September 17: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   September 17, 2025

Guard Against False Prophets: Jesus warns against false prophets who may appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt. He calls us to discern people by their actions, which reveal their true nature.

Wednesday Verse

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

Am I discerning in my relationships and the teachings I follow? How can I ensure I’m being led by those who are rooted in truth?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Since the time Jesus taught this week’s passages, technology has certainly changed, but human nature has not. Throughout history, people have been enamored with style and charisma more than character and substance. Things that appear cool and valuable often trump those that really are. One of the reasons that Becky and I research purchases (like cars and household goods) with Consumer Reports is so we can get accurate data and not be wowed by looks and promises. Even more important than consumer goods are the things we hold onto for life direction. In our reading this week, Jesus warns us, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” Matthew 7:15 (NLT) These are teachers and leaders who are motivated not by love for God and others, but for their own agendas and advancement. These “false prophets” claim to represent God, but beneath their pious veneer is evil. They intend to lure us into their clutches by impressing us with their clever words and appealing demeanors, without us ever examining the heart and substance behind it all. This happens in churches far too often. We are shocked when we hear of a popular church, business, or political leader who has been caught living a deceptive and immoral life, but often the signs of a problem were there, but were not called out. This is why it is important to have simple systems of accountability in place. Individually, we should always check what a teacher or leader says against what the Bible teaches and not merely take their word. In an organization, there should always be accountability for all staff so that no one has unilateral authority. At New Hope, for instance, the Senior Pastor is accountable to the Leadership Team, which is nominated and approved by the Partners.

Jesus’ warning to us is to go beyond the surface and look for evidence of God honoring character “fruit.” This isn’t done in passing but with deliberate intention. “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20 (NLT)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org