How can we discern true prophecy from false in our spiritual communities? Listening to Ezekiel 13:1—A Call to Wake Up “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:” (Ezekiel 13:1) God speaks, exposes counterfeit voices, and still warns His people today. Hallmarks of False Prophets in Ezekiel 13 - They “follow their own spirit and have seen nothing” (v. 3). - They cry, “Peace,” when there is no peace (v. 10). - They use flimsy “whitewash” that looks sturdy but collapses (vv. 10–11). - They claim, “The LORD declares,” yet the LORD has not sent them (v. 6). - Result: people are “deceived” and “disheartened” (vv. 22–23). Timeless Tests for Discernment 1. Agreement with Written Scripture - Isaiah 8:20 — “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” - Galatians 1:8 — Any “gospel” differing from the apostolic one is accursed. 2. Fulfillment of Predictions - Deuteronomy 18:21-22 — If a word does not come to pass, “that is a word the LORD has not spoken.” 3. Fruit in Doctrine and Life - Matthew 7:15-20 — “You will recognize them by their fruit.” - 2 Peter 2:2-3 — False teachers exploit with “fabricated words.” 4. Confession of Christ - 1 John 4:1-3 — True prophecy affirms Jesus Christ “come in the flesh.” 5. Witness of the Spirit in the Body - 1 Corinthians 14:29 — “Let the others weigh what is said.” - Acts 17:11 — Bereans examined “the Scriptures daily” to verify Paul. Practical Steps for Our Communities - Saturate ourselves in daily, systematic Bible reading. - Teach the whole counsel of God, not just favorite themes. - Encourage two-or-three-witness confirmation of any prophetic word. - Maintain transparent accountability for character and lifestyle. - Keep a written record: test, wait, and compare claimed revelations with outcomes. - Refuse sensationalism; cherish the quiet, consistent voice of Scripture. Guardrails When Prophecy Appears - Never override a clear biblical command (James 1:22). - Never manipulate with fear, flattery, or monetary pressure (Micah 3:11). - Never contradict the gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). - Always build up, exhort, and console (1 Corinthians 14:3). Encouragement to Remain Anchored “We have the prophetic word as something very sure, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). Stay close to that lamp, and every counterfeit glow will fade under its light. |
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