RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE FALSE FROM THE CONTROVERSIAL

But in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his evil; all of them have become like Sodom to me, and its inhabitants like Gomorrah. (Jeremiah 23:14)

They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ​‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ​‘No disaster shall come upon you.’ (Jeremiah 23:17)

How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal? … Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the Lord, who steal my words from one another. (Jeremiah 23:26-28)

If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. … But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4)

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15)

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29)

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality (insolence, lust, excess), and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. (John 4:1)

HOW TO SETTLE DISPUTES

As always, Scripture is the plumbline for how the Body of Christ should address both false prophets as well as controversial ministers and methods. In dealing with false ministers, the apostle Paul cites numerous times how to deal with them: Avoid them (Romans 16:17). Stay focused on the mission (2 Timothy 4:3-5). Don’t fall into their traps (Colossians 2:8). Demonstrate the opposite spirit (1 John 1:4-6).  Remember that God Himself will rebuke them (2 Peter 2:15). Ultimately, they will reap the consequences of their destructive ways (2 Corinthians 11:14).

It would seem that God’s directives concerning false ministers is to stay clear of their poison and speak what is true. Rather than calling even more attention to their twisted messages, focus on manifesting the true power of the Kingdom with integrity and purity. Thus, everyone can see the difference in tangible ways.

Dealing with controversial matters, however, is where the challenge lies. Anyone can call out a heretic. But settling differences with another minister requires humility and maturity of character. The particular concerns that have been raised in the prophetic camp recently deal with particular messages being taught and controversial experiences being promoted. These can only be understood and resolved through personal connection and conversation. Before labeling anyone as false or deceptive, a mature leader will give an opportunity for that individual to explain their words and actions – in person, and in private. This cannot be done online or through a third party.

Though the protocol for conflict resolution listed in Matthew 18:15-17 pertains to an individual who has been sinned against, I believe there are valuable principles that can be applied to nationally-recognized ministers. The reason is that conflict resolution, whether because of personal sin or ministry error, can only be resolved when each party is committed to preserving the unity of the Spirit. The ultimate goal of this entire process is to restore the Body to health – including the individuals involved. Thus, if a national prophet is speaking in error, other leaders with recognized spiritual authority in the same field are responsible to go to that minister to address the concern in hopes of restoring them to truth.

It is my personal belief that those being charged as false prophets do not bear the marks of false ministers. The issues being raised about their supernatural revelations and how they are communicating them are fair questions and need to be addressed for the sake of the Body. But these should be done in private before publicly disqualifying them. It is only then that the true state of their hearts will be made clear by their response. Thus far, the two ministers cited have only responded to these accusations with kindness and blessing. This alone should say something about the inclination of their heart.

Should we be concerned with false prophets and false teachers? Yes! Should we address teachings that are counter to the biblical standard or unclear in their messaging? Most certainly. But, we should be just as concerned with the health and well-being of fellow ministers who have been truly called and anointed by God. If there is error, a true servant of the Lord will prayerfully consider any challenge brought before them without defense or counter attack. But, they must be given that opportunity. 

It is my prayer that those called to fivefold ministry will address any ongoing concerns with each other in a way that not only upholds truth, but reflects Christ’s love for His Bride. His Body is depending on it.