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Voices of the Enemy: Biblical Insights on Detecting the Messages of False Teachers
by Jeffrey W. Mardis
Copyright ©2009 Jeffrey W. Mardis - All material on this web page is FREE for distribution.
The second book of Peter tells us; "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be FALSE TEACHERS among you, who privily [secretly] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And MANY shall follow their pernicious way; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned [fake] words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." 2 Peter 2:1-3
It's clear from the testimony of these Scriptures that there "SHALL BE" false teachers and preachers within the body of Christ. As Christians it is extremely important to distinguish between those who are trying to DECEIVE and those who are telling the truth. The Bible gives us many examples for recognizing the messages of those who do not have the best interest of Christians at heart, yet today's average Christian does not attempt to use these verses to judge those who fill our modern pulpits. This tract will focus on the types of words and messages used by the enemies of Christ to mislead and trick those who are ignorant of the teachings of the Scriptures. If you would like to know more about detecting false preachers, you desperately need to mark these verses in your King James Bible.
The Politician & the Harlot
Both the politician and the harlot have a common goal; the advancement of their own self interests. Yet in order for either to fulfill this goal, both must pretend to be concerned with the interests of others. Both must be MEN PLEASERS. "Men pleasing" lies close to the heart of the Devil and those who work for him. The Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this when he said; "... Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savorest NOT the things that be OF GOD, but those that be OF MAN." (see Matt. 16:23 & Mark 8:33) Like the politician, Satan and his ministers desire to build a large power structure upon which to operate. In order to do this, man must be puffed-up and bragged-about in order to flatter and woo him into supporting the politician. Sin is never discussed. Only the positive aspects of man are stressed. Any attempt to deliver condemning or offensive messages would result in a loss of support, so the politician simply avoids these subjects altogether. The Herods are a good biblical example of how the politician operates. Like the politician, the Herod's decisions were based on appeasing the people and not on doing or saying the right thing. The Herod that ruled during Christ's day desired to hear both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, but because this desire caused a conflict of interest with his constituency he beheaded John the Baptist and betrayed the Lord Jesus Christ. (see Matt. 14:1-10, Mark 6:17-26 & Luke 9:9 & 23:6-15) The Herod that that ruled during the early days of the Church murdered James and attempted to kill Peter "because he saw that it pleased the Jews". (Acts 12:1-3) The Lord Jesus Christ warned us about this man pleasing leaven when he stated; "Take heed, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." (Mark 8:15) We are told by the apostle Paul that those who consistently desire to please the people are NOT the servants of Christ. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10)
Like the harlot, the enemies of Christ appeal to the FLESH and OUTWARD BEAUTY in order to deceive. The third chapter of Genesis shows us that the woman was tricked by the Devil when she relied upon upon the good, pleasant and desirable OUTWARD APPEARANCE of the fruit instead of depending upon the WORDS which God had already given her. (see Gen. 2:17 & 3:6) The Scriptures typify the Devil's church as "the mother of harlots" (Rev. 17:5). The conclusion can therefore be drawn that this institution will be preoccupied with PLEASING MEN. Spiritual harlots, like physical harlots, are out to seduce and deceive. Both use WORDS to attract the unweary. The Scriptures foretell of a time when these types of WORDS will be in demand and sound doctrine and bible preaching will be rejected.
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away theirs from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Since the words of God's book teach that pleasing the populace is central to fulfilling the deceptive plans of the Devil, Christians need to be informed on how the enemy goes about to accomplish this task through the use of specific types of words and messages.
