What characteristics of false prophets are highlighted in Micah 2:11? Micah 2:11 – The Verse “If a man of wind were to come and falsely declare, ‘I will prophesy for you of wine and strong drink,’ he would be just the prophet for this people!” Key Words and What They Tell Us • “man of wind” – empty, substance-less, all noise • “falsely declare” – speaks from self, not from God • “wine and strong drink” – message centered on pleasure and indulgence • “this people” – audience that welcomes such deception Four Characteristics of False Prophets Highlighted 1. Empty in Substance – Their teaching is “wind,” lacking truth (Ezekiel 13:3). 2. Deceptive in Message – They knowingly “falsely declare,” twisting God’s word (Jeremiah 23:16). 3. Appealing to Carnal Desires – They promise “wine and strong drink,” catering to comfort over holiness (Romans 16:18). 4. Popular with the Crowd – “He would be just the prophet for this people!” People embrace them because the message is easy (Jeremiah 5:31; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). Why These Traits Are Dangerous • Lead listeners away from repentance and obedience. • Foster spiritual complacency and moral compromise. • Replace God’s authority with human appetite. • Invite judgment, as God opposes both the messenger and those who follow (Micah 3:5-7). Safeguards for Today • Test every message against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Look for Christ-centered, Spirit-filled fruit in the messenger (Matthew 7:15-20). • Value truth over comfort (James 1:22). • Stay anchored in the whole counsel of God, not selective texts (Psalm 119:160). |
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