Understanding False Prophets

The Bible warns about false prophets. In Matthew, these figures are depicted as deceptive, disguised as innocent sheep while being as dangerous as wolves, often leading individuals away from the truth through lies and teachings that contradict Scripture.

But it can be tricky; sometimes “false teacher” is a label used to undermine genuine educators.

“This certainly poses a real concern, though, on the flip side, it’s also a term that’s often misused,” said Zack Dasher during a recent discussion on “Shame on the Robertson Family.”

Considering there are genuine false teachers alongside those wrongly labeled as such, how can Christians discern whom to trust and whom to shun?

Dasher proposes a straightforward “litmus test” for this common issue.

“To me, the litmus test—well, I think for the Bible, too—centers around how these teachers ‘handle the body’,” he explains.

He references Ezekiel 34:2-3, stating, “Shouldn’t a shepherd take care of his sheep? Instead, you indulge yourselves while neglecting the sheep.”

In these verses, God criticizes the selfishness of Israel’s leaders—these “shepherds”—who prioritize their own sustenance over the care of their people (the “sheep”). They feast on the finest foods, wear clothing made from wool, and benefit at the expense of the flock’s well-being.

This message about corrupt leaders is echoed throughout the Bible, appearing from Isaiah to Jude.

A true shepherd, Dasher asserts, “eats last.”

“That’s one key takeaway. So, when observing ministry leaders and teachers, assess their ministries. Look into their life achievements. Are they enriching themselves at the cost of their followers? Do they exploit people?” he adds.

He brings up the “prosperity gospel,” the notion that tithing leads to God’s material blessings, as a particularly erroneous doctrine.

It’s not uncommon to see prosperity gospel preachers “going out to buy a plane.” That money, he notes, is coming from their congregants.

“So essentially, that’s what the shepherd feeds himself,” he says.

For more insight from the discussion, check out the video above.

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