Introduction
Throughout history, many individuals have claimed to be the Saviour or the long-awaited Messiah. For Christians, Jesus warned specifically about this, noting that as the end of the age approaches, these claims would increase. This lesson explores how to identify truth from deception. Whilst we do this today, it must be noted that you cannot test all spirit if you do not have the true Spirit in you or the true Word of God in your heart. You have got to be intimately familiar with the original.
Main Verses: Matthew 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if {it were} possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Main Points
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceives you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ... For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." —
Matthew 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if {it were} possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
This is very serious!
Characteristics of a False Teacher
| Trait | False Messiah | Jesus Christ (The True Messiah) | Supporting Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Draws attention to themselves and their own power. | Points always to the Father and His glory. | John 7:18: He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true. |
| Message | Adds "secret" revelations or changes the Word. | Fulfilled the Law; His Word is final and unchanging. | Galatians 1:8: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. |
| Lifestyle | Often seeks wealth, control, or earthly status. | Lived a life of humility, service, and sacrifice. | Matthew 20:28: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. |
| Return | Claims to have arrived quietly or in a "secret chamber." | His return will be visible and unmistakable to the whole world. | Matthew 24:26-27: Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth... For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. |
| Signs | Uses "lying wonders" to manipulate and deceive. | Performed miracles to confirm the Truth and heal the broken. | 2 Thessalonians 2:9: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. |
Conclusion
The litmus test for truth is grounded on three pillars:
- The Word of God – if a leader's teaching contradicts the Bible, they are false;
- The Fruit of the Spirit – if the leader's character is of pride and manipulation, and other vices, they are false;
- The Nature of Christ's Return – Scripture says Jesus will return in the clouds with great glory. If someone is walking the earth today claiming to be Him, they are lying.