How does Ezekiel 13:19 warn against false prophets' deceptive practices today? “ ‘You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. You have put to death those who should not die and spared those who should not live by lying to My people, who listen to lies.’ ” Seeing the Scene in Ezekiel’s Day • False prophets exploited a food-short population, taking “handfuls of barley and scraps of bread” as payment. • They twisted God’s words, condemning the innocent and excusing the guilty. • Their lies dulled spiritual discernment, luring the nation toward judgment (Ezekiel 13:22; Jeremiah 23:16-17). Three Core Warnings Embedded in the Verse 1. Material greed corrupts spiritual ministry. 2. Lies that harm the righteous and embolden the wicked are deadly. 3. God views such manipulation as a direct profaning of His holy name. Modern Echoes of the Same Deceptions • Turning the gospel into a fundraising scheme—selling blessings, prophecies, or healings for a “seed.” • Flattering messages that promise effortless prosperity while ignoring repentance (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Protecting or excusing open sin in influential people, yet harshly criticizing humble believers. • Packaging motivational speeches as prophecy to gain online followers, ad revenue, or personal influence. Scriptural Cross-Checks to Guard Our Hearts • 2 Peter 2:1-3—false teachers “will exploit you with deceptive words.” • Micah 3:11—leaders “teach for a price” while claiming God is with them. • Acts 8:18-20—Peter rebukes Simon for trying to buy the power of the Spirit. • Galatians 1:8—anyone preaching a contrary gospel is “accursed.” • Matthew 7:15-20—examine fruit, not charisma. • 1 John 4:1—“test the spirits” by the apostolic testimony of Christ. Practical Safeguards Against Today’s Counterfeits • Measure every teaching against the plain sense of Scripture, not against emotional impact. • Follow ministries that exalt Christ, not those that spotlight the messenger. • Refuse financial manipulation; give cheerfully, never under threat or promise of magical return (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Note the fruit: humility, holiness, and love for truth point to genuine service. Holding Fast to the True Gospel • Treasure Scripture more than any personal revelation. • Stay in close fellowship with sound believers who will speak truth in love. • Keep eternity in view: the Lord will vindicate the righteous and expose every lie (1 Corinthians 4:5). |
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