“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” – Matthew 7:15-17
Jesus warned us! We’re currently in an era where many are claiming to be receiving prophetic words or visions and publishing or proclaiming them from platforms in the name of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we must ALWAYS be discerning about the teaching, preaching, and messages we consume from those claiming to be Christian leaders, pastors, preachers, prophets, or experts.
God will never contradict Himself or His nature. Any Christian teaching or claim, no matter how amazing it sounds needs to first be evaluated against Scripture. If the message isn’t consistent with God’s Word or His revealed nature, will, and plan for the world, that prophecy is false and so is that prophet.
Second, if a prophet, preacher, or teacher’s lifestyle, character, or behavior is inconsistent with that of Jesus, then he or she is a false prophet, teacher, or preacher. Even if he or she was once an excellent teacher, if we don’t presently see the increasing fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) we must be extremely cautious. If we see qualities of behavior, fruit of character, or fruit of ministry that are inconsistent with the teaching, preaching, and example of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must reject that messenger.
Christian, the Bible devotes enormous amounts of space toward the danger of false teachers, preachers, and prophets. We have always needed to be discerning, but here in these troubled times, we must redouble our guard and filter every word against God’s Word, God’s nature, God’s will, and God’s Son!