How can we apply Zechariah 13:3 to discernment in today's church teachings? Setting the Verse in Context “ ‘If anyone still prophesies, his father and mother—his own parents—will say to him, “You must die, because you have lied in the name of the LORD.” When he prophesies, his own father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.’ ” (Zechariah 13:3) • The surrounding passage (Zechariah 13:1-6) depicts a future cleansing of Israel when false prophecy is purged. • God’s standard is so uncompromising that even parents must refuse to shield a lying prophet. • The verse underscores God’s jealousy for His truth and the danger of spiritual deception. Core Principle: Truth over Relationship • Loyalty to the Lord’s revealed Word outranks even family ties (cf. Deuteronomy 13:6-10). • Emotional attachments must never override fidelity to Scripture. • New-covenant believers are still commanded to uphold doctrinal purity (Galatians 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11). Timeless Discernment Lessons 1. False teaching is lethal, not harmless. – “The prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded…that prophet shall die.” (Deuteronomy 18:20) 2. God places responsibility on hearers to confront error. – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) 3. Love for truth sometimes demands painful separation. – “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house.” (2 John 10). Practical Steps for Today’s Believers • Examine every sermon, podcast, and book against the full counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Refuse to promote or platform teachers who distort the gospel, even if they are popular or personal friends (Matthew 7:15-20). • Address error first privately (Matthew 18:15-17), then publicly if unrepentant (Titus 1:9-11). • Keep doctrine visible: statement of faith, membership classes, and regular teaching on core truths (2 Timothy 4:2-4). • Train hearts, not just heads—be so saturated with truth that counterfeit is obvious (Psalm 119:11). Safeguards for the Local Church • Elder qualifications include skill in refuting those who contradict (Titus 1:9). • Congregational accountability: “Examine everything; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Church discipline remains a biblical mandate when false teachers refuse correction (Romans 16:17-18). • Regular communion and corporate confession keep Christ’s sacrifice central, preventing drift (1 Corinthians 11:26). Encouragement to Stand Firm • God honors those who defend His truth, even when costly (Revelation 2:2-3). • Scripture equips “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17); no new revelation is needed to guard the flock. • The ultimate victory belongs to the Shepherd who “will gather the lambs in His arms” (Isaiah 40:11). Persevering in discernment is part of that promised care. |
    |