How can we discern false prophets as warned in Jeremiah 23:16? The Warning in Jeremiah 23:16 “ ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They fill you with empty hopes; they speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.’ ” (Jeremiah 23:16) Core Traits of False Prophets (Jeremiah 23) • Deliver self-generated visions, not God’s word (v. 16) • Offer “empty hopes” and soothing peace to unrepentant hearts (vv. 17, 21) • Lead people to despise God’s true message of repentance (v. 17) • Operate without standing in God’s council (v. 22) • Frequently speak in God’s name, yet their words prove hollow (vv. 25-32) New Testament Echoes • “Beware of false prophets… By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20) • “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many.” (Matthew 24:11) • “Test the spirits… because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) • “There will be false teachers… who will secretly introduce destructive heresies.” (2 Peter 2:1-3) Five Biblical Tests for Discernment 1. Source Test – Does the message align with the written Scriptures? “If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” (Isaiah 8:20) 2. Christological Test – Does it exalt the Lord Jesus or magnify the messenger? “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10) 3. Fruit Test – Do the prophet’s character and followers display holiness? “You will recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16) 4. Fulfillment Test – Did prior predictions come to pass? “When the thing does not happen… the LORD has not spoken.” (Deuteronomy 18:22) 5. Motive Test – Is the message driven by love for God or by gain, popularity, or power? “From greed they will exploit you with deceptive words.” (2 Peter 2:3) Practical Steps to Develop Discernment • Immerse yourself daily in the whole counsel of Scripture (Psalm 1:2) • Rely on the Holy Spirit, who “will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Stay rooted in a biblically faithful church where elders guard sound doctrine (Acts 20:28-31) • Observe lifestyle consistency—sound teaching produces obedience and reverence (Titus 2:1-8) • Measure every “new revelation” by the finished, sufficient Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Living Safely in a World of Competing Voices • Cherish God’s unchanging Word over every charismatic personality • Reject messages that promise blessing while downplaying repentance • Speak truth in love when others are drawn to sensational, untested claims • Keep watch over your own heart, lest itching ears seek what is merely pleasant (2 Timothy 4:3-4) |
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