Discernment in the Last Days
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:15–16 (KJV)
The Call to Discernment
Christ issues a solemn warning—not a suggestion—to His followers: beware. The danger is not merely external persecution or doctrinal opposition. The greater danger is deception that rises from within the religious world itself. False prophets will not appear as enemies. They will appear as shepherds, brothers, teachers, and spiritual voices worthy of trust.
Jesus describes them as wolves wearing sheep’s clothing—danger disguised as devotion, destruction wrapped in the appearance of righteousness. This is not merely a first-century concern but a prophetic alert for the Church in the end times, when deception becomes widespread and spiritual impersonation reaches its peak.
The Deceptive Appearance of False Prophets
False prophets do not lead with error. They lead with image, charisma, and religious vocabulary. They may use Scripture, preach sermons, build ministries, and gather followers. Their outward appearance resembles the flock. But the Lord reveals the truth:
- Their motive is predatory
- Their heart is corrupt
- Their message ultimately leads away from the narrow way
Like wolves who infiltrate a flock to feed on it, they exploit the unsuspecting for gain, influence, or spiritual control. Scripture warns that in the last days there will be:
- False teachers bringing “damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2:1)
- False christs and prophets showing signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24)
- Ministers transformed as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14–15)
This deception is subtle, spiritual, and dangerous.
The Divine Test: Fruit, Not Flash
Jesus gives a clear and unchanging standard:
“Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
Not by their gifts, their eloquence, their popularity, or their apparent success. Gifts can be counterfeited. Fruit cannot.
True fruit is:
- Sound doctrine anchored in Scripture
- Holiness in life and conduct
- Humility and sincerity in ministry
- Love that reflects the heart of Christ
- Obedience to the commands of God
- A message that leads people to repentance and righteousness
False fruit is:
- Pride dressed as confidence
- Worldliness dressed as relevance
- Greed dressed as blessing
- Compromise dressed as compassion
- Error dressed as revelation
- Manipulation dressed as spiritual authority
The fruit always reveals the root.
The End-Time Urgency
As we approach the end of the age, deception becomes more refined. False prophets will not only exist—they will abound. They will gather large followings. Many will claim new visions, deeper truths, or progressive revelations that contradict the plain Word of God.
But the sheep who belong to the Shepherd will discern. Why? Because they compare every message to Scripture, test every spirit, and observe the fruit—not just the presentation.
This is not a call to suspicion but to spiritual vigilance.
Conclusion
Jesus’ warning is as relevant today as when He first spoke it. The danger is real, but so is the standard for discernment. Let the Word of God be your measure. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. Let the fruit—not the façade—reveal the truth.
A true prophet leads souls to Christ.
A false prophet leads souls away from Him.
And Jesus has made the difference unmistakable for those who walk in the light.