Characteristics of False Prophets

1 John 4:1-4

This is a great passage for us in the world that we live in today. We are constantly bombarded with information and most of it is false. So, with all the misinformation, lies, false spirits and prophets what are we to do? In the passage we are told to try the spirits to see whether they are of God. But this is not always an easy task. The only real source we have for trying the spirits is the word of God, we must view everything through the lens of the Bible. In this sermon we are going to look at some characteristics that are found in the word of God for false prophets that may help us in trying the spirits.

Why must we try the spirits?

In our passage we are told to try the spirits because there are many false prophets in the world. It is interesting that in the book of Job he questions one of his friends regarding the spirit that comes out of him when he is speaking (Job 26:2-4).

The Bible shows us that there are at least four different spirits; the spirit of beast (Ecclesiastes 3:21), the spirit of man (1 Corinthians 2:11), the spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:12), and the spirit of anti-chirst (1 John 4:3).

I do not think we have to worry much about whether it is the spirit of beast when a man talks, but we must really have to consider whether it is the spirit of man, Satan, or the Lord in what we see and hear in this world.

John says that the spirit of anti-christ is already at work in the world today, and this is not hard to understand if you just look around at the things going on in this world. We know that Satan’s end goal is to have the anti-christ ruling the world during the Tribulation and that there will be a false prophet who does great miracles and make the world to worship the anit-christ. Therefore if this spirit of anti-christ is already at work we should be able to see things moving toward Satan’s goal.

Characteristics of False Prophets and Teachers:

1)  Wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15)

• They more someone is trying to convince you he is a sheep, the more he is probably not. Remember the proverb regarding that that are the first and loudest to praise you (Proverbs 27:14).

2)  Accomplish great things (Matthew 24:24)

• Note the miracles that will be done in the Tribulation. As human beings we are always impressed and seek after those who can accomplish great feats. This does means someone is a false prophet if they do something great, but it is a characteristic to help us try the spirits.

3)  Wrong doctrines or teachings (2 Peter 2:1)

• This is a easy one if you know the bible and what it teaches but the spirit of anti-christ has done an excellent job of making this complicated today.

4)  Destructive ways (2 Peter 2:2)

• The verse says that many shall follow their pernicious ways. Pernicious means destructive. We you see self-destructive people and others eager to follow them this is not a good sign.

5)  Use others for profit (2 Peter 2:3)

• The verse says that false teacher will through covetousness with feigned word make merchandise of you. The word feigned is usually used in the sense of fake or not genuine, but another definition is given below.
• Feign – to invent or imagine, to form an idea of something that is not real. This is done on a daily basis today. Just think about all the conspiracy theories and those who promote them for their own gain.

6)  Self willed, Despisers of Government and authorities (2 Peter 2:10)

• We do not have to look far to see the spirit of anti-christ in these matters today.

7)  Promote liberty while putting you in bondage (2 Peter 2:19-22)

• Sound familiar?

8)  They may look good for a while but they return to the same old ways eventually (2 Peter 2:22)

The word of God has been plain to give us some characteristics of false prophets and teachers. Let us pay attention to these, not believe every spirt but try the spirits and see what is of God and what is not.