CHARLATANS THAT PARADE AROUND AS ANGELS OF LIGHT

 

Matt 7:15-20

 

Someone Said “If you are going to place poison on a shelf where you have healing medicine, you had better label it clearly.” Before the church was ever established the biggest threat against the nation of Israel wasn’t the military forces of the Philistines, the Amalekites, or the Assyrians.

 

The greatest threat came from within, those they

trusted and listened too.

 

When God sent Jeremiah to warn the nation about the impending doom if they would not obey and repent, it was always faced with opposition. “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. Do not trust in these deceptive words:…."Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations? Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD….” Jeremiah 7:1-14

 

This was a warning for the Nation to stop

listening to the false prophets.

 

What words were deceiving? Jeremiah exposed their fakery which seemed to be genuine to the people. “They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown," says the LORD.” Jer 6:14-15

 

These false prophets would continue to contradict everything that Jeremiah warned the children of Israel about. “Then I said: "Ah, Lord GOD, behold, the prophets say to them, 'You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.'" Jer 14:13

 

It was like they were saying “God is a God of love and He would never allow this to happen to His people, so don’t fret or worry about anything.” This “Unpopular Message” would soon takes its toll on Jeremiah. So much so, that Jeremiah said this to God. “O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, "Violence and destruction!" For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” Jer 20:7-9

 

Jeremiah complained about the constant onslaught of false teachers who tried to contradict him and his message. It’s like in a brief moment Jeremiah says “I quit!” but he knows he can’t. Why (v9) “There is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” This passion that Jeremiah had for God, and burden over the impending destruction of the people; left him with only one option. He knew he could never be silent, his heart burns within him and this unpopular message must be told…. despite opposition.

 

This unpopular message that Jeremiah spoke in the face of great opposition, meaning false teachers, didn’t go unnoticed by a holy God. “Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD and because of his holy words. For the land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land mourns, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right.” "Both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their evil, declares the LORD. Therefore their way shall be to them like slippery paths in the darkness, into which they shall be driven and fall, for I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment, declares the LORD.” Jer 23:9-12

This impending doom for those who speak on behalf of God falsely will face destruction in the end. What Jeremiah had to deal with is exactly the warning Jesus proclaims in His message to the people on that hill. This warning is like Jesus, Himself, standing at the fork of the broad and narrow road saying to everyone who approaches.

 

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you

in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (v15)

 

False teachers… have and will come. Our churches will be assaulted by them, and even if they withstand them, they will strike again and again. Israel had been subject to a steady stream of false preachers throughout history and more was on the way.

Jesus doesn’t give false warnings.

He does not put up a “Wet Paint” sign if there is no wet paint.

1. WARNING: False Prophets/Teachers Are Disguised.

 

The word “beware” always warns of danger. This isn’t a call to simply notice or sense something….. But a call to be alert, on guard against. Especially shepherds/pastor, to identify not just false teaching, but false teachers, whose ways are subtle. Imposters, who cloth themselves with lamb’s wool while they’re wolves. NOW! There will be false teachers that you and I can spot in matter of seconds… Benny Hinn, Paula White, Joyce Myers, Kenneth Copeland, Todd White, Todd Bentley, Joseph Prince, Eddie Long, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar, Rodney Howard-Browne and the list is endless.

 

These charlatans are easily exposed for the frauds they are by their own mouths and actions.

Like Kenneth Copeland who made this outlandish statement this past year, "The Coronavirus is over as of March 29, 2020.  I blow the wind of God on you. You are destroyed forever, and you’ll never be back. Thank you, God. Let it happen. Cause it to happen.”

 

But here is the greater danger! There will be false teachers who will fly under the radar of many good intentional Christians. Christians who are immature and weak in the Scriptures, who struggle, and are confused at times with Scripture; as they grow spiritually by His grace. Jesus says false teachers will appear in “Sheep’s clothing” in other words they “Look like sheep”. (They look like me and you) These false teachers are not your standard fakes or heretics. They are not like the most blatant tele-evangelists, you see on TV or read about on the Web.

 

These teachers are subtle as Martin Lloyd Jones stated, “The picture we need to have in our minds, therefore, should rather be this. The false prophet is a man who comes to us, and who at first has the appearance of being everything that could be desired. He is nice and pleasing and pleasant; he appears to be thoroughly Christian, and seems to say the right things. His teaching in general is quite all right and he uses many terms that should be used and employed by true Christian teacher. He talks about God, he seems to be saying everything that a Christian should say. He is obviously in sheep’s clothing, and his way of living seems to correspond. So, you do not suspect that there is anything wrong at all; there is nothing that at once attracts your attention or arouses your suspicions, nothing glaringly wrong.” 

Though it seems there is nothing wrong with their messenger, there are things that are subtly wrong….terribly wrong.

The problem stems from what

they “don’t say”

 

They may say many right things, but it’s what they leave out (Things like: essential points, biblical doctrine) that has the greatest consequences. People like: Bill Johnson, Steven Furtick, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, T D Jakes, Bob Jones, Mike Bickel, Brian Houston, Beth Moore, Christine Caine, Jen Hatmaker, Carl Lentz, Tony Jones, Rob Bell, Richard Rohr and Andy Stanley to name a few…of many. A “wolf in sheep’s clothing” denotes a person who appears harmless and kind, but this attitude only hides their deceitful and malicious intent. This type of person is easily trusted, and is able to gain the favor of those who are unsuspecting. They are like shepherds that seem kind and gentle.

 

It is hard sometimes to fathom that there are actually people who would purposely do this, but we must not be naïve. If we are to stay clear of the broad road, we must be aware of the false teachers who travel and lead people down it. False teachers who will use language that sounds familiar to deceive you into believing a lie. They whisper into the ears of people, trying to send them through the wide gate down the broad road.

