False vs. True Prophets

  1. Goals of False vs. True Prophets
    1. False prophets do not turn people from sin
      1. Ezekiel 13:10 peace when no peace
      2. Ezekiel 13:22 didn’t turn the wicked; disheartened the righteous with lies
      3. Lam. 2:14 didn’t expose sin to ward off captivity
      4. Jer. 23:14,16-17 fill the wicked with false hopes
    1. True prophets speak against sin
      1. Jer. 23:22
      2. Micah 3:8
      3. Malachi 2:6
      4. Luke 5:32 Jesus’ goal was to turn people from their sins—his actions when he was around people was for this purpose rather than their fleshly comfort
      1. Luke 11:37-54 at Pharisee’s house—didn’t make it through the meal, but rather rebuked others before dinner even started
      2. Luke 14:7 at Pharisee’s house—rebuked host at start of meal
      3. Luke 19:7-9 Zacchaeus repents
  1. Methods of True Prophets
    1. Put God above other earthly relationships and require others to do the same
      1. Matt. 10:34-39
      2. Deut. 33:9 Levi put God above family
      3. Luke 9:60-62 dead bury own dead
      4. Luke 11:27-28 blessed rather are those who hear and obey
      5. Luke 8:20-21 my mother and brother are those who hear and obey
    1. Concerned that those who hear are whole-hearted to the extent that they lose the crowd
      1. Luke 11:29 as the crowds increased Jesus said, "this is a wicked generation"
      2. Luke 9:41 how long shall I put up with you
      3. Ezekiel 14:1-3; 20:3, 31 Elders who set up idols in heart—should they be allowed to inquire of me?
      4. John 6:60, 66-67 many disciples left
    1. Their actions and words attempt to communicate God’s feelings
      1. See examples of Jesus at other peoples’ houses (above)
      2. Ezekiel 3:14 I went in bitterness and anger of my Spirit
      3. Jer. 15:17 sat alone because God’s hand was on me
      4. Jer. 16:5 don’t go to show sympathy at a funeral
      1. other verses describing God withdrawing his compassion: Ez. 5:11; 7:3-4, 8-9
      1. 2 Chron. 36:15-16 All these prophets were sent out of compassion and pity
  1. How People Have Often Responded to False vs. True Prophets
    1. People responding
      1. Luke 6:22-26 this is how they treated the false and true prophets
      2. Ez. 20:49 thought Ezekiel was just telling stories
      3. Mark 3:21 family came to take charge of him
      1. many thought Jesus was demon-possessed or insane
      1. Jer. 12:6 Jeremiah’s brothers were against him
      2. Hosea 9:7-8 the prophet is considered a fool and madman
      3. John 6—crowds deserting him; ended up shouting, "Crucify him!"
      4. 2 Cor. 11:24-27 Paul was beaten, stoned, etc.
    1. Need to stand firm and not be shaken by the response of others
      1. Ez. 2:3-8 speak whether they listen or not; don’t be afraid of them or their words
      2. Ez. 3:8 I will make you as hardened and unyielding as they are
      3. Jer. 1:17-19; 15:20 don’t be terrified by them or I’ll terrify you before them
      4. Is. 50:7 I set my face like a flint

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