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MATTHEW 7:15

"FALSE PROPHETS"

I. "SHEEP'S CLOTHING," THE DIFFICULTY OF DETECTING.
        A. They do not wear signs.
                1. Most of the things they say are true.
                2. They may speak all truth.
                        a. Never the whole truth.
                3. They talk much about God's love, mercy, forgiveness.
                        a. You do not hear anything about holiness.
                        b. Preaching on the wrath of God or final judgment of sin.
        B. Old Testament false prophets.
                1. Might work miracles, do wonders.
                2. It's the bottom line.
                        a. Where do they cause you to put your hope?
                        b. Some other God.
                                1. Yourself.
                                2. Your mind (BaaI).
                                3. Cosmic forces.
                3. "They have healed the hurt of my daughter slightly saying peace, peace..."
                        a. Very comforting preachers.
                                1. Not much wrong.
        C. There is no strait gate or narrow way in their preaching.
        D. Well calculated deception. "Wolves in sheep's clothing."
                1. Jehovah Witness leaders.
                2. Modernist ministers.
        E. There is usually a great emphasis on giving money.
                1. God telling them how many are going to give $100.
                2. God needs your support or His work will have to be halted or cut hack.
                3. Very lavish in their own personal lives, and tastes.
        F. Satan's ability to transform himself as an angel of light (Il Cor. 11:13-15..

II. FALSE PROPHETS HAVE BEEN THE CURSE OF THE CHURCH FROM THE BEGINNING.
        A. Paul was constantly warning the churches of these fellows.
                1. Usually not truly evangelical.
                        a. They go to the churches.
                        b. They try to feed off the church.
                        c. They would go where Paul had already established a church.
        B. They are usually charming.
                1. Their doctrine is not sound.
                        a. It does not have a solid, scriptural base.
                        b. Great emphasis on experiences.
                2. Quite often they seem like such sweet people.
                3. They speak with conviction.
        C. Again the bottom line, who or what are they causing you to rely on for your help
           and salvation?