Beware of deceptive messages

Posted on Dec. 10, 2025, 8:39 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

During the dispensation of Law of the Old Covenant era, prophets were those sent by God to deliver His messages to His people. Messages that were not limited to foretelling the future events but also forthtelling the proclamation of God’s will and truth, including calling them to repentance. It was however observed in that dispensation that those that were not sent by God declared messages that did not emanate from the throne of heaven in the name of God. (Jer.23:25-26) They prophesy false dreams that caused the people of God to err. They err because the false prophesy could not transform the people’s lives and became of no profit to them. (Jer.23:32) Jesus also warned His listeners during His sermon on the Mount, to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matt.7:15) Apostle Paul in the same manner warns that as there were false prophets, so also there will be false teachers who will secretly bring in destructive heresies (2 Peter.2:1) Their teaching is destructive because they twist the word of God, teach doctrine that is contrary to the gospel and promote activities that are appealing to the world rather than activities that glorifies the name of the Lord. It is worrisome that despite the warnings, false prophets unfortunately continue to increase in numbers day by day. They entice honest and sincere brethren through their deceptive speech. (2 Peter.2:2) Both gullible believers and those that could not endure sound doctrine but want doctrine that is in sync with their lifestyle as against Christ-like style, kept on patronizing them. Such believers turn their ears away from the truth to stories that distracts from the truth of the gospel. They listen to what they want to hear. While the judgement of destruction of the deceptive prophets and false teachers is imminent, (2 Peter.2:3-4) the irony is that some sincere but gullible believers who are enticed through deceptive speech will unfortunately follow the destructive ways. This is because they will be led by deceiving spirit and doctrine inspired by Satan. And consequently, abandon God’s word and deny the essential doctrine of Christianity. (1 Tim.4:1) When one abandons God’s Word, he becomes insensitive to the truth. It behoves believer to fortify himself against false teachers and false prophets by making deep relationship with the Lord a priority. This can be achieved through reading, hearing and believing the word of truth as written in the Bible. God has in the current dispensation of Grace revealed all that He desire to make man complete and thoroughly furnished in good works. All that is necessary for godly living and all that He wants man to have in reference to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. (2 Tim.3:16-17) Therefore, believer no longer need inspiration of prophets, but to be obedient to the word of truth and continue to imitate Christ. The Bible says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil.2:5) It is important also that believer test every teaching and prophesy. The Bible warns, “Do not despise prophecies, test all things, hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thess.5:20-22) Like the Berean brethren, constantly search the Scriptures to find out that what you are been told is so. (Acts.17:11) Any teaching or prophecy that is not in line with the Bible cannot be a divinely inspired message from God. Dear brethren, deceptive message begin with nonbiblical persuasive speech, Beware!!! Evangelism Jesus Christ is Lord, come to Him and be saved. He will give you rest. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre