Time to get serious about spiritual discernment. It’s been time for a very long time…
1 John 4:1
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
2 Peter 2:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Matthew 7:15-16
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?”
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.” (This one is interesting because the signs and wonders told of actually come true! A test of faithfulness to God’s word. Beware.)
Jeremiah 5:31
“the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?”
There are many more, but will stop with these – plenty of fodder for thought and prayer. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing and snakes everywhere. So –
Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
(All quotes from ESV.)
Old hymn:
“Lord, keep us steadfast in Your word;
Curb those who feign by craft or sword
to wrest the kingdom from Thy Son
and set at naught all He hath done.”
Into And Out Of The Blue 