The Making Of False Prophet Part 1

Many times I hear terms like "false prophet" or "jezebel" and when some are referring to others.  I have always tried to steer people clear from these labels but that does not mean that it is not always true.  The reason I steer people clear is because sometimes it is premature and awfully harsh.  When we label someone we tag a judgement on them that can at times be very hard to remove.  However, it is my purpose to show you how to avoid some of the pitfalls that lend themselves to creating a heart that is false.  That is the real issue with a false prophet.  So we will dive into this very difficult topic. 

First, we need to look at some of the characteristics of a false prophet.  The common mistake is thinking false prophets are the same as false words.  That is not the case.  As we will see, false prophets usually have a very accurate gift.  It is the power of the gift that makes it a little confusing.  The amazing thing is that the Lord explains this to us in the Scriptures.  

Deuteronomy 13:1 “If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 
Deuteronomy 13:2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, “Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known.  
Deuteronomy 13:3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 

See, the words can come to pass; this confuses people.  How can a false prophet speak accurate words?  It is simply that gifts and callings of God are without repentance.

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 

That is a difficult pill for most to understand.  God does not stop us from going off track once He has given us gifts.  Where the anointing has to be maintained properly a gift stays with you for life.  God does not remove it from someone because they misbehave.  He is a good Father and when He gives us a gift it is just that, a gift.  You didn't earn it or graduate to it.  We see from the Scriptures above, that there are those who are false prophets.  Now the question comes, how does someone get off track.

Jesus Himself discussed the issue of false prophets in the Gospels. 

Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Matthew 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 7:20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
Matthew 7:23 And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

We see here that you will know them by their fruits.  The fruit is not how their ministry looks but their personal character.  As we look at Matthew  7, Jesus goes on to discuss that they will use the works of their ministry as a defense for their disobedience.  It is a trap when you try to justify yourself by the gifts that God has given you.  These are those who are practicing lawlessness.  There is another telling word in this passage that has to be paid attention too.  That word is "ravenous" wolves.  There is a telling sign of a false prophet and that is their predator personality which leads them to go after the weak ones.  Wolves don't attack the pac directly.  They try to peel off the week sheep and isolate them so they can kill and eat.  They are amazing hunters and with precision are able to peel off sheep.  Most who are operating like this will never deal with the leadership but ones who are most vulnerable.  In this they appear to be so wise and smart.  They always come like gentle shepherds.  They wear pastoral clothing but inside is a major issue.  They go from place to place and are on the hunt.  They are looking for who they can peel off and separate.  They always have a reason why they are not under authority.  Even those who appear to be are always talking behind the leaders back.  

What you discover is that this type of person, no matter where they go, have something to say about leadership.  To them, it is always the leadership above them that are at fault.  They don't understand alignment or authority.  They are jealous of those who are in authority and believe that they themselves should be the ones in that position.  However, those who are in authority are chosen by the Lord.  Whenever I visit another ministry, I always try to meet the pastor, to say nothing more than hello.  I don't tell him who I am I just want to greet the house.  However, there is another purpose for me.  I always want to establish who is the authority so I can place myself in alignment when I am there.

King Saul had a similar experience.  He thought that partial obedience was good enough.  He was going to save the sheep for "the Lord."  (2 Kings 15)  I believe to some point, false prophets are very deceived.  They believe what they believe is truth.  Just because we believe something does not make it correct.  Let's get back to that phrase of "ravenous wolves."  The word ravenous is an interesting word. It is the word "harpax" in the Greek.  It means raveneous, ravening, as a wild beast, rapacious, given to extortion and robbery, an extortioner.  It means to seize, to take for oneself or to prefer oneself.  That is so true.  Those who are false prophets always have one main concern, themselves.  Oh, they don't admit it to the weak sheep.  They are like Absalom who sat outside the gate to catch the ones coming in to see the King.  Really, they want people to want them.  I have had individuals who expressed they were all about ministering to the people and getting them whole.  However, they would get upset with that person if he or she had breakthrough and did not come back for another session. They see demons that are really not there in people but think everyone needs another level of deliverance. Individuals who need the people to need them solely are quite dangerous in the body.  Jesus tells us to beware of those.  

Paul warns the Church at Ephesus as well.  Paul's time at this city might be his longest any where.  Listen to his departure speech.

Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 
Acts 20:30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.  

Watch out, they a coming, they will be burdensome and oppressive and will not spare the flock.  They will cause division and be full of envy and strife.  Paul warns of this as well.

Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 

James warns us as well.

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 
James 3:14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 
James 3:15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 
James 3:16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 

The goal is their belly and they don't care what the condition of the Body is just that some of the people are following them.  It is always, "What's in it for me."  On the next installment, we will discuss how someone can avoid getting to this place and if you feel you are there, how to get back on track.  It is never to late to change your walk or course.  The Father is so merciful that He is long suffering for all to come to repentance.