predictive words without deviation (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Cultivating Personal Vigilance • Stay rooted in daily Scripture intake so counterfeit messages stand out. • Abide in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit who guides into all truth (John 16:13). • Commit to a biblically faithful local church where mutual accountability flourishes (Hebrews 13:17). • Practice discernment with gentleness, avoiding a cynical spirit while refusing naïveté (Ephesians 4:14-15). • Keep the focus on knowing Christ; intimacy with Him sharpens spiritual perception (Philippians 3:8-10). “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). |
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