In Matthew 7:15, Jesus said “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” And in verse twenty Jesus says again, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
Many times the Bible warns us of false prophets. God warns us because He loves us and He does not want us to be led away by false teaching and the greed of men. He wants us to only know the truth and to only listen to the true prophets.
It may not seem important to some – in the day that we live in – to be concerned with false prophets. After all how can they hurt us? How can false prophets and false teachers hurt a Christian?
Some people think false prophets are those who cause their followers to shave their heads and commit murders. Others think false prophets are those who gather together their followers and drink poisoned Kool-aid. Some think that leaders who teach their followers to store guns and food for the “great war” are the false prophets mentioned in the Bible.
Well, they may be false leaders and they may use the name of Jesus, but they are not exactly the ones Jesus is referring to here in Matthew.
In the last days there will be many false prophets, apostles, teachers and brethren, and they will be led by their master, Satan. In 2 Corinthians 11:13 we are given some insight into their method of operation. It says, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light, therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness whose end will be according to their works.”
Second Peter 2:1 says, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”
There are many other scriptures referring to these counterfeit men of God. But here are two points that are extremely important.
First, these false prophets and false teachers will not appear to be false. Second Corinthians 11:13 says that these leaders will appear to be righteous men who appear to radiate the light of Jesus. They will be so camouflaged that many will follow them.
But that should not be. Jesus said that His sheep would know His voice and another they will not follow. We need to listen to the voice of Jesus daily as He speaks to us through the voice of His Holy Spirit. Then when the false prophet comes along stealing, killing and destroying, we will not be led astray because we will recognize it as “another” voice and not the voice of the great shepherd, Jesus.
Second, they will teach false doctrine. Without the true Word of God being taught, faith will not grow. With undeveloped faith we will not be as effective in our witnessing and we will not be walking in the promises of God. Instead we will be walking in the problems and the ways of the world. And that’s what Satan wants for you and me.
Now, I have this note of caution. Be aware that false prophets, teachers, and apostles are in the world. But don’t get goofy and go on a false prophet hunt. Be aware of the negative, but walk in the positive.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.
