I. The tests by which the false and the true may be known.
II. The ultimate destiny of the false and the true.
1. In respect to the paths they tread.
2. In respect to the fruit they bear.
3. In respect to the profession they make.
4. In respect to the foundations on which they build. The plainness of these tests. (D. C. Hughes, M. A.)
False prophets.
But while we are thinking of the teachers that are without, let us not forget that we all have within us a false prophet, the most insidious, and therefore the most dangerous of all. (W. O. Humphry, M. A.)
False prophets and false Christians
The Scriptures treat largely of the false-false gods, false doctrines, false Christs, and false hopes.
I. False prophets. A prophet in the strict sense of the word is one who foretells future events. A false prophet is one who assumes the office without a call from God, or who puts forward his own thoughts as if they had Divine sanction. It is not always easy to detect which are the true prophets, and which the false; but though difficult, they may be detected. Their plausible guises are among their marks. Some under-estimate errors in matters of doctrine.
II. False christians. Most men have some religion; man has religious instincts. The religion of some is a mere profession: they say unto Him, “Lord, Lord.” Others add to their profession some of the more striking works and offices of Christianity. The fearful end of this self-deception. Let us not receive the grace of God in vain. (J. A. Seiss, D. D.)
The prophecies of deceit
They hinder repentance by bidding us believe
(1) In delay: no need to repent now;
(2) In an easy return to holiness;
(3) That sin is not so dreadful as it is represented:
(4) That repentance may be worse for us in the end, if we fall away from it;
(5) That by some one great act we can atone for sin. (J. M. Ashley.)
The false prophet
I. The imposture. They “ come in sheep’s clothing: “in the garb of
(1) innocence;
(2) weakness;
(3) gentleness.
II. Its detection.
III. Its punishment. (J. M. Ashley.)
Wisdom needed to detect little errors
The first appearances of error are many times modest. There is a chain of truths; the devil taketh out a link here and there, that all may fall to pieces. (T. Manton, D. D.)
Satan knows that we would never consent to give up a wheel of the gospel chariot, and therefore in his craftiness he only asks for the linch-pins to be handed over to him. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Ability cannot condone error
Meretalent ought not to attract us; carrion well dressed and served upon Palissy ware, is still unfit for men. Who thrusts his arm into the fire because its flame is brilliant? Who knowingly drinks from a poisoned cup because the beaded bubbles on the brim reflect the colours of the rainbow? As we would not be fascinated by the azure hues of a serpent, so neither should we be thrown off our guard by the talent-of an unsound theologian. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
