How can we discern false teachings today, as warned in Ezekiel 13:12? Ezekiel’s Picture of a Crumbling Wall “Surely when the wall has fallen, will it not be asked of you, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’” (Ezekiel 13:12) • False prophets in Ezekiel’s day smeared flimsy walls with whitewash—covering weakness with a fresh coat of paint. • God promised a storm that would expose the sham and topple everything built on deception. • The same principle stands: anything not resting on God’s truth will collapse when tested. Why Discernment Matters Right Now • The New Testament echoes Ezekiel: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1). • Christ warned, “Beware of false prophets… by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:15, 20). • What looks appealing may still be spiritual whitewash. Discernment keeps us from being swept away when the storm comes. Five Biblical Tests for Truth 1. Foundation Test – Does it align with the whole counsel of Scripture? • “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). 2. Gospel Test – Does it preserve salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone? • “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:8). 3. Jesus Test – Does it exalt the real, biblical Jesus? • “For many deceivers… do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” (2 John 1:7). 4. Fruit Test – Does it produce holiness, love, and obedience in those who believe it? • “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). 5. Spirit Test – Does it withstand prayerful testing by the Holy Spirit-led community? • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Practical Guardrails for Everyday Life • Stay Saturated in Scripture – Read systematically, not just favorite passages. – Memorize key verses that safeguard core doctrines. • Evaluate Teaching with Berean Eagerness – “Examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). • Watch the Teacher’s Life – Consistent character, accountable relationships, humble service—these reveal genuine faith. • Hold Fast in a Local Church – Shepherds and fellow believers help expose error we might miss alone (Ephesians 4:11-16). • Rely on the Spirit’s Inner Witness – The Spirit of truth guides into all truth (John 16:13). Inner alarms often signal hidden “whitewash.” • Reject Spiritual Novelty for Its Own Sake – Truth is ancient and enduring; chasing the “next big thing” leaves walls untested. • Respond Quickly When Error Is Exposed – Repent, renounce, and replace falsehood with sound doctrine before cracks widen. Living as Builders, Not Whitewashers • Christ Himself is the unshakable cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6). • Build with materials that endure—“gold, silver, precious stones” of biblical truth—rather than “wood, hay, straw” of human opinion (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). • When storms come, those who rest on God’s Word will stand while every whitewashed wall falls. |
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