by Roderick L. Evans

Created on: September 02, 2008

Eight Signs of a False Prophet or Minister. Recognizing a false prophet or minister can be daunting at times. However, the Bible gives us clear guidelines as to how to identify someone who is misrepresenting God for their own purposes. It is imperative that we are able to recognize the activities of any false minister (or layman). Jesus warned His disciples about false ministers who would come (Matthew 7:15-20)

One true way to recognize false ministers is by the fruit that they bear. Fruit refers to their lifestyles and not their ministries. Moreover, not everyone that is false calls himself an apostle or prophet. Though false prophets exist, there are also false evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Regardless of the title that a false minister has, he (or she) will exhibit some, if not all, of the following 8 activities in ministry.

1. They preach that godliness is gain. Godliness to false ministers means prosperity and healing. They seldom teach against sin. They promote serving God for what you can get. (I Timothy 6:3-5) They only teach that you belong to God and should have the best. They promote the concept that God only wants you blessed, without declaring that God also wants character, integrity, and holiness in His people. Their doctrine focuses on the miraculous work of God and His blessings, exclusively. They promote God's blessing, rather than God and His Christ.

2. They preach for money. False ministers will always include money in their ministry. No matter the topic or subject, it will end up on money. They will twist scriptures to manipulate the people into giving to them. Remember: NO APOSTLE, PROPHET, OR MINISTER OF SCRIPTURE EVER ASKED FOR MONEY OR REWARD FPR MINISTRY. We should give to ministers that have blessed us, but it should never be by their request. We can bless those that have blessed us spiritually. In the scriptures, they would bring a gift to the prophet because they wanted to, not because he asked or demanded it for ministry.

3. They use witchcraft. The prophets and ministers of the Bible never used rituals and spells to relay God's message. Prophets sometimes "acted" or demonstrated the prophetic word as the Lord directed. Beware of ministers that warn you about objects and things without any spiritual basis or insight. When they begin to tell you to use certain oils, water, or cloths to receive a blessing, it is a sign of falsehood in ministry.

4. They operate in false authority. False ministers do not operate in godly authority.

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