How to Identify False Prophets: Exposing the Spirit of Jezebel in the Church
đ Key Scripture: Revelation 2:20 â "You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching, she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols."
False prophets are not always easy to spot. They donât come with a warning label. Instead, they appear anointed, charismatic, and persuasiveâbut behind the scenes, they operate in manipulation, deception, and control.
Right now, we are seeing a wave of exposure in the church. Well-known spiritual leaders are being accused of seducing women, manipulating followers, and even practicing witchcraft. This is exactly how Jezebel operates in the modern churchâthrough false prophecy and deception.
If you donât want to fall victim to spiritual deception, you need to learn how to recognize false prophets before they ruin your life. Hereâs how to identify them.
1. They Seek Glory & Control
đ Matthew 7:15 â "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheepâs clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
False prophets donât just seek to serveâthey seek to be worshiped. They:
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Love being called "Prophet" or "Man of God" more than actually serving.
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Want you to depend on them instead of helping you grow in your own walk with God.
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Make it seem like they alone hear from Godâif you donât follow them, youâre âmissing out.â
đ¨ Modern ExampleÂ
"Today, we see certain âprophetsâ being treated like celebrities. People throw money at their feet, line up for personal prophecies, and refuse to question anything they say. But Jesus never demanded worshipâHe pointed people back to the Father. True men and women of God donât seek followers for themselves; they lead people to Christ."
2. They Twist Scripture to Fit Their Agenda
đ Jeremiah 23:16-17 â âDo not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.â
A false prophet doesnât teach what the Bible actually saysâthey teach what sounds good. They:
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Twist scripture to justify sin and bad behavior.
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Take Bible verses out of context to make them say whatever they want.
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Avoid preaching on repentance, holiness, and judgmentâonly what makes people feel good.
đ¨ Modern Example:
"Many false teachers today promote a gospel that is all about âblessingsâ with no accountability. They tell you that if you sow a seed, youâll get a breakthrough. If you give them money, God will answer your prayers. But the Bible teaches that faith, obedience, and surrenderânot manipulationâbring blessings."
3. They Use Fear & Manipulation to Keep You Under Their Control
đ 2 Timothy 1:7 â "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
A true prophet points you to God. A false prophet makes you dependent on them.
Signs of a manipulative leader:
â They instill fearââIf you leave my covering, bad things will happen to you.â
â They guilt-trip you into giving money, time, or loyalty.
â They threaten judgment on anyone who speaks against them.
đ¨ Modern Example:
"Right now, we are seeing âprophetsâ who manipulate their followers into obedience. They convince people that they alone hold the key to their spiritual success. Some have even been accused of using their spiritual authority to seduce women in their congregation. This is witchcraft disguised as prophecy!"
4. They Prophesy for Profit
đ Micah 3:11 â âHer leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money.â
If a so-called prophet:
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Charges money for personal prophecies.
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Promises financial breakthroughs in exchange for a âseed.â
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Focuses more on wealth and status than on godly livingâŚ
RUN! This is not of God.
đ¨ Modern Example:
"We see some âmen of Godâ today living in luxury while their followers struggle. They constantly ask for âspecial offeringsâ but never pour back into the people. True prophets of God do not manipulate people for moneyâthey trust God to provide."
5. Their Lives Are Marked by Scandal & Immorality
đ Galatians 5:19-21 â "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery."
Many so-called prophets today are being exposed for sexual sin, adultery, and ungodly lifestyles.
Signs of Jezebelâs influence in a false prophet:
â Multiple scandalsâaccusations of sexual sin, lying, or deception.
â A focus on selfâthey make everything about their name and reputation.
â No true accountabilityâthey surround themselves with âyes menâ who never correct them.
đ¨ Modern Example:
"Many of these false prophets are now facing allegations of using their spiritual authority to prey on women, deceive their followers, and live double lives. If someone is truly anointed by God, their character will reflect it!"
How to Protect Yourself from False Prophets
đ 1 John 4:1 â "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God."
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Test everything against the Bible. If it doesnât line up, reject it.
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Pray for discernment. Ask God to reveal the truth.
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Look for fruit, not just gifts. A person can prophesy and still be false.
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Stop idolizing spiritual leaders. No one replaces Jesus!
đĽ Final Warning:
"Jezebel operates through control, deception, and seduction. If you find yourself in a church or under a leader that demands blind obedience, makes you feel fearful, or is constantly involved in scandalâitâs time to leave. Seek God, not a âprophet.â"
đ Prayer for Discernment:
"Father, give me wisdom to recognize deception. Open my eyes to any false teachings I have believed. Help me to trust You above all else and to follow only those who preach Your truth. In Jesusâ name, Amen."
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