False Prophets – Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

This lesson examines the nature and role of false prophets as described by Jesus in Matthew 7:15. By understanding their characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses, we can be vigilant against their deception and remain grounded in God’s truth.

Section 1: Who Are False Prophets?

• Occupation: False prophets claim to speak for God but instead spread deceit, leading others away from His truth.
• Marital Status: Scripture does not specify the marital status of false prophets, as their spiritual role and actions are the focus.
• Setting and Place Lived: False prophets appear throughout Scripture and history, often emerging in religious or communal settings to influence others.
• Known For:
• Deceiving God’s people with lies and false visions (Jeremiah 23:16-17).
• Claiming divine authority while promoting selfish or evil agendas (Ezekiel 13:3).
• Opposing God’s true messengers and His Word (1 Kings 22:6-7).
• Time Frame or Date: False prophets have been present in every era, from Old Testament times to today, as Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:15 indicates their ongoing threat.

Section 2: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths:
• Charisma and Persuasion: False prophets often appear convincing and charming, making their deception effective (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
• Knowledge of Scripture: They may twist God’s Word to suit their agendas, creating a facade of legitimacy (Matthew 4:6).
• Weaknesses:
• Lack of Truth: Their lies eventually lead to exposure and destruction (Jeremiah 14:14-15).
• Accountability to God: They are subject to God’s judgment and cannot escape His justice (Deuteronomy 18:20).

Section 3: Memorable Quotes

1. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
2. "They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6:14)
3. "I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied." (Jeremiah 23:21)

Section 4: Cross-Reference Scriptures

1. Jeremiah 23:16-17 – False prophets speak visions of their own minds, not from God.
2. Ezekiel 13:3-4 – Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit.
3. 1 Kings 22:6-8 – A contrast between false prophets and God’s true messenger, Micaiah.
4. 2 Peter 2:1 – False teachers introduce destructive heresies.
5. Deuteronomy 18:20 – The severe consequences for speaking falsely in God’s name. 

Section 5: Name Meanings

• Hebrew: The term "false prophet" is often rendered as "navi sheker" (נְבִי שֶׁקֶר), meaning "lying prophet."
• Greek: The Greek word is "pseudoprophētēs" (ψευδοπροφήτης), meaning "false prophet" or "pretender."

Section 6: Jesus’ Warning Against False Prophets In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns His followers to recognize false prophets by their fruits. Their outward appearance may be deceptive, but their actions and the results of their influence reveal their true nature.

Section 7: Legacy and Lessons

• Legacy: False prophets serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of deception and the importance of discerning truth from falsehood.
• Lessons:
1. Test the Spirits: Scripture calls us to examine teachings against God’s Word (1 John 4:1).
2. Beware of Appearance: Not all who claim to speak for God are genuine; discernment is crucial (2 Corinthians 11:14).
3. Stay Rooted in Truth: Knowing God’s Word helps protect us from being misled.

Closing: As we consider Jesus’ warning about false prophets, let us remain vigilant and grounded in Scripture. May we seek wisdom and discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Protect us from deception and false teachings. Help us to recognize and reject anything that leads us away from You. Strengthen our faith and grant us discernment in all things. Amen.

Thank you for joining me in this study. Let us stay rooted in God’s truth and vigilant against anything that seeks to lead us astray.