SEMESTER 5
377 – The Mark of False Prophets
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 77
COMMON MARKS OF FALSE RELIGION – THE MARK OF FALSE PROPHETS
Read: Mat. 7:15-20
INTRODUCTION:
1. A paramount cause of false religion is obviously false prophets.
2. Today’s society forbids scrutiny or criticism, but Christ demands it.
3. “Beware” not only assumes existence, but instructs us as to conduct.
4. Consider four things relevant to them: their appearance, their nature, how to identify them, and how to respond to them.
I. THEIR APPEARANCE – (SHEEP’S CLOTHING)(VERSE 15)
1. A classic mistake is “A good preacher is good and a bad one is bad.”
III: By the popular opinion of John the Baptist, Paul, Elijah, etc.
2. The Lord describes these as not antichrist, but as wolves in sheep’s clothing.
3. It testifies to their appearance of gentleness and love. (II Cor. 11:13-15)
4. This country is saturated with them, and they speak to please everyone.
5. They promise the moon in such words that you will clear off a spot for it.
III: By the little boys and Orville Faubis moving a mountain.
6. They live high off of welfare recipients, and devour widows’ houses.
II. THEIR NATURE – (RAVENING WOLVES)(VERSE 15)
1. The word ravening means searching for, or stalking the prey.
2. The wolf or false prophet is not one who hates the sheep.
3. But his love for them is for his benefit, never theirs.
4. He often speaks of “BUILDING A GREAT WORK FOR GOD.”
5. But he does not give his life for the sheep. He selfishly uses them.
6. They have insatiable appetites for money, power, prestige and position.
III. HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM – (THEIR FRUITS) (VERSE 16)
1. Their fruits are in three categories: Doctrine, Works and Disciples.
2. Paul says if the doctrine is false, let him be accursed. (Gal. 1:7-9)
3. His personal conduct is vital: life, children, moral and financial conduct.
4. His disciples must be godly, biblically sound and in doctrinal unity.
5. This does not mean no rotten spots in the fruit, but a certain kind of fruit.
IV. HOW MUST WE RESPOND TO THEM? – (BEWARE) (VERSE 15)
1. Some men say. “I would never criticize a preacher.” Well, I WILL!
2. Paul instructs us to mark and avoid according to doctrinal lines. (Rom. 1:17-18)
3. Neutrality in doctrine is the same as, or worse than, false doctrine.
4. Avoid, shun “Electric Church” hucksters, and false teachers like leprosy.
5. The proper formula for my walk and yours is found in Ephesians 3:21.
6. Let every Christian who pursues pure religion, set this aspect of life in order.
7. Now, if a prophet can be judged by his fruits, so can a disciple.
8. How about your fruits? They speak louder than your doctrine.