Signs of False Brethren

And you will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but it is the one who has patiently persevered and endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 10:22

Life for the Christian requires suffering, for it is what marks the way of the narrow path. At times, it seems at every turn there is yet another attack without reprieve, attempting to produce questioning, anxiety, and doubt within the believer. Often, as Christians, we are ridiculed and persecuted for openly bearing the name of Jesus Christ and following His teachings. If you truly follow Christ in obedience, have been baptized with The Holy Spirit, and defend the truth in The Word of God, you too will be hated. Many will call you hateful and unloving for speaking the truth. Those who are false brethren will declare you both legalistic and self-righteous for your unwavering commitment to Jesus. Surprisingly, you will more often receive this kind of treatment from counterfeit Christians rather than the self-admitted unbeliever. Yet they are both one and the same, the birds of the same feather. 

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33

Modern Day Pharisees

False brethren are the modern-day Pharisees and their hostility towards the teachings of Jesus is what exposes them. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work Titus 1:16. Just as Christ was betrayed, persecuted, and wrongly perceived in the eyes of those who were spiritually dead, you, too, will be treated similarly. For those without The Holy Spirit of God dwelling within them, a counterfeit spirit will influence them in the same way they influenced the Pharisees’ contempt towards Jesus, His teachings and followers. The Pharisees deemed Jesus, the Savior, The Lamb without spot or blemish, both crazy and demonized, and they will speak the same of you. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the bond-servant like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebub (Satan), how much more [will they speak evil of] the members of his household Matthew 10:25.

In the same way, they claimed John the baptist to have a demon as well. For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ Matthew 11:18. Both Jesus and John the Baptist preached the same message that garnered them such reactions: “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2. We too will encounter scoffers who mock us, and attempt to deconstruct the truth of The Word of God we stand by, and diminish the righteousness of the God we serve. So don’t consider it odd when these things come upon you, for this is the way of the disciples of The Lord. You won’t always be able to bring these individuals to understanding because it has been written long before our arrival into this world that there would be two categories of people; children of God and children of lawlessness (disobedience, sin).

These false brethren are not restricted to strangers and church acquaintances only. The enemy will take full advantage of entryways through people in your inner circle of family and friends. Satan’s use of setting up false brethren in your life is nothing new. If he can’t get to you himself, he will surely try to get to those around you in an attempt to get to you. The enemy does this to secure access for a more up close and personal attack on the child of God. This can be people who are unbelievers, or indeed those who claim Christ and the label of Christianity, yet do not revere The Word in obedience or the God whom it derives from.  We know to be saved, an individual must confess the Lord Jesus (“Jesus as Lord”). “Lord” means master or ruler; one whom you obey. To confess Jesus as Lord, you are declaring your allegiance to Him and His rule and reign over you in all that He teaches. This allegiance to Jesus Christ, or the lack thereof, will be clear by the fruit a person bears, in their overall manner of speaking, and through the lifestyle they lead (how they spend their time, their priorities, and conduct).

I have learned over the years that many people believe in Jesus and believe He existed. But just because someone claims to believe in Jesus does not mean they serve the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Just as we see below in James 2:19, the demons also believe, yet they are in no way saved or reconciled to The Father.
You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!

You Cannot Serve Two Masters

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:21

It’s important to remember, though it’s troublesome to witness close family and friends blindly led astray, submitting to the enemies’ lies and deceptions. Our fight is not with the individual, but with the forces operating in and through them. However, one thing you have to recognize in order to keep yourself from slipping into a pit of discouragement and disappointment is this; each and every one of us has free will, and we all have access to the same undeserved gift being offered to us in Christ Jesus. With technology at our fingertips these days, we all have access to The Word of God, whether it be paperback or digital. We all can obtain the truth that rests within the pages of scripture for a proper view of God, sin, and true salvation.

These false brethren are referred to in the Bible as tares. At first glance, these tares (false brethren) look like wheat (true believers) but upon closer observation, you will begin to distinguish obvious differences. These people don’t always start out like this, but they fall away, they hear the call from God, yet do not respond to what God requires in order to cross over from being called (hearing the truth) to being chosen (obtaining salvation). For many are called (invited, summoned), but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14. Therefore, we are told to not be hearers only, but doers also.

But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. James 1:22.

