How can we discern true prophecy from "worthless divinations" in Jeremiah 14:14? Foundation Verse “Then the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds.’” (Jeremiah 14:14) The Situation in Jeremiah’s Day • Judah faced drought, famine, and enemy threat. • False prophets soothed fears with promises of peace and plenty. • God unmasked their messages as “lies,” “false vision,” and “worthless divination.” Worthless Divination: Key Characteristics • Originates in human imagination: “the deceit of their own minds.” • Uses God’s name as a stamp of authority, yet God has not spoken. • Contradicts previously revealed Scripture (Jeremiah 7:23–24). • Offers comfort without repentance, promising blessing while ignoring sin. • Produces no fulfillment—prophecies fail to come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:22). True Prophecy: Key Characteristics • Commissioned by God: “I have sent them” (Jeremiah 23:21). • Consistent with prior revelation (Isaiah 8:20). • Calls people to repentance and obedience (Jeremiah 26:12–13). • Exalts God’s holiness and sovereignty rather than human ambition. • Proves accurate in fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). • Bears righteous fruit in hearers (Matthew 7:17-20). Practical Steps to Discern Today 1. Test every spirit by Scripture (1 John 4:1, 6). 2. Examine the messenger’s life and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). 3. Look for a Christ-exalting focus (Revelation 19:10). 4. Watch for fulfilled accuracy over time. 5. Seek the confirmation of mature, biblically grounded believers (Proverbs 11:14). 6. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s inward witness, never apart from the Word (John 16:13). Anchoring Discernment for the Present • God’s Word remains the final authority; any message that departs from it is “worthless divination.” • Genuine prophecy will always press believers toward holiness, faithfulness, and hope in Christ. • The church safeguards itself by clinging to “the prophetic word made more sure” (2 Peter 1:19-21). |
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