Compare 1 Kings 13:13 with Galatians 1:8 on following false teachings. Setting the Scene in 1 Kings 13 • God sends a “man of God” from Judah to pronounce judgment on King Jeroboam’s idolatrous altar (13:1–3). • The Lord gives this man of God a crystal-clear command: do not eat, drink, or return by the same road (13:9–10). • An old prophet hears what happened, tells his sons, and orders, “Saddle the donkey for me” (13:13). • Catching up with the man of God, he claims, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house’ ” (13:18)—“But he lied to him.” • The man of God believes the lie, disobeys God’s direct word, and is killed by a lion (13:20–24). Paul’s Stern Warning in Galatians 1:8 “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” Parallels between the Two Accounts • Both passages feature a messenger claiming higher authority (a prophet in 1 Kings 13; an apostle or angel in Galatians 1). • In each case, the new message contradicts what God has already spoken. • The result of accepting the false word is severe judgment—death for the man of God, a divine curse for anyone twisting the gospel. • The core lesson: the source’s credentials, charisma, or supernatural claims never override the revealed Word of God. Principles for Discerning Truth • God’s Word is final and unchanging (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8). • Any “new revelation” must align perfectly with prior Scripture (Deuteronomy 13:1-4). • Spiritual leaders, even respected ones, can be wrong (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Supernatural experiences do not guarantee truth; Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). • Obedience protects; compromise invites discipline (James 1:22-25). Responding Faithfully Today • Measure every sermon, book, podcast, or prophecy against the clear teaching of Scripture. • Hold fast to the once-for-all gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). • Reject any message—no matter how impressive the messenger—that adds to or subtracts from God’s revealed Word. |
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