Matthew 7:15 Matthew 7:15 Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

2 Peter 2:1-3 2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, …. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, & because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 & in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, & their destruction is not asleep.

“False / Lying” “False / Lying” (pseudes/psuedos) Prophets – Apostles – many passages Brothers – many passages Teachers – Witnesses – Christs –

“Teacher” (didaskalos) “Master” – Jesus, Pharisees Spiritual gifts – 1 Cor 12:18-19; Eph 4:11 Apostles – 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 1:11

1.They claim to speak for God; they claim to teach in his name 1.They claim to speak for God; they claim to teach in his name (Jer 14:14-15; 2 Cor 11:12- 15; Matt 7:22 – and many more)

2.They appear within the church; they are not just in other places 2.They appear within the church; they are not just in other places (Deut 13:6-8; Acts 20:29- 30; 1 Pet 3:1-3 – and many more).

3.They are convincing; they are gifted speakers 3.They are convincing; they are gifted speakers (Rom 16:18; Col 2:4, 8; 2 Tim 4:3).

4.They claim to work miracles on God’s behalf4.They claim to work miracles on God’s behalf (Deut 13:1-3; Matt 24:24; 2 Thess 2:9-10).

5.They are sincere; they believe they are God’s messengers 5.They are sincere; they believe they are God’s messengers (Ezek 13:6; Matt 7:22).

6.They have ZERO interest in unity on apostolic teaching & examples 6.They have ZERO interest in unity on apostolic teaching & examples (1 Jn 2:19; Phil 3:17-19).