Types of false prophecies: the demonic • Deshen Daily

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: (Acts 16:16 KJV)

Youn girl with the spirit of divination showing a young girl and a demon

We continue in this mini-series in Deshen Daily devotionals on false prophecies by looking at an obvious type of false prophecy which is the demonic. I often say this and it is worth repeating. The fact that someone gave an accurate prediction of a future event or a “word of knowledge” does not mean they are a true prophet from God. Demons can produce counterfeit and mimic such predications.

One of the most outstanding cases in scripture was an encounter Paul and Barnabas had with a young girl who had an evil demonic spirit called “spirit of divination”. That spirit made her able to speak things and reveal secrets or even predict future events. This is what she said about Paul and Barnabas in the next verse: “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation”. What she said was true, but it was not from the Spirit of God but from a demon.

Similar to these “demonic” prophecies, the scriptures also warn us that demons can inspire doctrines amongst God’s people (1 Tim. 4:1). It tells us Satan and his demons work closer than many of us realize. It should be clear how easy it will be for the Antichrist to find a false prophet that will deceive so many.

The prophetic gift is real, and there are real prophets today. We must be fully aware that there are false prophets who are not only false prophets but who are driven by demonic powers. This is only one type of false prophecies. I will continue with another one tomorrow!