Recognizing False Prophets

 Four characteristics of false prophets.

They have spoken falsely of the Lord (speaking of the false prophets) and have said, ‘He will do nothing; no disaster will come upon us, nor shall we see sword or famine.’” The prophets will become wind; the word is not in them. Thus shall it be done to them!” (Jeremiah 5:12-13)

1. They diminish the holiness of God,

An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?” (Jeremiah 5:30

2. Exaggerate the goodness of human nature

Jeremiah 17: 9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

3. They have various sources for their knowledge.

Jeremiah 14:13-14 Then I said: “Ah, Lord God, behold, the prophets say to them, ‘You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.’”” 14 And the Lord said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds

4. They hide their true motives.

II. Conclusions

1. False prophets are God’s judgment upon a nation.

“For the time is coming,” he says, “when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth, and will wander off into myths. But as for you, always be sober-minded. Endure suffering. Do the work of an evangelist. Fulfill your ministry.”

2. People are going to wander off to find doctrine and find a preacher that affirms their own passions.

3. False prophets strengthen the hands of evildoers

Jer 23: 23 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? 24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.

III. And what is the message that we need to get to people today?

1. First of all, they need to know the holiness of God. 2.

2. He is a God of mercy and invites people to come to Him.