What practical steps can we take to avoid being misled by false messages? Hearing the Warning of Jeremiah 23:16 “Thus says the LORD of Hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.’” Stay Rooted in the Written Word - Daily, unhurried reading keeps us anchored (Psalm 119:105). - Memorize key truths so counterfeits are obvious (Psalm 119:11). - Let Scripture, not popularity, set the agenda (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Test Every Message - Ask, “Does this align with the whole counsel of God?” (Acts 17:11). - Compare the teacher’s claims to plain biblical statements (Galatians 1:8-9). - Refuse anything that adds to or subtracts from Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2). Watch the Messenger’s Fruit - Consistent obedience and Christlike character matter (Matthew 7:15-20). - A life marked by greed, immorality, or arrogance exposes deception (2 Peter 2:1-3). - Sound doctrine produces holiness, not confusion (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Stay Connected to a Faithful Church Family - Mutual accountability protects against private “revelations” (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Elders who handle the Word accurately serve as safeguards (Titus 1:9). - Corporate worship and teaching keep our perspectives balanced (Ephesians 4:11-14). Rely on the Holy Spirit’s Discernment - He guides into all truth (John 16:13). - Ask Him to spotlight error when something sounds “almost right” (1 John 2:27). - Live in step with the Spirit so His warnings are clear (Galatians 5:16). Maintain a Humble, Teachable Attitude - Pride blinds; humility listens (Proverbs 11:2). - Be willing to change course when Scripture corrects you (James 1:22-25). - Seek wise counsel before embracing new ideas (Proverbs 15:22). Keep Your Eyes on Christ Alone - False messages often shift focus to the messenger; true teaching exalts Jesus (Colossians 1:18). - The gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection is the unchanging core (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). - Any “new insight” that eclipses the cross is counterfeit (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Taking these steps turns Jeremiah’s warning into daily protection, ensuring we follow the Shepherd’s voice, not the echoes of human imagination. |
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