How to Know if People in the Five Ministry Offices are True or False 7-11-25

After writing about the five ministry offices, I felt this is also necessary to know. There are so many people in ministry who are in this for the wrong reason, and it is more prevalent than ever before just as Jesus said it would be. Therefore, we are to beware of false teachers, false prophets, and false apostles. We will know them by their fruit.

Fruit - this is not talking about a baby Christian, it is relating to someone who is supposed to be mature enough to understand, those who are deliberately misleading people. Once we grow, the Lord expects us to discern good and evil- But solid food belongs to those who are of full age [spiritual maturity], is, that those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1).

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:11). But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Footnotes from John McArthur ESV Study Bible

Do not believe every spirit. Mention of the Holy Spirit. In 1 John 3:24 prompts John to inform his readers that other spirits exist, demonic spirits who produce false prophets and false teachers to propagate their false doctrine. Christians ought to have healthy skepticism regarding any teaching, unlike some among John's congregation who were too open minded to anyone claiming a new teaching regarding the faith. Christians are to be like the Bereans as students of the Word examine the Scriptures to determine truth and error (Acts 17:11-12)

Test. The word test is a term used for metals to determine their purity and value. Christians must test any teaching with a view of, approving or disapproving it (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22), rigorously comparing any teaching to the Scriptures. The Spirits. Many false prophets. John reminds his readers that behind human teachings, who propagate false doctrine and error are demons inspired by Satan. Human false prophets and teachers are the physical expressions of demonic spiritual sources (Matthew 7:15, Mark 13:22).

Jesus told His disciples to -Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-16).

Today, I am advising the reader to BEWARE!

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org