How should we respond to "a prophet or dreamer" leading us astray? Opening the Text “If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods’—which you have not known—‘and worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3) Why This Matters • Miraculous signs do not equal divine approval • God allows deceptive voices as a test of our loyalty • Our response reveals whom we truly worship Recognizing False Voices • They may rise “among you,” appearing trustworthy and familiar • They may present convincing “sign or wonder” (v. 1) • Their core message pulls hearts away from exclusive devotion to the LORD (v. 2) The Non-Negotiable Standard • Measure every message against revealed Scripture (Isaiah 8:20; Acts 17:11) • Even fulfilled predictions are rejected if they contradict God’s commandments (Galatians 1:8) First Action: Refuse to Listen • “You must not listen” (Deuteronomy 13:3) • Guard ears and hearts; do not entertain seductive teaching (2 John 10-11) Second Action: Stay Loyal in Love • The test is about love, not merely information (v. 3) • Cultivate whole-hearted affection for the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37) Third Action: Remove the Influence Old-Covenant Israel: “That prophet or dreamer must be put to death” (Deuteronomy 13:5) Today: • Mark and avoid divisive, deceptive teachers (Romans 16:17) • Cut off platforms—books, podcasts, social feeds—that magnify error • Protect the flock through biblical church discipline (Titus 3:10-11) Fourth Action: Strengthen the Community • Remind one another of sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2) • Equip believers to discern truth from lies (Ephesians 4:14) • Encourage mutual accountability and transparent fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) Remember the Purpose of the Test • God exposes counterfeit voices to refine and purify devotion (1 Peter 1:6-7) • The trial drives us deeper into Scripture and prayerful dependence (Psalm 119:71) Daily Safeguards • Immerse your mind in the Word—read, meditate, memorize • Pray for wisdom and alertness (James 1:5) • Submit to a Bible-honoring local church • Evaluate every spiritual claim: “Does this exalt Christ alone?” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4) • Keep short accounts with sin; compromised hearts crave compromised teaching Anchored in the True Shepherd “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) Stay near the Shepherd, and no false prophet or dreamer can steal your allegiance. |
    |