Concerning False Prophets

Concerning False Prophets
Matthew 7:15-20

What is a prophet?
1.      A person who speaks God’s truth to others. 
2.      A person who can warn others about future events. 

Are there still prophets today? Yes
1.      It is still a gift that the Holy Spirit gives to the church. 
2.      Jesus said false prophets would come in the end times.

 Four Examinations for determining a true/false prophet.
1.      A Divine Connection 
     a.       True prophets confess that Jesus is divine. -  1 John 4:1-3 
     b.      False prophets will always detract from the divinity of Jesus. - 1 John 2:22 
2.      A Scripture Affirmation 
     a.       True prophets affirm all the scriptures. - 1 Cor. 14:37
     b.      False prophets will oppose some scriptures. - 1 John 4:6
3.      A Gospel Corroboration 
     a.        True prophets hold to the biblical definition of the gospel. - 1 Cor. 15:1-5
     b.      False prophets will distort the gospel. – Gal. 1:6-9
4.      A Fruit Inspection 
     a.       True prophets will produce spiritual fruit.  -1 Thess. 1:5
     b.      False prophets will embrace and exhibit sin. - Jude 11- 13

How to guard yourself against false prophets? Matthew 7:15-20
1.      Expect their arrival. (15a)
2.      Detect their intentions. (15b)
3.      Inspect their fruit. (16-18, 20)
4.      Disconnect from their work. (19)