Unmasking False Prophets

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Peter 2:1-9Adrian Rogers says, “It’s bad to tell a lie and it’s worse to teach a lie; but it is monstrous to teach a lie about God.”The desperate need in these last days is authentic biblical teaching. Scripture tells us that false teachers are among us and warns us of the dangers of their doctrine. We must unmask false prophets to realize their presence and recognize their pretense.2 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.”We can identify false prophets by their message. There are five tests we should run in our minds as we listen to a preacher:1. Source Test: Is the Bible the basis of his teaching?2. Savior Test: Does he believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?3. Subject Test: Is the primary focus of his teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?4. Salvation Test: Does he teach salvation by grace alone?5. Sanctification Test: Does he teach and endeavor to live a holy life?We can also identify false prophets by their methods. 2 Peter 2:2 says, “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”Good counterfeits will lay false teaching alongside good teaching to confuse their listeners. Their words are feigned, like plastic: malleable and easy to contort. False teachers are known for their manner of living ungodly lives. Almost always, false teachers will eventually be found out for their immorality.But a true person of God will make people aware of their sins and need for salvation.Lastly, we can spot a false prophet by his motive, which is to manipulate his people for his own profit or gain.In this world is full of dangerous doctrines, we must remember what God has done to false prophets in the past. God has set a precedent and He will not spare the false prophet from His judgment.Apply it to your lifeIt is crucial, now more than ever, to learn from Bible teachers who are rooted in sound doctrine. Pray for direction and discernment today. If you are unsure, test the teachings you receive from people in authority, so that you might learn Scripture as it is written.