1. They “Prophesy” from Their Own Delusions
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I actually have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their very own minds’” (Jeremiah 14:14).
The false prophet will often prophesy from their very own imagination. However, because they know learn how to do it so well, in case you are usually not careful you may fall victim to them. Without discernment, over and over you may’t tell the difference.
Another thing to watch out of is the false prophet who prophesies only what you desire to hear. They may even prophesy things that the people will agree with. This happened in Israel and this happens today.
2. What They Say Does Not Come True
“You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we all know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet proclaims within the name of the Lord doesn’t happen or come true, that may be a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so don’t be alarmed” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).
The great litmus test for anyone who claims to be a prophet of God is a straightforward one. Did what they are saying come true? This was true in biblical times and it’s true today. By the best way, the punishment within the Old Testament for being a false prophet was death.
“But a prophet who presumes to talk in my name anything I actually have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks within the name of other gods, is to be put to death” (Deuteronomy 18:20).
Clearly this just isn’t something God takes flippantly, especially due to influence these people often can have.
3. They Lead People Away from Christ
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears amongst you and broadcasts to you an indication or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (gods you could have not known) ‘and allow us to worship them,’ you have to not hearken to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to seek out out whether you like him with all of your heart and with all of your soul. It is the Lord your God you have to follow, and him you have to revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him” (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).
What I find fascinating on this verse is that the false prophet announced an indication and wonder and it actually happened. This could be lead you to imagine this false prophet is true. However, the true motive eventually comes out. This prophet would then turn and encourage people to follow other gods and worship them.
This is why time and patience are wonderful gifts when you find yourself coping with anyone who declares themselves a prophet. Time is needed because it’s going to eventually reveal the motives of the guts. Patience is required to see if what they are saying comes true.
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