How should we respond to God's words spoken through prophets, per Deuteronomy 18:18? God’s Promise of a Mouthpiece “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.” • God Himself chooses the prophet. • The words delivered are not opinions but divine commands. • A “prophet like you” (like Moses) points to authoritative, covenant-shaping speech. Why Listening Matters “And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.” • Listening is not optional; accountability is certain. • Refusal to heed is treated as refusal of God Himself (cf. 1 Samuel 8:7). • Blessing and judgment hinge on our response (2 Chronicles 20:20). Heart Attitudes God Seeks • Reverence—approach prophetic words with holy fear (Isaiah 66:2). • Humility—receive correction without defensiveness (Jeremiah 26:2-3). • Eagerness—“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). Actions Flowing from Genuine Listening 1. Immediate Obedience—align conduct with the revealed command (James 1:22). 2. Repentance—turn from any sin the message exposes (Jonah 3:5). 3. Faith—trust the promise wrapped inside the warning (Habakkuk 2:4). 4. Proclamation—share the word faithfully with others (Jeremiah 20:9). Guardrails Against Deception • Test every prophetic claim (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). • Measure it by prior revelation—never contradicts Scripture (Deuteronomy 13:1-4). • Confirm fulfilled predictions and righteous fruit (Deuteronomy 18:22; Matthew 7:16-20). The Ultimate Prophet: Jesus Christ • Acts 3:22-23 identifies Jesus as the promised Prophet like Moses. • Hebrews 1:1-2: God’s final word comes through His Son. • Matthew 17:5: “Listen to Him!”—the Father’s direct command. Practical Steps for Today • Read Scripture daily, expecting the voice of God’s prophets and of Christ. • Submit decisions to the clear teachings already given. • Stay in a church that honors prophetic Scripture and tests modern claims. • Encourage one another to obey promptly, “holding fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). |
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