How does Jeremiah 23:21 warn against false prophets in today's church? Setting the Scene “ ‘I did not send these prophets, yet they ran with a message; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.’ ” — Jeremiah 23:21 Two Exposed Failures • Self-commissioned: “I did not send these prophets.” • Self-authored: “I did not speak to them.” God’s verdict is that any “prophet” lacking both His commissioning and His authentic word is a counterfeit. Timeless Principles for the Modern Church 1. A calling must come from God, not ambition or popularity. 2. A message must originate in Scripture, not personal imagination. 3. Divine authority is never self-assumed; it is recognized by the church and confirmed by fruit (cf. Matthew 7:15-20). Red Flags of Self-Sent Voices Today • New revelations that contradict or add to Scripture (Galatians 1:8). • An emphasis on dreams, visions, or personal charisma over the written Word. • Merchandising the gospel for gain (2 Peter 2:1-3). • Flattery that avoids sin, repentance, or the lordship of Christ (Jeremiah 23:17). • Isolation from accountable fellowship and historic doctrine. Biblical Tests for Discernment • Doctrinal consistency: “To the Law and to the testimony!” (Isaiah 8:20). • Christ-centered focus: true prophecy magnifies Jesus (Revelation 19:10). • Moral integrity: the messenger’s life matches the message (1 John 3:7-10). • Covenantal fruit: building up the body, not fracturing it (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Endurance of the word: it proves true over time (Deuteronomy 18:22). Guarding the Pulpit and the Pew • Teach the whole counsel of God; Scripture is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Maintain plural, accountable leadership to test every message (Acts 13:1-3). • Equip believers to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Encouragement for the Faithful The Lord still speaks—through His inerrant Word, by His Spirit, and through genuine, called servants. Holding fast to Scripture keeps Christ’s church safe, vibrant, and on mission until He returns. |
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