How can we discern false teachings in light of Ezekiel 11:4? “Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, O son of man!” Setting the scene • Jerusalem’s leaders were reassuring the people with soothing words that directly contradicted God’s warnings (vv. 1–3). • The Lord interrupts: “Prophesy against them.” Truth must confront error immediately and publicly. • The verse teaches that discernment is not passive; it calls for active exposure of deception. False teaching exposed in Ezekiel 11 • Confident slogans that contradict God (“The city is the cooking pot, and we are the meat,” v. 3). • A theology of comfort that ignores sin and impending judgment (vv. 6–12). • Leaders using religious language to preserve their own status (v. 2). Key principles for discernment • Expect counterfeit messages (Matthew 24:11; 2 Peter 2:1). • Measure every claim by the written Word (Isaiah 8:20; Acts 17:11). • Be ready to speak up when Scripture is twisted—silence helps error spread (Ezekiel 11:4; Jude 3). • Rely on the Holy Spirit for illumination (John 16:13; 1 John 2:27). • Examine the messenger’s fruit and motives (Matthew 7:15-20; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6). Practical steps to test a teaching 1. Compare the content to the whole counsel of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. Check Christ-centeredness: does it exalt Jesus or human ideas? (Colossians 1:18). 3. Look for repentance and holiness, not flattery and license (Galatians 5:13). 4. Confirm with mature, Scripture-saturated believers (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Assess long-term fruit in lives and community (James 3:17-18). 6. Reject anything that adds to or subtracts from the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19). The fruit of true doctrine • Deeper reverence for God. • Clearer understanding of sin and grace. • Growing love, humility, and unity among believers. • Boldness to stand for truth, as Ezekiel did. A closing charge Like Ezekiel, keep Scripture open, heart tender, and voice ready. When error appears, test it swiftly, and if it fails the test, “prophesy against it.” Truth spoken in love guards God’s people and glorifies His name. |
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