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NASB | Matthew 7:15 ¶ "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:15 ¶ "Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [Ezek 22:27] |
Subject: What are false prophets? |
Bible Note: Distinguishing between spirits. This gift is a special Spirit-given ability to properly discern and judge prophecies and to distinguish whether or not a message or spiritual expression is from the Holy Spirit (see 1Co 14:29, note; 1Jn 4:1). During the end times, though the Bible warns that false teachers (see Mt 24:5, note) and the misrepresentation of Biblical Christianity will greatly increase (see 1Ti 4:1, note), this gift will be extremely important for the church. The others should weigh carefully. All prophecy (or tongues with interpretation) must be evaluated according to what is said. That is to say, the people should not automatically accept a message without using discernment (i.e., godly wisdom and Spirit-guided understanding) and considering whether it is consistent with God’s Word and relevant to their situation. This does not mean that the message will always be pleasant, convenient or easy to apply; but those who are in right relationship with God should be able to discern whether the message is truly from the Lord. This shows that NT prophecy was not infallible (i.e., perfectly reliable and free from error) and at times might need to be corrected. It certainly was never meant to be accepted on the same level with Scripture (i.e., God’s written Word as recorded in the Bible). (1) At times, prophecy and speaking in tongues might not be an authentic, or true, message from God (cf. 1Jn 4:1). People who are caught up in their emotions or sometimes misguided in their sense of direction from the Spirit may give a well-meaning message that is actually from their own mind and motivation. At times, even evil spirits, through the presence of false teachers or prophets, can work in a congregation. Prophesying, speaking in tongues or possessing any supernatural gift is no guarantee that one is a true prophet or even a true Christian (see article on FALSE TEACHERS) because Satan can counterfeit and imitate spiritual gifts (Mt 24:24; 2Th 2:9-12; Rev 13:13-14). Even if one possesses legitimate spiritual gifts from God, there is no guarantee that the person will always exercise their gifts properly. (2) If the church has not established proper and orderly ways (cf. v. 40) to apply and evaluate prophecies, it has failed to follow Biblical guidelines. Notice also that prophecy was not considered an uncontrollable urge of the Spirit; the speaker could control the impulse because only one prophet could speak at a time (vv. 30-32). (3) What should be the church’s attitude toward prophetic messages? (a) All prophecy must be tested according to the standard of Biblical truth (cf. Dt 13:1-3). If the prophecy has to do with something in the future, believers should look for its fulfillment before passing final judgment (cf. Dt 18:22). This includes preparing themselves for the possibility that the prophecy may or may not be fulfilled. (b) If the word of prophecy is an exhortation (i.e., a word of challenge or encouragement), the congregation needs to ask, “What must we do to obey the Spirit’s will and purpose?†(4) In order to properly evaluate and guide the use of spiritual gifts and expressions, church leaders must pray for godly discernment (i.e., divine wisdom and Spirit-guided understanding). In addition, the people in the church should not take offense at times when leaders offer correction or guidance in a worship service or to individuals in private. Such interaction is to be expected at times. Believers must never be so proud as to assume that they know exactly how to use the gifts of the Spirit at all times without guidance and correction. This does not mean that God is displeased or that leaders are upset with the people. Keep in mind that many of the NT letters—such as this one to the Corinthians—contained large portions on guidance and correction about such issues. And these instructions came from leaders who loved the people deeply and respected the ministry God was doing among them. Donald C. Stamps and J. Wesley Adams, ed., Fire Bible, (Springfield, MO: Life Publishers International, 2009), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "Study Notes". |