Jul 9, 2004, 01:17
We have some help in identifying false prophets.
"Ye shall know them by their fruits." "Wherefore by their fruits shall ye know them."
A genuine fruit tree is identified by its fruit and so too a genuine prophet by his fruit.
But what are the fruits of a prophet of God? What should we be looking for in him?
The fruit of character. "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8).
"He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory" (John 7:18). The Didache says a true prophet will ask for only that which will sustain him. A false prophet will often demand money in the name of God for far more than needed.
The fruit of creed. The doctrine of a false prophet will often "tickle ears." As Jeremiah said, "They say 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace" (Jer. 6:14).
The fruit of converts. "Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned" (II Peter 2:2). They love themselves.
"Ye shall know them by their fruits." "Wherefore by their fruits shall ye know them."
A genuine fruit tree is identified by its fruit and so too a genuine prophet by his fruit.
But what are the fruits of a prophet of God? What should we be looking for in him?
The fruit of character. "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8).
"He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory" (John 7:18). The Didache says a true prophet will ask for only that which will sustain him. A false prophet will often demand money in the name of God for far more than needed.
The fruit of creed. The doctrine of a false prophet will often "tickle ears." As Jeremiah said, "They say 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace" (Jer. 6:14).
The fruit of converts. "Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned" (II Peter 2:2). They love themselves.
Cave canem