This is why Jesus warns us

about charlatans!

 

Their only here for one reason, and that is to destroy the pure message of the Holy Scriptures and the gospel that saves sinners. “Wolves” are known for being merciless and ferocious or “ravenous” which literally means “Swindlers” a person who deceitfully ravages after a person’s money or possessions.

 

John warned the believers about this. “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. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” 1 John 4:1-3

Jude, half-brother of Jesus said this warning. “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4

 

Paul said these charlatans will attack the church without reservation and without apology. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” Acts 20:28-31

 

Jesus’ language here… demands that we understand that these false teachers, and their teachings, are extremely subtle but have damming effects. Jesus said they pretend and play the character well to trick and to deceive their prey. “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matt 24:11-12

 

A. Charlatans Are Experts Of Deceit.

 

They use emotions to get what they want. A wolf knows the power of words and emotions to manipulate people. Portending to be good and caring but they truly don’t. “….they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption….” 2 Peter 2:18-19

 

B. Charlatans Are Expert Predators.

 

Wolves have strong jaws with 42 sharp teeth designed to stab its prey to death, false teachers have 32 which does the same job. “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,” Prov 12:18. Paul said “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.” Phil 3:2

C. Charlatans Salivate For The Love Of Power.

 

They refuse accountability and resist submission to authority. They refuse correction and respond to criticism with anger. They use lofty words or charismatic charm to win people over. People are to be used, possessed, exploited or controlled rather than loved. As Paul said “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:13-14

 

Darkness, that presents itself as light. This is what John MacArthur said about Joel Osteen; and this is true of all false teachers. “You need to understand that he is a pagan religionist in every sense. He’s a quasi-pantheist. Jesus is a footnote that satisfies his critics and deceives his followers. The idea of this whole thing is that men have the power in themselves to change their lives. In his definitive book, “Your Best Life Now”, he says…and that ought to be a dead giveaway since the only way this could be your best life is if you’re going to hell. He says that anyone can create by faith and words the dreams he desires…health, wealth, happiness, success…the list is always the same. Here is a quote from his book Your Best Life Now. “If you develop an image of success, health, abundance, joy, peace, happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you,”…See, that’s the law of attraction that’s a part of this kind of system.”

 

See what exposes false teachers like the examples above

is that….sound doctrine and holy living

are the marks of the true prophet.

 

2. WARNING: False Prophets/Teachers Are Exposed By The Fruit They Produce.

 

Jesus said “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (v16) “Recognize” means you will “know” this is an exact knowledge of something. One’s fruit is exact, unerring knowledge of what one really is. The preacher’s fruit is evident in two ways…What he says (Doctrinally) and how he lives (moral life).

A. False teachers avoid preaching on holiness, righteousness, 

justice and the wrath of God.

Living for the Kingdom that is to come… is not on their agenda because that lifestyle is an “unpopular message”. It doesn’t fit into their narrative or way of living. But as Jesus said “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matt 16:24. Paul said the Christian life is this “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20. John said “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. For them…. it’s all about what you can get out this life now….health, wealth, prosperity, self-help, self-gratification and self-glorification.

 

B. False teachers avoid preaching on the doctrine of final judgment.

 

Example: When Joel Osteen was asked in an Easter Sunday interview by CBS News' "Sunday Morning" program "Do you feel like you're cheating people by not telling them about the Hell part? Or repentance part?" Osteen answered: "No, I really don't, because it's a different approach." He continued: "You know, it's not hellfire and brimstone. But I say most people are beaten down enough by life. They already feel guilty enough. They're not doing what they should, raising their kids — we can all find reasons. So I want them to come to Lakewood or our meetings and be lifted up, to say, 'You know what? I may not be perfect, but I'm moving forward. I'm doing better.' And I think that motivates you to do better." The LORD would say different as He spoke to the watchmen. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.” Ezekiel 33:6

C. False teachers fail to emphasize the fallenness and  our depravity, 

so they proclaim a different message.

The truth that man is sinful and depraved from the very core of their being is not very popular message to share with other human beings. They avoid this so that they don’t lose their audience. For the false teacher, Jesus is a footnote or in the margins or their message “They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them” 2 Peter 2:1

 

Jesus uses fruit to help the people understand that what is rotten will not taste good.

And we are to stay far away from

those kinds of fruit.

A good tree will only produce good fruit, and bad tree will always produce bad fruit.

 

Just as a farmer looks for trees that are productive, trees that

bear fruit, not trees that are corrupt and produce corrupt fruit.

The farmer is able to tell the difference between a healthy tree and a bad tree. How? By the quality of its fruit, (Biblical sound doctrine) that speaks into the hearts of the Christian, “the whole counsel of God”. In faithfulness and truth.

See! A wolf may put on sheep’s clothing but a wolf will never grow a sheep’s coat. It is possible to put grapes on thorns and figs on thistles but they will and cannot grow there. Over time the truth will be revealed about that person and they will either be exposed for… The charlatan they are; or the child that God saved through the complete work of Christ and the gospel. The true believer has been radically transformed and made new by the Spirit and the power of the redeeming gospel. Far from perfect and at times stumbles and backslides but never lost because they manifest the character of God’s Kingdom. Believer at times slip and stumble, but their fruit is real and not fake.

 

The Charlatans are fake and they

will be judged in the end.

 

Why? Because they lack the one thing they, and this world, desperately needs and that is the Gospel truth.

 

Test everything by
the Holy Scriptures

If we don’t know His truth, we will never know when we’re being deceived. Study it. Meditate on His words. Guard them in your heart as we looked at last week. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11. By doing this! You will be well equipped to discern the prophets of God versus the charlatans in sheep’s clothing.