This study was first taught on August 16, 2011

Topic: Beware of False Prophets: How to Identify Them (2.3)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week, we began to look at the details of the fruits which false prophets manifest by studying the works of the flesh. We saw that the works of the flesh which the unregenerated, sinful and carnal man manifests is certainly the practice and conduct of false prophets.

We noted that the word of God tells us that the works of the flesh are obvious, unmistakable, and clearly evident for all to see. But many believers in Christ fail to see or acknowledge these fruits of false prophets, because the believers either choose to make excuses for the false prophets (even when these evil practices are recurring and glaring); or, they don’t know what the word of God says about the works of the flesh; or, they are convinced by the error and private interpretation of the false prophets, which aim at justifying such ungodly practices and conduct. Hence, the need to study in some detail, the meaning and implications of the works of the flesh. We focused on two of the practices that qualify as fruits of false prophets—adultery and fornication. This is so that there will be no confusion in the believer in Christ.

We saw that adultery and fornication can be grouped as sexual immorality. We noted that adultery is not just sexual intercourse between a married person and another person (married or unmarried), but it is also looking on the opposite sex with lust in one’s heart, and, remarriage after a divorce (while the divorced spouse is still alive). We also noted that fornication is not just sexual intercourse between two unmarried people or an unmarried person with a married person; but it is also, prostitution which is sexual intercourse for gain, including personal gratification, as well as sexual intercourse with multiple partners.

Thus, we said that when a so-called minister of the gospel is having sexual relations with people, that he or she is not married to, or stares lustfully at members of the opposite sex, you have found a false prophet. Also, when a so-called minister of the gospel is in a second (or third, or fourth, etc.), marriage, while the erstwhile spouse is alive, you have found a false prophet. A false prophet is also very likely to have relations with prostitutes and unknown persons in cities and communities they visit, not for evangelical purposes, but for the purpose of gratifying their sexual urges. They are also very likely to invite the opposite sex for ‘private consultations’ in places where the setting is amorous, and at hours, when they are likely to be alone!

Finally, we saw that false prophets involved in sexual immorality, prey on unstable souls and lure them away from God’s presence and grace. Thus, we noted that the believer needs to pray to God for stability in his life (no doubting, not being driven to and fro by every wind of doctrine), so that false prophets do not lure them into their trap.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:16, 20; Galatians 5:19
Tonight, we shall look at two more fruits of false prophets in more detail from our second scripture text. We pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to study, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
We shall be looking in some detail at what is uncleanness and lasciviousness, so that we can identify these when they are evident in a person claiming to be a minister of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:7; Leviticus 11:44-45; 13:44-46; Numbers 12:1-15; 2 Chronicles 26:16-21; Romans 1:24, 26-27; 1 Thessalonians 3-7; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21, 25-28; Matthew 23:25-28; 15:16, 18-20; James 3:6; Isaiah 6:5-8; Acts 2:1-4; Romans 6:19; Ephesians 4:17-19; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Jude 4; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-12; Proverbs 29:18; Exodus 32:25; 1 Peter 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40; Matthew 3:4; Judges 14—16.

Conclusion
Uncleanness, which can broadly be said to be impurity, includes abominable sexual practices (homosexualism, lesbianism, incest, bestiality, paedophilia, necrophilia, masturbation, anal intercourse, etc.); spiritual leprosy (rebellion and disobedience to God’s authority and order); communing and fellowshipping with devils (occultic practices, seeking power from native doctors); and impure thoughts and speech. Uncleanness defiles a man, and corrupts everything that he does and touches. Lasciviousness, is generally known as indecency, and manifests as unbridled sensuality (flirting, flashing, pornography, amorous dressing, sexually explicit communications, sexual fantasies, etc.), licentiousness (unrestrained behaviour, depravity), lawlessness (indiscipline, flagrant disregard for what is right), and excesses (wantonness, recklessness, lack of moderation, lack of self-control, shamelessness). The behaviour/conduct associated with uncleanness and lasciviousness should never be associated with children of God, for such, pertain to those who practice unrighteousness. Uncleanness is the result of a wilfully disobedient, rebellious and impure heart (a person who has not been purified, purged, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus); while lasciviousness is the result of a vain/empty mind, a hardened heart (leading to spiritual ignorance), and a life that is alienated from God. Such a personality belongs to someone who is not born again, or who is backslidden; and such is the life of a false prophet (one that is filled with impure and indecent practices and conducts).

Thus, when a man or woman comes to you, advocating liberty to do as you like because of grace, you know that you are in the presence of a false prophet. Of such, beware! From such, flee! When a person who claims to speak for God encourages you to dress amorously, you know that he is a false prophet. Of such, beware! From such, flee! When you are taught every other thing in the bible, but are not taught to live holy, you are being taught by a false prophet. Of such, beware! From such, flee! When there is disorderliness and unchecked indecency in a ministry, you know that the head must be a false prophet. Of such, beware! From such, flee!

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