What makes a false prophet?

By The NewsDay | Dec. 15, 2012 | 5 Min read

There are two types of false prophets. The first type is comprised of people who have invited a spirit of divination into their lives. The gift, which enables them to prophesy, comes from an evil spirit and has nothing to do with God. The gift is from hell. What is important to note is that although the word might be coming from a spirit of divination, it can still be accurate! Acts 16:16-18 illustrates this principle through a false prophetess with the right word, but the wrong spirit.

Opinion by Albert Chikuni

The second type of false prophets are people who receive a call on their lives to be prophets from birth or after they receive Christ, yet they later fall away from God. Interestingly, Romans 11:29, states that the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. Even if we fall away from God, we would still be able to operate in the gifts. However, this gift would not be turned over to the hands of the evil one. In Numbers 22 through 24, we read about a false prophet named Balaam. It is clear that Balaam gets his prophetic revelation from God, but he is trying to curse God’s people so he can make money. Balaam has a gift from God, but a heart from hell.

Characteristics of false prophets: Matthew 7:15-27

False prophets appear to be good like sheep, but they are really wolves. The bad fruit that they bear is not a “false gift”, but rather an evil heart. Remember these people will say to Jesus: “Did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name?” But He will say to them: “I never knew you.”

False prophets have their belief system founded on a few scriptures (sand) and not the whole council of God (the rock). False prophets take certain scriptures out of context that advocate their own agenda. They find scriptures, pull them out of a story or an idea, and create a new meaning.

False prophets have power. Unfortunately they use their power to lure people to themselves instead of to Christ. A false prophet makes himself the answer instead of God! Matthew 24:24, For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.

False prophets do not like to listen to anyone. In their own minds, God tells them everything. They are hyper-spiritual in their speech. I heard one of them making a public declaration: “I know everything. Consult me in any matter.” Scripturally, only Jesus had the Spirit of God without measurement and yet He claimed not to know the end of days (human speaking). The Bible says we prophesy in part and we know in part. Quickly nullify anyone who claims to know everything because learning is a never ending exercise.

False prophets are not motivated by love, but the need to be noticed. They usually exaggerate the power of God present in their ministry. To them salvation of souls (which is the major thrust of the Gospel) is not something appealing, but miraculous. They over advertise and overemphasise their gifting — over promising never delivering.

False prophets commonly use fear to control people — doom and gloom. They do not want anyone to expose them. They usually defend themselves by pronouncing curses upon those that are against them.
They desire personal gain,2 Peter 2:3 They make merchandise out of people. They are interested in one thing: “making money”.

False prophets have a monopoly god, their god is far special than the God of universe.

False prophets attract thugs, prostitutes, witches, drunkards and many evil men of our society to follow them comfortably without any sense of repentance because they offer prosperity on a gold plate, success without struggling, prosperity without processes and sweet without sweat. They nicely present the promises of God without mentioning the demands of God.

Controlling those who believe they are true prophets, but are not, can be a rather difficult situation. Most of them have been abused by authority much of their lives and, therefore, do not trust anyone. The more you confront them about their weirdness, the more validated they feel. They interpret attempts at correcting them as persecution that proves they are “standing for God”.

They can, however, be won over by true, Godly discipline (not punishment). There is a difference between punishment and discipline. Punishment says: “I will get even with you for the damage you have caused,” but discipline says: “I love you too much to leave you broken.”

The only hope for these people is when they begin to feel loved. Love is the greatest medicine of evil. Love covers, love protects, and love forgives. As they experience the love of God, they can begin to trust the leadership to lead them out of their deception. If they refuse to repent and submit to correction, they must be removed from fellowship.

The price that Jesus paid on the cross determined the value of the people He purchased. God saw something good in us even when we were sinners. It does not take the prophetic gift to see the sin in sinners or the junk in the lives of Christians. It does require the eyes of God, though, to see broken people like Simon (Simon means “broken reed”) and in the midst of their brokenness, call them Peter (Peter means “rock”). True prophetic ministry is looking for gold in the midst of the dirt in people’s lives.

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Love must be at the centre of all that we do in Christ. When we are ministering in the gifts of the spirit, our motive must always be to bring the best in people.