What steps can we take to avoid the people's response in Jeremiah 5:31? Jeremiah 5:31—The Danger Described “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority, and My people love it so. But what will you do when the end comes?” • False messages • Self-appointed leadership • A population that enjoys it Step 1: Soak Your Heart in Scripture • Daily reading and meditation keep truth in front of us. • Acts 17:11—“They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” • The more familiar you are with God’s voice, the easier it is to spot a counterfeit. Step 2: Test Every Message • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Ask, “Does this align with the clear teaching of the Bible?” • Galatians 1:8—“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” Step 3: Value Truth over Comfort • 2 Timothy 4:3-4—People with “itching ears” pick teachers who say what they want to hear. • Choose conviction rather than convenience; correction rather than compliments. • Proverbs 27:6—“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Step 4: Submit to Christ, Not Personalities • Matthew 23:10—“Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.” • Respect pastors and teachers (Hebrews 13:17), but never place any human voice above the Lord’s. • Measure leadership by servant-hearted humility, not charisma. Step 5: Walk in the Fear of the Lord • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Healthy reverence stirs obedience and guards against casual compromise. • Remember accountability: “We will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Romans 14:10). Step 6: Pursue Accountable Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—Stir one another to love and good works. • Invite trusted believers to speak into your life; error thrives in isolation. • Elders and congregations alike should welcome correction from Scripture. Step 7: Practice Quick Repentance • 2 Chronicles 7:14—Turn from wicked ways and seek His face. • Regular self-examination keeps small sins from becoming settled patterns. • Repentance realigns the heart with God’s truth and refreshes spiritual discernment. Step 8: Rely on the Spirit’s Discernment • John 16:13—“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Pray for insight; the Spirit illuminates Scripture and exposes deception. • Discernment is not suspicion but Spirit-led clarity. Putting It All Together • Know the Word. • Test every teaching. • Prefer truth over comfort. • Follow Christ above all. • Walk in reverent awe. • Stay accountable. • Repent quickly. • Depend on the Spirit. Follow these rhythms, and you will stand firm when false voices rise—unlike the people who “loved it so” in Jeremiah’s day. |
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