Both the politician and the harlot have a common goal; the advancement of their own self interests. Yet in order for either to fulfill this goal, both must pretend to be concerned with the interests of others. Both must be MEN PLEASERS. "Men pleasing" lies close to the heart of the Devil and those who work for him. The Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this when he said; "... Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savorest NOT the things that be OF GOD, but those that be OF MAN." (see Matt. 16:23 & Mark 8:33) Like the politician, Satan and his ministers desire to build a large power structure upon which to operate. In order to do this, man must be puffed-up and bragged-about in order to flatter and woo him into supporting the politician. Sin is never discussed. Only the positive aspects of man are stressed. Any attempt to deliver condemning or offensive messages would result in a loss of support, so the politician simply avoids these subjects altogether. The Herods are a good biblical example of how the politician operates. Like the politician, the Herod's decisions were based on appeasing the people and not on doing or saying the right thing. The Herod that ruled during Christ's day desired to hear both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, but because this desire caused a conflict of interest with his constituency he beheaded John the Baptist and betrayed the Lord Jesus Christ. (see Matt. 14:1-10, Mark 6:17-26 & Luke 9:9 & 23:6-15) The Herod that that ruled during the early days of the Church murdered James and attempted to kill Peter "because he saw that it pleased the Jews". (Acts 12:1-3) The Lord Jesus Christ warned us about this man pleasing leaven when he stated; "Take heed, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." (Mark 8:15) We are told by the apostle Paul that those who consistently desire to please the people are NOT the servants of Christ. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10)
Like the harlot, the enemies of Christ appeal to the FLESH and OUTWARD BEAUTY in order to deceive. The third chapter of Genesis shows us that the woman was tricked by the Devil when she relied upon upon the good, pleasant and desirable OUTWARD APPEARANCE of the fruit instead of depending upon the WORDS which God had already given her. (see Gen. 2:17 & 3:6) The Scriptures typify the Devil's church as "the mother of harlots" (Rev. 17:5). The conclusion can therefore be drawn that this institution will be preoccupied with PLEASING MEN. Spiritual harlots, like physical harlots, are out to seduce and deceive. Both use WORDS to attract the unweary. The Scriptures foretell of a time when these types of WORDS will be in demand and sound doctrine and bible preaching will be rejected.
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away theirs from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Since the words of God's book teach that pleasing the populace is central to fulfilling the deceptive plans of the Devil, Christians need to be informed on how the enemy goes about to accomplish this task through the use of specific types of words and messages.
Voices of Peace
"Peace" is probably the one of the most popular words used by religious and political fakers. Consoling words of false peace figure prominently throughout the Scriptures as a tool of the enemy. The first words recorded out of the harlots mouth after catching her victim are; "I have peace ..." (see Prov. 7:1-14)
"Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which SPEAK PEACE to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts." Psa. 28:3
"Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, the prophets say unto them, ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured PEACE in this place. Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." Jer. 14:13&14, also see Jer. 23:16-17
"Because, even because they [the prophets] have seduced my people, saying, PEACE; and there was no peace ..." Ezk. 13:10, also see Ezk. 13:16
"Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make my people to err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, PEACE ..." Micah 3:5
While God's true prophets were called to rebuke Israel and warn His people of coming judgment unless they returned to a holy and separated fellowship with their God, the false prophets of peace were always there to lull the people back to sleep by denying the negative messages of these men of God. These false preachers will even continue up until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, relentlessly beating their drum of "peace, peace, peace" in order to counterbalance the negative truths of judgment and accountability-to-sin contained in the Scriptures.
"For when they shall say peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 5:3
"Peace" is probably the one of the most popular words used by religious and political fakers. Consoling words of false peace figure prominently throughout the Scriptures as a tool of the enemy. The first words recorded out of the harlots mouth after catching her victim are; "I have peace ..." (see Prov. 7:1-14)
"Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which SPEAK PEACE to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts." Psa. 28:3
"Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, the prophets say unto them, ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured PEACE in this place. Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." Jer. 14:13&14, also see Jer. 23:16-17
"Because, even because they [the prophets] have seduced my people, saying, PEACE; and there was no peace ..." Ezk. 13:10, also see Ezk. 13:16
"Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make my people to err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, PEACE ..." Micah 3:5
While God's true prophets were called to rebuke Israel and warn His people of coming judgment unless they returned to a holy and separated fellowship with their God, the false prophets of peace were always there to lull the people back to sleep by denying the negative messages of these men of God. These false preachers will even continue up until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, relentlessly beating their drum of "peace, peace, peace" in order to counterbalance the negative truths of judgment and accountability-to-sin contained in the Scriptures.
