False Apostles!

 

False Apostles!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are living in a time when discernment is crucial. Just as Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus but ultimately betrayed Him, we must be aware that false apostles still exist among us. **An apostle is one who is sent by God with a divine message, carrying the authority and truth of Christ.** However, not everyone who claims to be sent by God truly is.

An apostle should carry a clear, God-given message. If someone claims to be an apostle but cannot deliver the true message of Christ, **please beware**. As Paul warned in **2 Corinthians 11:13**, *“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.”*

### Key Attributes of a False Apostle:

1. **No Clear Message from God**: A true apostle is sent with a divine message, just as the twelve apostles were sent to proclaim the gospel. In contrast, a false apostle lacks the true Word of God. **If they cannot articulate the gospel or give you their message from the Lord, beware**. In **Galatians 1:8**, Paul warns, *“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”* The gospel of Christ must be central to any true apostle’s message.

2. **Deception and Hidden Motives**: Like Judas, who secretly stole from the money bag (John 12:6), false apostles often hide their true motives. They may seek wealth, power, or recognition rather than sincerely serving God’s people. **Matthew 7:15** tells us, *“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”* Their outward appearance may seem genuine, but their actions and words will eventually reveal their true intentions.

3. **Twisting the Truth**: Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a sign of affection that masked his betrayal. Similarly, false apostles often twist or water down the truth to deceive others. **2 Peter 2:1** warns, *“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.”* Be cautious of anyone who distorts God’s Word to suit their own agenda.

4. **Failure to Produce Godly Fruit**: A true apostle bears spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). False apostles may be outwardly charismatic, but they do not display the life-transforming power of the gospel. Jesus said in **Matthew 7:20**, *“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”* Watch their lives and conduct closely; a lack of godly fruit is a clear sign of falsehood.

### The Warning of Judas:

Judas is a powerful example of how someone can appear close to Jesus and yet be a betrayer. He had the title of an apostle, but his heart was far from God. **If someone claims to be an apostle but cannot share the true message of Christ, beware of their influence.** Their motives may be self-serving, and their actions may lead others away from the truth.

As believers, we must be diligent in testing every spirit and message we encounter. **1 John 4:1** reminds us, *“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”*

Stay anchored in the Word, lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and be mindful of those who claim to speak for God but do not carry His truth.

In Christ’s Service,  

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.