Faith In God: Beware False Prophets And Apostles

Prophets and apostles are God's messengers, but one should be cautious of false prophets and apostles who claim to speak the Word of God but instead spread false teachings and messages. The Bible denounces false prophets for misleading people. True prophets are motivated by loyalty to God, while false prophets are motivated by self-interest and financial gain. God has called prophets and apostles to serve as His mouthpiece and to help people experience everlasting joy. However, one should not put their faith only in prophets and apostles but in God Himself, as He is the source of truth and guidance.

Prophets are careful to share God's truth accurately

The primary difference between a true prophet and a false prophet is their source of information. True prophets, like Jeremiah, are motivated by loyalty to God and speak the Word of the Lord. False prophets, on the other hand, deliver messages that originate in their own hearts and minds. They are motivated by self-interest and a desire to be popular among the people.

Another way to distinguish a true prophet from a false one is by their fruits or actions. Jesus taught that true prophets will be recognised by the good fruit they bear, while false prophets will be exposed by the bad fruit they produce.

True prophets are also careful to share God's truth accurately because they acknowledge Jesus Christ as divine and understand the grave consequences of being a false prophet. In the Old Testament, the punishment for false prophets was death.

In summary, prophets are careful to share God's truth accurately because they are motivated by loyalty to God, speak His Word, are recognised by their good fruit, and understand the serious consequences of false prophecy.

God distances himself from false prophets

False prophets are people who spread false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God. They are driven by self-interest and a desire to be popular among people, rather than loyalty to God. In the Bible, false prophets also spoke on behalf of false gods, delivering messages that originated in their own hearts and minds.

> "I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied." (Jeremiah 23:21)

The Bible denounces false prophets for leading people astray with their deceptive messages. God makes it clear that He has not sent, appointed, or spoken to these false prophets, and He instructs His followers not to listen to them:

> "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:16)

The Bible provides tests for recognizing false prophets, emphasizing the importance of knowing what a true prophet is like. A true prophet's words will be fulfilled, their teachings will align with Scripture, and they will encourage righteous behavior. They are motivated by loyalty to God and their life will reflect a divine call.

By distancing Himself from false prophets and providing guidelines for recognizing them, God protects His followers from deception and ensures they receive guidance from true prophets who speak His Word.

True prophets are motivated by loyalty to God

False prophets, on the other hand, are motivated by self-interest and a desire for popularity and financial gain. They spread false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God. They often deliver pleasant messages that people want to hear, rather than the truth.

It is important to be able to distinguish between true and false prophets. True prophets will have their predictions fulfilled, their teachings will be consistent with Scripture, and they will encourage righteous behaviour and provide spiritual benefit. Their lives will reflect a divine call, and they will acknowledge Jesus Christ as divine.

Ultimately, we should not put our faith solely in prophets and apostles, but in God Himself. We can trust in God's prophets and apostles as they are called by Him and serve as His mouthpiece for our benefit. However, our primary loyalty and faith should always be in God, who will guide us towards amazing experiences and fill our lives with joy.

False prophets are motivated by self-interest

False prophets are driven by self-interest and a desire to be well-liked by the people. They are often motivated by financial gain, and are willing to spread false teachings and messages in exchange for payment.

In the Bible, false prophets are described as those who "speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord". They are deceptive, claiming to speak on behalf of God when in reality, they are driven by their own greed and desire for popularity.

False prophets are dangerous because they seek to lead people astray, away from the truth and towards false teachings. They may appear harmless, but they are like ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing. They know how to present themselves as legitimate, using religious language and appearing outwardly similar to their audience. However, their true nature is revealed over time as their prophecies fail to come true and their teachings lead people away from Christ.

It is important for believers to be vigilant and discerning to identify false prophets and protect themselves from being deceived.

God has revealed himself in Jesus

In the Bible, God has revealed himself through his son, Jesus Christ. In John 1:18, it is written, "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him." This is further supported by John 14:9-10, where Jesus says, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?"

Jesus himself claimed to be one with God, stating in John 10:30, "I and the Father are one." This assertion is significant because it demonstrates Jesus' divinity and his role as the revealer of God.

Additionally, in Hebrews 1:1-3, we find: "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds." This passage emphasizes that God has chosen to reveal himself through his Son in these "last days," indicating the unique and final nature of this revelation.

The Bible also provides accounts of God revealing himself through prophets like Isaiah. Isaiah 43 includes a beautiful and encouraging message from God to Israel and all his people who love and serve him sincerely. In it, God reminds Israel that he created and redeemed them, promising protection and reassurance: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

While prophets and apostles can guide and instruct, it is essential to recognize that their teachings are intended to lead us to God and Jesus. Ultimately, our faith should be placed in God, who has revealed himself fully and completely in his son, Jesus Christ.

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