"For when they shall say peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 5:3
Voices of Flattery
Flattery is defined as insincere or excessive praise. The Bible reveals that much of the harlot's work is accomplished through flattering words.
"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from the evil woman, from the FLATTERY of the tongue of a strange woman." Prov. 6:23-24
"Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which FLATTERETH with her WORDS." Prov. 7:4-5, also see Prov. 7:21
"Lead me, o Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their MOUTH; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they FLATTER with their tongue." Psalms 5:8-9
There's nothing wrong with an occasional complimentary word, but those who constantly spout-off words of praise and approval and NEVER have a negative comment or rebuke must be eyed with skepticism by the Christian. One who has that much GOOD to say about the world must obviously be trying to win it's approval. Many of today's Christians are suckered through flattering words, although the Scriptures have warned us time and again about this deceptive method of the enemy. (see Dan. 11:21, 32 & 34, 2 Peter 2:18 & Jude 1:16) The old adage; "If you can't say anything NICE, then don't say anything at all." has no basis in Scripture. Stay far away from men who only heap praise on other men.
Flattery is defined as insincere or excessive praise. The Bible reveals that much of the harlot's work is accomplished through flattering words.
"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from the evil woman, from the FLATTERY of the tongue of a strange woman." Prov. 6:23-24
"Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which FLATTERETH with her WORDS." Prov. 7:4-5, also see Prov. 7:21
"Lead me, o Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their MOUTH; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they FLATTER with their tongue." Psalms 5:8-9
There's nothing wrong with an occasional complimentary word, but those who constantly spout-off words of praise and approval and NEVER have a negative comment or rebuke must be eyed with skepticism by the Christian. One who has that much GOOD to say about the world must obviously be trying to win it's approval. Many of today's Christians are suckered through flattering words, although the Scriptures have warned us time and again about this deceptive method of the enemy. (see Dan. 11:21, 32 & 34, 2 Peter 2:18 & Jude 1:16) The old adage; "If you can't say anything NICE, then don't say anything at all." has no basis in Scripture. Stay far away from men who only heap praise on other men.
Other Voices of Deception
• The Smooth Talker - Both the Antichrist and his church will use smooth words to deceive the people.
"He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were SMOOTHER than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." Psalms 55:20-21
"For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is SMOOTHER than oil". Proverbs 5:3
• The Disputer of God's Judgment - Many false preachers refuse to acknowledge that God judges sinful men. They act as if God only sees the GOOD in everyone. (see Acts 17:30-31)
"Thus saith the lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the WORDS of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and NOT out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have PEACE; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, NO EVIL SHALL COME UPON YOU." Jeremiah 23:16-17, also see Jer. 14:15
• The Positive Thinker - "Positivism" is the scourge of this age. Many, many pastors think that they're doing their congregation a favor by not addressing the so-called "controversial" subjects or that by only concentrating on the "good" that this in some way helps the church. What these fakers don't realize (or maybe they do) is that their thinking is exactly like the wicked King Ahab. All positive thinkers hate those who proclaim the negative truths of the Holy Bible.
"And the King of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy GOOD concerning me, but EVIL. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."1 Kings 22:8, also see 2 Chron. 18:7
"And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the WORDS of the prophets declare GOOD unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and SPEAK THAT WHICH IS GOOD." 1 Kings 22:13, also see 2 Chron. 18:12
• The Bible Questioner - Many false preachers are constantly casting doubt on the Scriptures. This weakens the power and authenticity of the Bible in the eyes of the people and strengthens the influence of the questioner. Because the congregation now believes that the Bible contains errors, they look to the education of the pastor as their authority on what God said instead of looking to the pure, preserved words of God contained in the King James Bible. Satan successfully usurped the authority of God's words when he questioned their validity in the ears of the first woman.
