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THE DANGER OF RELIGIOUS PRETENSE AND THE REJECTION OF GOD’S PROPHETS By: Major Frank Materu

Key Scripture:

"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward." – Matthew 10:41 (KJV)

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INTRODUCTION

In every generation, God has sent prophets to guide, correct, and lead His people in righteousness. Yet, many who claim to believe in Him reject these messengers because they do not want their sins exposed. They hold on to their own ways, refusing to surrender fully to God’s authority. While they may put on a religious display, their hearts remain distant from God. This hypocrisy is not new; it has existed throughout history. Those who despise God’s prophets ultimately reject God Himself, and their rebellion leads to destruction.

This article explores the dangers of religious pretense, the consequences of rejecting God’s prophets, and the importance of embracing the truth. It is a call to believers to examine their hearts and ensure they are not among those who despise the truth but instead receive God’s messages with humility and obedience.

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FALSE BELIEVERS AND THEIR REJECTION OF GOD’S PROPHETS

Many people identify as believers, yet they are not true followers of God. They pick and choose what they want to believe, dictating their own version of faith. Such individuals have not fully surrendered to God’s kingdom purposes but instead hold on to control over their lives.

These false believers despise God’s prophets because they do not want their sins exposed. They resist correction, preferring messages that comfort their flesh rather than challenge their spiritual condition. The Bible warns against this kind of hypocrisy:

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." – 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

Rejecting God’s messengers is a dangerous act. It separates people from His truth, leaving them vulnerable to deception and spiritual destruction.

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HYPOCRISY AND RELIGIOUS SHOWMANSHIP

Many who claim to follow God engage in outward religious acts while their hearts remain far from Him. They put on grand displays of religiosity, convincing others of their righteousness, yet God sees through their deception.

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." – Matthew 15:8 (KJV)

These hypocrites hate God’s prophets because the truth exposes their sins. They prefer false teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. This self-deception leads them into destruction, for God does not accept religious performances—He desires genuine obedience and righteousness.

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THE JUDGMENT OF THOSE WHO DESPISE THE TRUTH

God does not tolerate hypocrisy and rebellion. Those who reject His truth will face judgment. The Bible is clear that divine punishment awaits those who choose lies over truth.

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." – Galatians 6:7 (KJV)

Those who despise God’s prophets are storing up judgment for themselves. They may think they are fooling others, but they cannot deceive God. He sees every hidden sin, every false pretense, and every act of rebellion.

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THE REWARD OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE GOD’S PROPHETS

While there is judgment for those who reject the truth, there is also great blessing for those who receive and obey God’s messengers. Jesus Himself declared that those who welcome a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.

Those who listen to and obey God’s words through His prophets will be led into righteousness, favor, and eternal life. Their obedience brings spiritual nourishment rather than the corruption that comes from embracing lies.

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A CALL TO TRUE REPENTANCE

Now is the time for believers to examine themselves and turn away from hypocrisy. God calls His people to genuine faith and obedience, not religious performance. Those who truly seek Him must be willing to accept correction and walk in righteousness.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

Those who humble themselves and receive God’s truth will experience His mercy. But those who continue in rebellion will face His judgment.

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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

God has always sent prophets to guide His people, but many reject them because they do not want their sins exposed. Hypocrisy, religious pretense, and self-righteousness prevent people from truly surrendering to God. Those who reject God’s prophets invite judgment, while those who receive them with humility receive divine blessings.

In these times of confusion and deception, believers must remain vigilant. They must embrace God’s truth, walk in righteousness, and reject falsehood. By doing so, they align themselves with God’s will and secure their place in His kingdom.

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CALL TO ACTION

Examine your heart today. Are you truly surrendered to God, or are you merely putting on a religious show? Have you received God’s messengers with humility, or have you rejected their words? Choose today to embrace the truth, forsake hypocrisy, and walk in righteousness.

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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

God is merciful to those who seek Him with sincerity. If you have been living in pretense, there is still hope. Turn to Him now, and He will receive you. He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

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SALVATION PRAYER

If you desire to surrender to Jesus Christ and receive His salvation, pray this prayer with sincerity:

Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility, acknowledging that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day. I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Cleanse me, transform me, and lead me in Your ways. I surrender my life completely to You. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! Remain steadfast in faith, seek God daily, and walk in obedience to His Word. Amen.