Years ago, I saw a movie with my daughter. In the movie, someone went to a pastor for prayers, and the pastor began to roll out incantations in the guise of prayers. Then my daughter responded; “Daddy, is this how a pastor does? He will be saying bad things to people; he would not even pray for them.” I took the opportunity to tell her about false prophets and teachers.
Friend, you need discernment. You need to be sensitive to the days we are in. It is actually a combination of the activities of false prophets and teachers. People need to particularly watch out for false teachers because we are in an age of knowledge; the devil is counterfeiting truths today (2 Peter 2:1).
A false prophet or teacher is one who makes the road to heaven wider than God made it. A legalistic minister makes the road narrower than God made it (Matthew 7:13-16, Galatians 2:21, Colossians 2:20-23). Know the Bible for yourself. Let truth become a stronghold in your heart that no lies or deception of the devil would be able to shift you (Galatians 3:1, Ephesians 6:14, 1 Timothy 3:15).
You need discernment. My daughter could identify a false pastor because of her early exposure to truth (1 John 4:1). You need the word of God and a well cultured spirit to do this (John 8:31-32). You need to stay under a strong teaching ministry so that your spirit man can be cultured to discern truth from error (Ephesians 4:20).
If you are the type that is not exposing yourself constantly to sound teachings, you would believe lies without knowing; this is the advantage my daughter has. She has stayed under truth for years and could spot an error when she saw one (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11). This is why you need a sound pastor and church (Jeremiah 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:15).
It is ignorant folks who empower the ministry of false teachers and prophets (Hosea 4:6). Pastors must take time to feed the flock with truths, not with junks. Church members should love the truth and pay the price to get it (Proverbs 23:23, Isaiah 55:1-3). If you don’t pay the price to get God’s word, you would end up paying dearly for your ignorance (Daniel 11:32).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