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die". Genesis 3:1-4
"He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were SMOOTHER than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." Psalms 55:20-21
"For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is SMOOTHER than oil". Proverbs 5:3
• The Disputer of God's Judgment - Many false preachers refuse to acknowledge that God judges sinful men. They act as if God only sees the GOOD in everyone. (see Acts 17:30-31)
"Thus saith the lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the WORDS of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and NOT out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have PEACE; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, NO EVIL SHALL COME UPON YOU." Jeremiah 23:16-17, also see Jer. 14:15
• The Positive Thinker - "Positivism" is the scourge of this age. Many, many pastors think that they're doing their congregation a favor by not addressing the so-called "controversial" subjects or that by only concentrating on the "good" that this in some way helps the church. What these fakers don't realize (or maybe they do) is that their thinking is exactly like the wicked King Ahab. All positive thinkers hate those who proclaim the negative truths of the Holy Bible.
"And the King of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy GOOD concerning me, but EVIL. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."1 Kings 22:8, also see 2 Chron. 18:7
"And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the WORDS of the prophets declare GOOD unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and SPEAK THAT WHICH IS GOOD." 1 Kings 22:13, also see 2 Chron. 18:12
• The Bible Questioner - Many false preachers are constantly casting doubt on the Scriptures. This weakens the power and authenticity of the Bible in the eyes of the people and strengthens the influence of the questioner. Because the congregation now believes that the Bible contains errors, they look to the education of the pastor as their authority on what God said instead of looking to the pure, preserved words of God contained in the King James Bible. Satan successfully usurped the authority of God's words when he questioned their validity in the ears of the first woman.
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die". Genesis 3:1-4
True God-called Preachers
Unlike the compromising, political pansies who sell out the words of God for their own advantage, those preachers who are truly called of God know that there's more in the Scriptures than just "LOVE". There's biblical separation, holy living, death, hell and judgment! Those who completely ignore the supposed "negative" verses of the Bible for fear of offending the people are severely short-changing their congregation. The Scriptures are SUPPOSED to OFFEND! The word of God is typified as a double-edged sword. (see Heb. 4:12 & Eph. 6:17) Swords are used to cut, stab and jab. Modern preachers would do well to use the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul as their example of what a pastor should do and say. When Christ spoke, he spoke "as one HAVING AUTHORITY, and not as the scribes." (see Matt. 7:29 & Mark 1:22) One who speaks with authority is dogmatic and not concerned with pandering to the opinions of everyone. The apostle Paul stated; "And my SPEECH and my PREACHING was NOT with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (1 Cor. 2:4) Here we see that one who demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit during his preaching does not use "enticing words" like the politician or the harlot. The Scriptures testify that the true God-called preachers are not afraid to address the so-called "controversial" issues of the day.
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you ALL the COUNSEL of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:27-28
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; NOT as PLEASING MEN, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we FLATTERING WORDS, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness". 1 Thess. 2:3-5
Unlike the compromising, political pansies who sell out the words of God for their own advantage, those preachers who are truly called of God know that there's more in the Scriptures than just "LOVE". There's biblical separation, holy living, death, hell and judgment! Those who completely ignore the supposed "negative" verses of the Bible for fear of offending the people are severely short-changing their congregation. The Scriptures are SUPPOSED to OFFEND! The word of God is typified as a double-edged sword. (see Heb. 4:12 & Eph. 6:17) Swords are used to cut, stab and jab. Modern preachers would do well to use the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul as their example of what a pastor should do and say. When Christ spoke, he spoke "as one HAVING AUTHORITY, and not as the scribes." (see Matt. 7:29 & Mark 1:22) One who speaks with authority is dogmatic and not concerned with pandering to the opinions of everyone. The apostle Paul stated; "And my SPEECH and my PREACHING was NOT with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (1 Cor. 2:4) Here we see that one who demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit during his preaching does not use "enticing words" like the politician or the harlot. The Scriptures testify that the true God-called preachers are not afraid to address the so-called "controversial" issues of the day.
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you ALL the COUNSEL of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:27-28
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; NOT as PLEASING MEN, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we FLATTERING WORDS, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness". 1 Thess. 2:3-5
