Text: Jeremiah 23:25-29
25 I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; 27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. 28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? I have received a word from the Lord...
God told me to tell you...
I stopped by to tell you...
Within the evangelical church culture, it is not uncommon to hear these phrases being used as prescript to an emphatic statement. Those that walk in the prophetic gift may use statements like these as claim to divine authority. But how do we know if what is being said is true?
A prophet speaks on behalf of God. The prophet Jeremiah was called to speak to Judah, a people that had turned away from God. In 1 John 4:1, we are reminded that "many false prophets are gone out into the world." Jeremiah’s time was no different. Though he warned the people of Judah that God was getting ready to punish them, there were prophets that prophesied lies (Je. 23:25). They preached a softer and more popular message of peace, which was contrary to what God had said. Sounds familiar?
We must not listen to false prophets because it will cause us to disobey God. Though they will be exposed, we may suffer greater loss. “He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully” (Je 23:28). There are many religious and spiritual influences that exist today. Some, though well-intentioned, are not of God. Erroneous doctrines, fallacies, and distortions may be clothed in logic and speeches about love. Christians must be careful not to be misled. In time, all that is hidden will be revealed by the light of God's Word.
Prayer
Oh God, protect me from false prophets. Help me to discern what is being said in your name. Show me what is right. Amen!
God told me to tell you...
I stopped by to tell you...
Within the evangelical church culture, it is not uncommon to hear these phrases being used as prescript to an emphatic statement. Those that walk in the prophetic gift may use statements like these as claim to divine authority. But how do we know if what is being said is true?
A prophet speaks on behalf of God. The prophet Jeremiah was called to speak to Judah, a people that had turned away from God. In 1 John 4:1, we are reminded that "many false prophets are gone out into the world." Jeremiah’s time was no different. Though he warned the people of Judah that God was getting ready to punish them, there were prophets that prophesied lies (Je. 23:25). They preached a softer and more popular message of peace, which was contrary to what God had said. Sounds familiar?
We must not listen to false prophets because it will cause us to disobey God. Though they will be exposed, we may suffer greater loss. “He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully” (Je 23:28). There are many religious and spiritual influences that exist today. Some, though well-intentioned, are not of God. Erroneous doctrines, fallacies, and distortions may be clothed in logic and speeches about love. Christians must be careful not to be misled. In time, all that is hidden will be revealed by the light of God's Word.
“Gods word is always effective, being nourishing like wheat,
purifying like fire and powerful like a heavy sledgehammer”
—F. F. Bruce, The International Bible Commentary, p. 779.
Oh God, protect me from false prophets. Help me to discern what is being said in your name. Show me what is right. Amen!