How can we discern true prophecy today, based on Jeremiah 23:34? Setting the context • Jeremiah 23 exposes a flood of “prophets” who used God’s name to sanction their own ideas. • Verse 34 is God’s sober warning: “As for the prophet or priest or any one of the people who says, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.” Why the warning matters • Presuming divine authority misrepresents God (Exodus 20:7). • False prophecy misleads God’s people (Jeremiah 23:16–17). • It blurs the line between truth and error, inviting judgment (Jeremiah 28:15–17). Core tests for discerning prophecy today Alignment with written Scripture • God never contradicts Himself (Isaiah 8:20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • If a “word” clashes with clear biblical teaching, reject it (Galatians 1:8). Exaltation of Jesus Christ • “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10) • True prophecy honors His lordship (1 John 4:2-3). Accuracy and fulfillment • Deuteronomy 18:21-22: if the word does not come to pass, it is not from God. • God’s record Isaiah 100 percent; close is not enough. Moral fruit in the messenger • “You will recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16-20) • Patterns of immorality, greed, or pride betray a false source (Jeremiah 23:14; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Spirit-produced edification • Prophecy builds up, encourages, and comforts the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). • Confusion or fear that drives believers from Christ is suspect (1 Corinthians 14:33). Accountability within the body • “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” (1 Corinthians 14:29) • True prophecy welcomes testing (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22). Practical steps for everyday discernment 1. Stay saturated in Scripture—so counterfeit words stand out instantly. 2. Evaluate content: Does it match the gospel and God’s revealed character? 3. Observe the messenger’s life and motives. 4. Seek confirmation through mature, Spirit-filled believers. 5. Wait for fulfillment before acting on predictive details. 6. Hold fast to what is good; discard the rest (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Living it out Jeremiah 23:34 reminds us that God guards His word zealously. By anchoring every claimed prophecy to the timeless plumb line of Scripture, exalting Christ above personalities, and watching for godly fruit, we can navigate today’s prophetic claims with confidence and remain steadfast in the truth. |
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