How can we discern false leadership in light of Ezekiel 11:1? Text of Ezekiel 11:1 “Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east, and there at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men, and I saw among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, princes of the people.” Immediate Takeaways from the Verse • Discernment begins with the Spirit; He is the One who “lifts” us to see what we would otherwise miss. • The setting is the gate of the temple—public, influential, and religiously significant. • Twenty-five leaders stand together, showing that error often travels in packs. • God names two of them, reminding us that He deals with real people in real history. • They are called “princes,” yet their prestige does not equal faithfulness. Traits of False Leadership Highlighted in Ezekiel 11 • Comfortable near holy things yet personally unholy (Ezekiel 8:16; 11:1). • Offer counsel that contradicts God’s revealed will (11:2). • Preach false security—“The city is the pot and we are the meat” (11:3). • Resist prophetic correction and despise warnings (11:4-7). • Lead the people deeper into sin, hastening judgment (11:12). • Eventually fall under God’s public exposure and discipline (11:13). How to Recognize Such Leaders Today 1. Compare every teaching with Scripture (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20). 2. Look for Spirit-produced fruit, not just skill (Matthew 7:16-20; Galatians 5:22-23). 3. Notice their attitude toward God’s presence—do they draw people to Him or merely to platforms? (John 15:4-5). 4. Watch the effect on the flock: growth in holiness or spread of compromise? (2 Peter 2:2). 5. Rely on the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth (John 16:13; 1 John 2:27). 6. Take seriously Scripture’s willingness to name names when necessary (Romans 16:17-18). Practical Safeguards for a Congregation • Keep the “gate” by establishing biblically qualified elders (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). • Maintain transparent accountability; no one is above correction. • Cultivate a Berean culture—everyone searches the Scriptures daily. • Encourage humble teachability in leaders and members alike. • Pray for Spirit-given clarity and courage to act when error surfaces (Ephesians 1:17-18). Hope for the Faithful Remnant God not only exposes false leaders; He promises to be a sanctuary for the faithful (Ezekiel 11:16) and to give them “one heart and a new spirit” (11:19-20). His sheep can trust that the Chief Shepherd sees, intervenes, and ultimately purifies His people. “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock… After my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:28-29) |
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