How does Jeremiah 23:35 challenge us to discern God's message from falsehoods? Setting the Scene Jeremiah ministered during a season when smooth–talking prophets were spouting their own dreams (Jeremiah 23:25-32). The nation was drowning in mixed messages, and everyone claimed to have “an oracle of the LORD.” Into that confusion God inserted a clarifying command. Key Verse “Thus each of you shall say to his neighbor and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’” (Jeremiah 23:35) What the Verse Is Saying • Stop parroting popular slogans (“the oracle of the LORD,” v. 34). • Start asking the only question that matters: What did God actually say? • Put friendship and family conversations under that same spotlight—truth is everyone’s responsibility, not just the preacher’s. Why It Matters • Truth is objective—God speaks; we listen (Isaiah 40:8). • Falsehood is contagious—if left unchecked it spreads from prophet to people (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Discernment is communal—neighbors, brothers, and sisters are told to question together (Hebrews 3:13). The Lord’s Simple Test 1. Ask: “What has the LORD answered?” 2. Verify: “What has the LORD spoken?” Anything failing those two checkpoints must be rejected (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 18:21-22). New-Covenant Echoes • “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • “The Bereans… examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” (1 John 4:1) Principles for Discernment Today • Scripture First: God never contradicts His written Word (Psalm 119:160). • Fruit Inspection: True messages produce holiness and obedience (Matthew 7:16-20). • Christ-Centered Focus: The Spirit glorifies Jesus, not the messenger (John 16:14). • Consistent Character: A spokesperson’s life must match the message (Titus 1:7-9). Warning Signs of False Messages • Emphasis on personal revelation over biblical text. • Promises of blessing detached from repentance and obedience. • Pressure to accept without question or examination. • Messages that flatter sin or diminish Christ’s sacrifice. Practical Habits to Cultivate • Daily Bible reading—build a reservoir of truth. • Memorize key passages that guard against error (e.g., Colossians 2:8). • Compare every sermon, podcast, or book with clear Scripture. • Discuss openly with mature believers; mutual sharpening protects the flock (Proverbs 27:17). • Pray for wisdom; the Spirit guides into all truth (John 16:13). Encouragement to Stay Anchored God has not left His people at the mercy of clever talkers. He has given an unchanging Word, an indwelling Spirit, and a discerning community. Jeremiah 23:35 invites us to keep those gifts in constant use, so that every voice we hear is filtered through one decisive question: “What has the LORD spoken?” |
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