Sexual immorality –
How many people, claiming to be men and women of God are involved in sexual
immorality, which includes fornication, adultery, homosexuality or pedophilia?
It also includes pornography. And though it may seem harmless to some, flirting
is included in this category as well, because it can stir up and awaken
feelings within the one being flirted with, that should not be awakened.
Impure thoughts –
A man or woman of God should not harbor impure thoughts. And now, dear brothers
and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter.
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.
Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
Eagerness for lustful pleasure; Look closely at the man or
woman who wants to instruct you. Who are they trying to please? Whose will are
they fulfilling? Is it their will, or the will of God? Do they indulge
themselves? Or are they willing to forsake their own desires so that they can
accomplish God’s will for their lives?
Idolatry – Does the
man or woman who is teaching, preaching or prophesying worship any idols? Look
closely. Idolatry can come in many forms…
some worship money (do they frequently preach about the need for more and more
money?)… Some
worship themselves (do they constantly need to be catered to, rather than
serving?)… As you listen to this man or
woman speak, does it cause you to put them on a pedestal?
Participation in demonic activities – This would not only include Satan worship, but also
numerology, astrology, drug abuse, alcohol abuse…
Hostility - Is this person hostile against those who don’t agree with him or her?
Quarreling - Does this person get in arguments? Does this
person start arguments? Does this person always have to have the last word? Is
this person willing to admit when he or she is wrong?
Jealousy - Does this person get upset if you go to another
church? Does this person get upset if you don’t
come to church every time the doors are open? Does this person demand to know
where you are, who you’re with, etc.?
Outbursts of anger - Does this person have outbursts of
anger when things don’t go his or
her way?
Selfish ambition - Does this person spend more time
promoting the gospel, or does he/she spend more time promoting him/herself and
his/her products, books, CD’S and DVD’S?
Does this person only minister in large venues, where he/she
can get the most notice and/or money?
Divisions - Does this person cause divisions in churches,
families and friendships?
The feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own
little group - Does this person think that all other denominations are all
wrong, except for his/her own?
Envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other. kinds of sin -
Does this person envy the success of others? Does he/she have or participate in
wild parties? Other kinds of sin includes false teachings…
Do you know if the person who is teaching or preaching to
you is speaking truth?
Do you understand that it’s
your responsibility to examine the scriptures so that you will know for yourself
if what you’re hearing is the truth or a lie?
A true prophet, teacher, evangelist, pastor or apostle will
bear this kind of fruit:
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce
this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who
belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful
nature to His cross and crucified them there. (Galatians 5:22-24
NLT)
My friends, whose
teaching do you listen to? Who are you following? Someone who produces the
fruit of the Spirit or someone who yields the fruit of the flesh? Beware of
false prophets.
They’re
everywhere, and they can easily lead you to hell.
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