How can we discern false teachings today, as warned in Ezekiel 13:13? Setting the scene in Ezekiel “The Lord GOD says: ‘In My wrath I will unleash a windstorm, and in My anger torrents of rain, and hailstones will fall in destructive fury.’ ” (Ezekiel 13:13) • False prophets in Ezekiel’s day “whitewashed” flimsy walls—covering lies with a thin coat of pious language. • God’s storm exposed the shoddy work. The image warns us: counterfeit teaching may look sturdy, but truth’s tempest will reveal its weakness. What makes a teaching false? • Contradicts the plain meaning of Scripture (Galatians 1:6-9). • Adds human tradition or subtracts divine commands (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). • Centers on man’s glory, wealth, or ease rather than God’s holiness (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Denies the person or work of Christ (1 John 4:2-3; 2 Peter 2:1). • Produces rotten fruit—immorality, greed, divisiveness (Matthew 7:15-20). Markings of genuine truth • Rooted in the whole counsel of God, not isolated verses (Acts 20:27). • Elevates Jesus as Lord and only Savior (John 14:6). • Promotes repentance, obedience, and growing holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Confirmed by the Spirit’s inner witness and consistent with the faith once for all delivered (Jude 3; Romans 8:16). • Bears lasting fruit—love, joy, peace, faithfulness (Galatians 5:22-23). Practical steps to discern false teachings today 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture. Daily reading guards the heart (Psalm 119:11). 2. Test every message. “Examine everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). 3. Compare teacher and teaching: • Character—do their lives match their words? • Content—does it align with clear biblical doctrine? 4. Stay connected to a Bible-honoring church. Mutual accountability sharpens discernment (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Pray for wisdom. God promises insight to those who ask (James 1:5). 6. Watch for emotional manipulation. Truth persuades by conviction, not coercion (2 Corinthians 4:2). 7. Keep the gospel central. Any message that sidelines the cross is suspect (1 Corinthians 2:2). Scriptures that sharpen our discernment • Matthew 24:24—false Christs and prophets will arise. • Acts 17:11—the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily. • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15—Satan masquerades as an angel of light. • Ephesians 4:14—maturity keeps us from being “tossed by the waves.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips for every good work. • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” A call to steadfast watchfulness Storms still blow against whitewashed walls. By anchoring ourselves to the unchanging Word, measuring every message by God’s revealed truth, and relying on the Spirit’s guidance, we can stand firm and help others do the same—no matter how fierce the winds of deception become. |
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