How can we discern false teachings in light of Jeremiah 23:15? The sobering alarm in Jeremiah 23:15 “Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: ‘I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.’” Core truths highlighted by the verse • False teaching originates among those who claim God’s authority (“the prophets of Jerusalem”). • Its influence spreads like spiritual poison, producing widespread ungodliness. • God responds decisively, promising judgment (wormwood, poisoned water) on those who mislead His people. • The verse assumes Scripture’s reliability: God’s Word exposes error and declares its consequences. Biblical characteristics of false teaching • Contradicts prior revelation (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). • Speaks in God’s name yet promotes rebellion (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). • Appears gentle but bears rotten fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). • Appeals to itching ears, sidestepping sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Denies or distorts the gospel of grace in Christ (Galatians 1:8-9). • Operates through deceitful masquerades (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). • Secretly introduces destructive heresies, exploiting with fabricated stories (2 Peter 2:1-3). Four practical steps to discern 1. Measure every message by Scripture • “Now the Berean Jews were more noble… examining the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • A plain, literal reading of God’s Word becomes the plumb line. 2. Test the confession about Christ • “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” (1 John 4:1-3) • Authentic teachers exalt the incarnate, crucified, risen, and returning Lord. 3. Inspect the visible fruit • A teacher’s life and followers reveal much: humility, obedience, and growing holiness, not greed, immorality, or division. 4. Rely on the Spirit’s witness within • “The anointing you received from Him remains in you… His anointing teaches you about all things and is true.” (1 John 2:27) • The Spirit never contradicts the written Word He inspired. Guarding our hearts and homes • Stay planted in daily Bible intake. • Commit passages like Psalm 119:11 to memory, fortifying the mind. • Engage in a faithful local church that preaches expositionally. • Cultivate discernment together—older believers mentoring younger (Titus 2:1-8). • Reject the allure of novel “revelations” that bypass or reinterpret Scripture. • Keep the gospel central; any teaching that sidelines the cross leads to poison. Assurance in Christ’s truth Jesus promised, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) Standing on that immovable foundation, believers can identify error, resist its spread, and keep growing in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) |
    |