False prophets, false teachers, and heretics (all pimps) are running amuck in the church of today. (Not God’s True church but the visible church). People who religiously attend church have become enamored with the modern TV evangelist. However, the TV is inundated with false prophets. We also fail to apply the standard of God’s Word to the messages we hear, therefore we follow the false prophets/teachers and heretics. We ignore the safety net of God’s word, which is a protector. Listen to Deut 18:20-22
De 18:20 'But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'
De 18:21 "And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' -
De 18:22 "when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
OR
Ga 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Ga 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
It is one thing to watch, recommend and support false teachers out of ignorance. But what are we to do when we become aware that a TV evangelist or local pastor is a false prophet/teacher, pimp or even a heretic. Additionally many who attend church insist on watching them or even worse recommending them to others.
We’ve even developed a language of justification for this behavior in Christian circles. This language provides for fulfilling the lust of the flesh by justifying buying the pimp’s book, watching the false prophet on TBN or going to the conference held by the heretic.
Have we heard these before?
“I’m mature enough to discern truth from error, so I can watch”
“I say chew the meat and spit out the bones”
“Nobody teaches without error”
“We’ve all sinned and fallen short, so nobody is perfect”
These are all sorry, miserable, pathetic excuses for just fulfilling the lust of the flesh. They are all ways of saying “I can violate God’s word and survive”, “ I can practice sin and endure”, or “I can purposely sin and still be a Christian”. We must accept that sin is behavior that is contrary to the commandments of God as revealed in His written word. If you respond to the false prophets in a manner contrary to scripture you sin.
How does God instruct us to respond
1 Ro 16:17 ¶ Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
2 2Th 3:6 ¶ But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
3 2Th 3:14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
4 Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
5 2Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
6 and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,
7 Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
9 1Cor 6: 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ?
10 Pr 14:7 ¶ Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
11 2Ti 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
12 Tit 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
13 2Jo 1:10 ¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,
14 neither bid him God speed:
15 1Cor 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Let's review how the Word directs us to respond to false prophets, false teacher and heretics (all pimps)
When you realize that a person is a false prophet/teacher or heretic then you should immediately avoid them, withdraw, not keep company with them, rebuke them sharply, touch not the unclean, be no partakers,reprove them, be ye not unequally yoked, go from the presence, turn away, reject, do not receive them in your house, don't bid them God speed, and put away. GOT IT?
(Please read the above verses in their context for even more enlightenment.)
If you haven't please taken the quiz, please do. You will find it entertaining and informative.
False prophets, fraudulent spirits, and wrong teachings are recurring problems in the church. Believers should constantly stand guard against those who cleverly lie about the truth (cf. Eph 4:14–16); they should discern the spirits of prophets to determine whether they are from the evil one or from God. Finally, we need to checkup on ourselves. 2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you are disqualified.
In closing please consider this question "can a TRUE Christian knowingly; have ongoing fellowship (outside of evangelism), financially support or endorse a false prophet/teacher or heretic."