You may wonder, “why do some people hear the message and respond properly while others don’t”? There are a handful of reasons, but most boil down to this; these people don’t want to set aside their sins, personal endeavors, or pride, to surrender to, rely on, and trust in Christ Jesus. There is no willingness to humble themselves to God. People avoid God and the Bible because they don’t want to face the truth. Facing the truth will force them to make a decision most don’t wish to make. Because they prefer their sin and unrighteousness more than what God is offering them. It is truly that simple. You cannot have both Jesus Christ and continue in your former state of living. That’s the truth people run from. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:24, no one can serve two masters(master-one whom you obey, submit to).

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?  Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and obeys them, I will show you whom he is like:  he is like a [far-sighted, practical, and sensible] man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and yet could not shake it, because it had been securely built and founded on the rock. But the one who has [merely] heard and has not practiced [what I say], is like a [foolish] man who built a house on the ground without any foundation, and the torrent burst against it; and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”Luke 6:46-49

Is Jesus Really Your Lord and Savior?

Many people want to receive Jesus as their Savior from God’s wrath and coming judgment on sin, though they don’t choose to accept Him as Lord over their life. They want His saving ability and power but not His rule, authority as Lord, precepts, and commands. These qualities cannot be cut off from one another. You may, for today, get away with cherry-picking the verses and teachings of the Bible you wish to accept to your own downfall, but you cannot pick apart the deity of Jesus or how far His actual rule and reign stretches. You cannot choose to have this or that from Him while rejecting every other aspect of Him.

Jesus journeyed on through cities and villages, teaching and making His way toward Jerusalem. And someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved [from the penalties of the last judgment]?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door [force aside unbelief and the attractions of sin]; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:22-24

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. Matthew 7:21-23

False Brethren and Agents of Satan

It is likely you will encounter false brethren during your walk with Christ. Jesus dealt with this same kind of warfare. Judas Iscariot entered the sheepfold of the disciples, yet his heart was not right, thus his betrayal of Jesus. Just as you are a disciple of Christ, Satan also has agents that do his bidding as well. Some are unknowingly being controlled by Satan through deception or ignorance, whilst others willingly and covertly disguise themselves as brethren. Satan seeks to keep you inactive and ineffectual, thwarting the advancement of the truth or hoping to cause you to fall away. So he sets up false brethren along the path of a Christian, as stumbling blocks. Thankfully, God sent His children a Helper to assist us as we go forth and share the gospel message with others. For this very reason, the scriptures direct us in these matters and how to properly respond without allowing it to throw you off course or divert you from your calling.

And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:5

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1: 8-9

Do not give that which is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6

Before we look at some signs of False Brethren, let’s review some characteristics of a genuine believer in Christ in order to better distinguish the two.

Some Characteristics of Holy Spirit-Filled Believers

• Boldness
• Childlike Faith
• Courage
• Readiness
• Dedication
• Christlikeness
• Discipline
• Discernment
• Faithful
• Godliness/Holiness
• Endurance
• Selfless
• Generous
• Perseverance
• Patience 
• Fruitfulness
• Morality
• Reverance
• Self-control
• Teachable
• Honest
• Zealous
• Reliable
• Trustworthy
• Humble
• Wisdom

For further information check out 8200 The character of the believer

His Holy Spirit will empower you to discern the false brethren amongst you. Sometimes it’s really apparent to see, while other times it requires patience, prayer, and fasting, coupled with a season of observation and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

Here are some of the red flags I’ve noticed in my experience with false brethren. If you listen and pay attention to a person’s doctrine, manner of speaking, and behavior, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will be able to discern what God wants you to see. 

Signs of False Brethren and Their Attitude Towards Bible Teachings and Scripture

• They don’t have the desire to read or study the Bible.
• They twist Bible scriptures and do not consider the context. Usually regurgitating what they hear others say.
• Claim many verses are “not for today”.
• Do not regard the Word of God as the authoritative truth.
• Argue against any verses that rebuke or correct them.
• Attempt to refute any teachings or verses they don’t adhere to.
• Believe the word has been altered by nefarious sects of people.
• The only verses they believe are ones about love and grace.
• Do not adhere to or believe the apostle’s witness accounts.
• Refute all teachings of Paul in the gospel.
• Do not believe or regard The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to be scripture.
• Only desire to read the Bible to find revelations or hidden knowledge, but not for personal instruction for living.
• Hearers of the word but not doers of the word.
• False brethren can quote scripture and talk a good game, but the Holy Spirit will tap you on the shoulder, warning you to the deception regardless of the front they put forward. Remember to judge a tree by its fruit. These false brethren cannot regularly or consistently bear fruit.

