Discerning False Teachers - Zac Poonen (Telugu)
Theme of the conference : How to be Ready for Christ's Return. Message by Br.Zac Poonen from the 2008 Hyderabad conference with Telugu translation.
Summary
The sermon warns believers about deception, particularly concerning false teachers who may use great signs and wonders to mislead people. The speaker emphasizes that while many people are deceived, those who live closely with God will gain the ability to discern truth from falsehood. True spiritual depth is contrasted with mere religious performance, urging believers to remain vigilant against deception.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the sign of Jesus' coming?When the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming, He repeatedly emphasized deception and false prophets above all other signs.
Religious people without God's powerThe last days will feature people who hold to a form of godliness while loving money, self, and pleasure, sitting inside the church without true discernment.2 Timothy 3:1
Recognizing deceitful preachers who ask for moneyMany preachers today constantly ask for money for God's work, proving they are not true servants of God since neither Jesus nor Paul ever begged for funds.
Testing the spiritsBelievers are commanded not to believe every spirit or preacher, but to test them because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
The anointing teaches all thingsWithout a printed Bible in early times, believers depended entirely on the Holy Spirit's anointing within to teach them and protect them from deception.
Hearing the voice of the Good ShepherdJesus' sheep hear His voice and run away from strangers, knowing His voice through familiarity with the Word rather than relying solely on human senses.
The money test for false prophetsAccording to early Christian writings like the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, any preacher who comes asking for money should be marked as a false prophet.
God does not struggle for moneyAlmighty God owns the entire universe and all its resources, meaning true ministers do not need to beg people for financial support.
Recognizing the Shepherd by humilityYou can recognize a true man of God by his genuine humility, as Jesus never made people feel small but came down to their level to lift them up.
