OTKC 22: Beware False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?… Thus you will recognise them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 (ESVUK)

What Did Jesus Mean?

It’s intriguing that, as far as Jesus and the early church are concerned, there is a role for prophets in the life of the community. The matter then is whether it is true or false.

False prophets, Jesus tells us, are not always obvious. Outwardly, they may appear gentle and trustworthy, blended among believers. Yet their true motives are destructive, aiming to mislead. Jesus’ metaphor of “ravenous wolves” dressed as sheep emphasises the deceptive nature of these figures—those who exploit spiritual authority for personal gain.

Crucially, Jesus anchors discernment to “fruits”, not appearances. Fruit, in Scripture, refers to the outcomes of a person’s life, actions, and teachings. This reflects Old Testament principles, as God commands Israel to test prophets by whether their words align with His covenant and point people to obedience (see Deuteronomy 13:1-4 ESV UK). A false prophet can sound convincing, but if their message or conduct diverges from God’s revealed truth, they must be rejected.

Jesus reiterates, “Every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17, ESV UK). The litmus test of truth is holistic, encompassing teaching, character, and impact. This builds a foundation for discernment that is both scriptural and practical.

Jesus, the Early Church and The Narrow Gate

Jesus Himself constantly discerned beyond outward appearances. He confronted the religious leaders of His day: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones…” (Matthew 23:27, ESV UK). Jesus never allowed reputation or tradition to undermine the standards of truth.

Similarly, the early church exercised this discernment. The Bereans were “more noble” because “they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ESV UK). Testing their teaching against Scripture, rather than personality or power, was their safeguard.

Paul rebuked even the Apostle Peter when he saw him stray from gospel truth (Galatians 2:11-14, ESV UK). Early Christians were urged to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, ESV UK). Their model was not one of suspicion, but rather humble, open-eyed engagement with God’s Word.

Importance of the Command in the Believer’s Life

This command safeguards believers against spiritual deception. False prophets undermine faith, distort God’s word, and can lead the unwary away from salvation. In the New Testament, Paul cautions the Ephesian elders: “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock… speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30, ESV UK). The danger is not remote or theoretical—it is a present challenge across generations.

The ramifications of ignoring this warning are grave. Peter cautions, “But false prophets also arose among the people… and many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed” (2 Peter 2:1-2, ESV UK). False teaching does not merely lead to doctrinal error, but to lifestyles contrary to Christ’s character.

Engaging with this command is essential for spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:14 exhorts, “…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (ESV UK). Only a discerning church can sustain faithfulness to the gospel in the face of confusion.

Practical Steps to Follow the Command

• Know the Scripture: Regular, prayerful study cultivates an instinct for truth. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (ESV UK).
• Discern the Fruit: Observe the results of a speaker’s teaching. Does it produce humility, Christlike love, repentance and truth, or promote self, division, and worldliness? Jesus said, “Thus you will recognise them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20, ESV UK).
• Focus on Core Doctrines: Does the person affirm Christ’s divinity and humanity? Do they uphold salvation by grace through faith? “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:3, ESV UK).
• Rely on the Holy Spirit: Invite the Spirit to deepen your discernment. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13, ESV UK).
• Seek Accountability: Build relationships with mature believers; share concerns and test ideas. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, ESV UK).
• Stay Humble and Prayerful: Be teachable, remembering even well-meaning people can be misled; depend fully on the Lord for wisdom.

Jesus’ call to “beware of false prophets” is an act of care from the Good Shepherd. As we seek to obey Him, let us be vigilant, wise, and anchored in Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit. In so doing, we will not only avoid spiritual danger but also grow as faithful followers, able to help others walk in the truth and love of Jesus Christ.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom

Questions for Reflection

• Do you appreciate the crucial role prophets have in the life of the believer and the church? How can you understand the importance of being careful, only to pay attention to the true prophets?
• What things can you do to develop the practice of discernment when you hear someone who claims to speak on behalf of God?
• What can you do this week to challenge yourself and others to observe this command?