2 Peter 2:1 KJV
[1] “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
The word for “false prophet” points to one who speaks forth or openly proclaims a lying message that he claims to have received from God. Their message is both deceptive and damnable to those who give them an ear. Peter was faced with this issue in his time, and we are still dealing with it in the world today. These fake preachers and teachers are not only on the outside of the church, but they are also on the inside. They take advantage of their influence and charisma to gain the following of many.
History has revealed many of them, and yet it is now more widespread than ever before. The Word of God teaches that this is one of the marks of the last days. People will be drawn to them and to their deceptive message. Why is it that so many would rather be told a lie than hear the truth? The answer is simply because it appeals to their flesh.
We don’t like to think about fake preachers in our own ranks, but the reality is that they exist in our movement as well as others. We must be skeptical of men who make the ministry about themselves. Beware of those who constantly build up their name rather than the name of Christ. We must also keep ourselves in check. There is a difference between honoring a man of God and drinking the Kool-Aid. Truth reveals people for who they are, and so does time. Don’t be so quick to join ranks with the latest and greatest preacher or teacher that comes along. I’m not saying that you can’t give them a chance, but you must use discernment. Listen to their message, not their mannerisms. Watch their lives rather than their “likes” on social media. Just because other saints are following someone does not necessarily mean they have favor with the Savior.
I believe that people are led astray because they do not stay in their Bible and walk with God. Now, I know that any of us can be deceived, and there are many reasons why people are deceived. However, saints who are filled with the Spirit can quickly detect fake preachers and teachers. They are not impressed by a preacher’s suit, his ability to preach, or how many other people follow him. They have seen enough come and go to know that it pays to watch and listen. If a man has a message that leaves the boundaries of God’s Word, then we must not listen to him. We must cleave to the Word of God and allow it to be our final authority. Beware of men who make the ministry about themselves.