How can we discern false prophets using Ezekiel 13:9 and Matthew 7:15? The Warning Voices: Ezekiel and Jesus Ezekiel 13:9: “My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, and they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD GOD.” Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” What Makes a Prophet “False”? • Claims to speak for God yet invents “false visions” or “lying divinations” (Ezekiel 13:9). • Looks harmless—“sheep’s clothing”—but harbors predatory motives (Matthew 7:15). • Ultimately stands under God’s hand of judgment, excluded from His people (Ezekiel 13:9). Discernment Lessons from Ezekiel 13:9 • Check their source: Are they receiving revelation from the Lord or generating “visions” of their own hearts? (compare Jeremiah 23:16). • Examine their alignment: Do their words match previously revealed Scripture, or do they contradict it? • Observe God’s verdict: Scripture already pronounces exclusion and judgment on voices that contradict Him—heed that warning. Discernment Lessons from Matthew 7:15 • Look beneath appearances: Polished language and gentle demeanor can mask “ravenous wolves.” • Test the fruit (see Matthew 7:16-20): Character, conduct, and long-term outcomes reveal the inner nature. • Note the danger level: Wolves destroy sheep; false teaching imperils souls (2 Peter 2:1). Additional Scriptural Safeguards • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits.” Compare every message with Scripture. • Deuteronomy 18:20-22—Verify accuracy of predictions and faithfulness to God. • Acts 17:11—Imitate Bereans: “examining the Scriptures daily” to confirm teaching. • Galatians 1:8—Reject any gospel that differs from the apostolic one, even if proclaimed by an angel. Practical Steps for Today 1. Saturate your mind with the written Word so counterfeit messages stand out. 2. Evaluate a teacher’s doctrine, lifestyle, and motives—truth, purity, and humility should converge. 3. Watch for manipulation: flattery, secret revelations, or pressure to deviate from clear Scripture are red flags. 4. Stay rooted in a biblically faithful church community where accountability functions (Hebrews 13:17). Encouragement for the Faithful The Lord Himself opposes false voices (Ezekiel 13:9) and equips His people with discernment (John 10:27). Anchored in His unchanging Word, believers can recognize impostors, guard the flock, and stay confident that the Good Shepherd will preserve His own. |
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