Characteristics and Behavior Signs of False Brethren 

• Lack of self-control, prone to rage and violent outbursts.
• Unaccountable and unapologetic, they are never wrong. It’s always somebody else.
• Immature and childish behavior.
• Spiteful, vengeful, bitter, and resentful.
• Victim mentality. Woe is me. Have a complaining spirit.
• Unforgiving
• Double-minded
• Unteachable and unable to receive any correction.
• Self-seeking and selfish; unable to perceive the feelings, opinions, and experiences of others.
• No fear of The Lord.
• Believe they are an exception to the rules; rules don’t apply to them.
• Prideful, arrogant, insolent.
• Ignores and disregards things they don’t want to deal with.
• Ungrateful and disobedient.
• Irresponsible 
• Unable to lead a godly life.
• Refuse to give up willful sin.
• Unable to bear fruit of The Spirit.
• Holds opinions of men over what God’s word says.
• Surrounds themselves with other false brethren to avoid exposure.

Signs of False Brethren and How They Speak

• Speaking against having contempt and hatred for Jewish people

And I will bless (do good for, benefit) those who bless you, And I will curse [that is, subject to My wrath and judgment] the one who curses (despises, dishonors, has contempt for) you. And in you, all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 12:3

• Calling true Holy Spirit-filled believers with evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit, discernment, and transformation; devils and demons.
• Uses guilt, manipulation, and gaslighting to gain control over others (witchcraft/sorcery).
• Habitual lying and telling half-truths. They will never admit to the truth. They will back their lie and recruit others to lie for them.
• Gossipers, Slanderous, False accusers. They employ these tactics to destroy your reputation with a smear campaign.
• Spreading false doctrine and teachings to others. 
• Diminish the deity of Jesus in their false beliefs (ex. Satan and Jesus are brothers, and various false teachings implying the bloodline Jesus came from to be corrupted by Satan having sex with Eve).
• Do not keep their word to others. Covenant-breakers.
• Sow discord amongst family, friends, and ministries.
• When The Holy Spirit’s power and work in others exposes them, they claim it to be demonic.
• They do much of the talking, not allowing others to speak.
• Use their words to glorify Satan and to speak curses over others (ex. Satan will destroy you, your life will come to destruction).
• They are false prophets. These are people who falsely claim to speak on God’s behalf, but are really agents of Satan. The prophetic words they have for others (they claim God gives them) never point to drawing closer to Jesus, repentance, righteousness, or correction (scriptures tell us the purpose of true prophets). False prophets and their prophecies always point to worldly matters, hidden knowledge, foretelling of future events, and insight into people’s personal lives. Their prophetic words cause strife, discord, and confusion. Many of their prophecies are flat-out wrong but can, at times, be right to further the deception. This is why you must seek The Father for confirmation on any prophecy given. They operate in a counterfeit spirit and their wisdom is demonic in origin (spirit of divination).

The information below was sourced from The Dictionary of Bible Themes from Biblegateway

7774 prophets, false

Criteria for recognizing true prophets

A true prophet’s word will be fulfilled Dt 18:21-22 See also Jer 28:8-9

A true prophet’s teaching commends righteous behavior Dt 13:1-4 See also Eze 13:17-23; Eze 14:4-8; La 2:14

A true prophet’s godly life will reflect his calling Mt 7:15-20 See also Isa 28:7; Jer 23:10-11,14; Zep 3:4

A true prophet will acknowledge Jesus Christ as divine 1Jn 4:1-6

The motivations of false prophets

Their messages originate with themselves Jer 23:16 See also Jer 14:13-14; Jer 23:25-32,36; Eze 13:1-7

Their messages may be occasioned by popular demand Jer 29:8-9 God places a strict requirement upon his prophets that they should proclaim only what is divinely revealed: Nu 22:35,38; Nu 23:12,26; Nu 24:12-13; 1Ki 22:13-14
Isa 30:10-11; Jer 5:30-31; Mic 2:11

Their messages may be given for financial reward Ne 6:12-13 See also Jer 6:13-14; Eze 13:19; Mic 3:11; 2Pe 2:1-3

Their messages may be the result of deception 1Ki 22:19-23 pp 2Ch 18:18-22 See also Eze 14:9

Their messages may be inspired by divination Jer 14:14 See also Eze 13:6-7; Eze 22:28; Ac 13:6