1 John 4:1-6 – Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.

4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. (NLT)

In this passage, the Apostle John gives us a warning concerning false prophets.  Interestingly, the word translated here as prophet literally means inspired speaker.  There are many inspired speakers in the world who draw people to their messages.  I wonder, however, just where it is that some of them are receiving their inspiration!  It would be easier for us to discern who the false prophets were if they would just be so strange that they would be easily recognized.  Sadly, this is not always the case.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:15 that many false prophets will be disguised as harmless sheep, but are really vicious wolves. 

Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:13 – “These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness”.

So, how do we discern who is and who is not a false prophet?  First, prove to yourself what you hear.  Preachers of the Word of God will not be offended if you question them about what they say.  Speaking for myself, I encourage it!  Ask questions.  God wants us to ask questions.  God’s Word is not complicated.  False prophets have made it complicated, but it is called Good News because it is so radically simple!  If a preacher cannot readily answer you in plain language, ask a trusted and mature Christian friend.  If you are still unsure, then perhaps that preacher is not the one to whom you should be listening.

Secondly, beware of miracles.  I believe in miracles, and I believe that miracles happen every day.  However, the Book of Revelation warns us about false prophets who perform miracles. 

Revelation 13:13 – “He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. 14 And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world.”

I am not saying that God cannot work miracles through someone, but be cautious of miracles.  If someone is living a lavish lifestyle because of their ‘miracles’, beware!  This leads me to my next point …

Remember that prophet does not mean profit!  Of course, preachers need to make a living just like anyone else, but the accumulation of great wealth in this business is questionable, at best.  Lastly, and above all else, know your Bible!  Learn and study under a trusted pastor, or a trusted church.  For sound biblical resources, ask your pastor for advice.  Knowing God’s Word will prevent you from being deceived by a false prophet, and will empower you for abundant living!

Posted by Ramón Torres