How should Luke 17:23 influence our response to modern-day false prophets? Setting the Stage: What Jesus Said and Why It Matters – Luke 17:23: “They will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or chase after them.” – Spoken to disciples as Jesus explained His return (17:22-37). – Command is clear: refuse to be lured by sensational claims of special revelations or secret appearances. Key Truths Wrapped Up in One Verse • False prophets flourish by urgency and novelty—“Look, here!” • Genuine believers guard their feet and their minds: “Do not go out.” • Jesus implies His true coming will be unmistakable (v. 24: like lightning that lights up the sky). How Luke 17:23 Shapes Our Response Today 1. Stay put in sound doctrine; don’t run after every spiritual trend. 2. Measure every voice by Scripture, not charisma (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 3. Remember the public, global nature of Christ’s return (Revelation 1:7); any claim that He is “here in private” contradicts Jesus’ own words. Spotting Modern False Prophets: A Quick Checklist – Message tampers with or adds to Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). – Emphasizes secret gatherings or hidden knowledge (1 John 2:26-27). – Glorifies the messenger more than Christ (Colossians 1:18). – Produces rotten fruit—immorality, greed, manipulation (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 2:1-3). – Diminishes the finished work of the cross (Galatians 1:6-9). Practical Discernment Steps • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). • Hold leaders accountable—church oversight, plural elders, open finances. • Keep regular, personal Bible intake; error loses power when light is on. • Cultivate patience: waiting on the Lord shields us from impulse-driven detours (Isaiah 40:31). • Anchor hope in the visible, bodily return of Christ, not in dates or predictions (Matthew 24:36). Encouragement for the Faithful – God equips His people with truth and the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). – Remaining steady protects both our witness and our peace (Philippians 4:7). – The same Jesus who warned us also promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). In a Nutshell Luke 17:23 calls us to resist hype, cling to Scripture, and wait expectantly yet prudently for the unmistakable return of our Lord. |
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