HOW MAY WE KNOW THE WORD THE LORD HAS NOT SPOKEN?

A Response to "How May We Know the Word the Lord Has Not Spoken?"

The Test of a True Prophet

How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken? This is a question of vital importance for every believer. In a world where many claim to speak for God, we must be able to discern the true from the false. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 gives us a clear test: when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. We need not be afraid of him. A true prophecy will come to pass. A false prophecy will not. This is not a complicated standard; it is a simple and reliable test. If a prophet's words consistently fail to come true, we can be certain that God has not spoken through them.

God Is Dead Serious Against False Prophets

God is dead serious about false prophets. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 warns that if a prophet arises and gives a sign or wonder that comes to pass, but then says, "Let us go after other gods," we shall not listen to him. This is a test from the Lord to know whether we love Him with all our heart and soul. Such a prophet shall be put to death because he has taught rebellion against the Lord. Jeremiah 23:30-32 declares that God is against the prophets who steal His words from one another, who use their tongues to declare, "declares the Lord," when He has not spoken. He is against those who prophesy lying dreams and lead His people astray by their lies and recklessness. Ezekiel 13:8-9 declares that God's hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of His people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel. God does not take false prophecy lightly. He holds those who misrepresent Him accountable.

Why This Matters

Why is God so serious about false prophets? Because false prophets lead people astray. Mark 13:22 warns that false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Their signs may be impressive, but their message is deceptive. Isaiah 30:9-10 describes a rebellious people who say to the seers, "Do not see," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions." Jeremiah 14:14 reveals that the prophets are prophesying lies in God's name. He did not send them, nor did He command them or speak to them. They are prophesying a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds. Lamentations 2:14 laments that the prophets have seen false and deceptive visions. They have not exposed iniquity or restored fortunes. They have seen oracles that are false and misleading. False prophecy is not just a mistake; it is a deception that leads people away from God.

Recognizing Them by Their Fruits

Jesus gave us a practical way to recognize false prophets: by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 warns us to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. We will recognize them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thornbushes, nor figs from thistles. A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. The fruit of a prophet is not just their words but their character, their doctrine, and the impact of their ministry. Do they produce righteousness, love, and truth? Or do they produce division, confusion, and sin? Their fruit will reveal their true nature.

People Having Itching Ears

Second Timothy 4:3-4 warns that the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching. Having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. They will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. This is a warning to both hearers and speakers. Hearers must be careful not to seek teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. Speakers must be careful not to cater to itching ears by preaching smooth things that do not confront sin or call for repentance.

Watch Out for Those Who Cause Divisions

Romans 16:17-18 appeals to us to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine we have been taught. We are to avoid them. Such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive. Divisive people are not serving Christ; they are serving themselves. They use smooth words to gain followers and flattery to win influence. But their message is not from God. Their motives are not pure. We must be discerning and not be deceived by their charm.

Final Reflection

How may we know the word the Lord has not spoken? By testing it against Scripture, by evaluating its fulfillment, by examining the fruit of the speaker, and by being watchful for division and deception. God is not silent, but He is not the author of confusion. He speaks truth, and His words always come to pass. Let us be like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what they heard was true. Let us not be swayed by smooth talk or impressive signs. Let us hold fast to sound doctrine and test every spirit. And let us be discerning, so that we are not led astray.

Prayer for Discernment

Lord, give me discernment to recognize the true from the false. Help me to test prophecies and teachings against Your Word. Protect me from false prophets who come in sheep's clothing. Help me to see the fruit of those who speak in Your name. Keep me from having itching ears that turn away from the truth. Help me to be watchful and discerning. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.