Beware of False Prophets (Deuteronomy 13. 1-5)

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Episode Notes: 

Opening Illustration: Imagine waking up one morning only to hear your closest friend, someone you’ve trusted for years is now praying to an idol. Or perhaps it’s a family member, or a friend from church urging you to explore the worship of a deity that promises more prosperity, more excitement, and more freedom than the God of the Bible.

This is the unsettling scenario painted in Deuteronomy chapter 13, a chapter that challenges our understanding of loyalty, faith, and the very nature of true worship. Today, we look into a passage that might seem harsh to our modern sensibilities, but it holds timeless truths about fidelity to God. Deuteronomy 13 doesn’t just warn against the allure of false prophets and enticing idols; it calls us to examine the depths of our commitment to the one true God, even when the temptation comes from the most unexpected sources—those we love and trust the most.

Main Points:

1. The Context:
   • The warning against prophets or dreamers of dreams who might lure people away from worshiping the true God.
   • Importance of distinguishing between true and false prophets.
2. Understanding a Prophet:
   • A prophet is someone who receives direct revelation from God, often through dreams or visions.
   • The role of a prophet in ancient Israel was to communicate God’s will to the people.
3. The Test of True Prophecy:
   • Even if a prophet performs miracles or predicts the future accurately, if they lead people away from God, they are false.
   • God's testing of the people's love and loyalty through these situations.
4. Response to False Prophets:
   • The severe command to put false prophets to death in ancient Israel to purge evil from the community.
   • Modern application: we are called to be vigilant and reject teachings that lead us away from God.
5. The Gravity of the Warning:
   • The warning is not just about ancient idol worship but about any ideology or belief that contradicts the teachings of the Bible.
   • Importance of clinging to God’s word and remaining steadfast in faith.
6. Modern-Day Application:
   • The relevance of this passage in a world with many voices and ideologies.
   • The need for spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, and fellowship to strengthen our faith and discernment.

Closing Thoughts: Deuteronomy 13:1-18 is not merely an ancient cautionary tale but a living, breathing call to us today. In a world filled with countless voices claiming to speak the truth, it is crucial to stay anchored in God’s word. We must remember that our faith is not just a collection of beliefs but a relationship with a living God who has revealed Himself to us through Scripture.

The same God who warned Israel against false prophets is the God who promises never to leave us or forsake us. He is our Shepherd, leading us through the valleys and the shadows, ensuring that we do not fall prey to deception.

Practical Steps:

• Regular bible study,, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
• Suppor

Transcript

Beware of False Prophets.  (Deuteronomy 13:1-18)

Full Transcript:

 Imagine waking up one morning in your peaceful village, only to hear your closest friend, someone you’ve trusted for years, praying to an idol or a new god. 

Or perhaps it’s a family member, your flesh and blood, or a friend from church urging you to explore the worship of a deity that promises more prosperity, more excitement, and more freedom than the God of the bible.

This is the unsettling scenario painted in Deuteronomy chapter 13, a chapter that challenges our understanding of loyalty, faith, and the very nature of true worship.

Today, we look into a passage that might seem harsh to our modern sensibilities, but it holds timeless truths about fidelity to God. 

Deuteronomy 13 doesn’t just warn against the allure of false prophets and enticing idols; it calls us to examine the depths of our commitment to the one true God, even when the temptation comes from the most unexpected sources—those we love and trust the most.

In our world, where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred, and where new ideologies and beliefs constantly vie for our attention, this ancient text is startlingly relevant. It’s a stark reminder that faithfulness to God requires vigilance and sometimes difficult choices.

How do we recognize the subtle seductions of modern-day idols? How do we stand firm when those closest to us suggest a different path?

Join me as we explore the profound and sometimes uncomfortable lessons of Deuteronomy 13. We will uncover what it means to stay true to our faith in the face of alluring alternatives, and how this steadfastness can lead us not only to spiritual survival but to a deeper, more resilient relationship with God.

Today’s journey through Deuteronomy 13 will challenge us, but it will also equip us with the wisdom and courage to remain steadfast in our devotion to the God who calls us to unwavering loyalty.

Welcome to TBPDP….

What would it take for something to lure you away from the Lord? Maybe not just you—what would it take for somebody else to be lured away? 

If someone asked me that question, I would probably be inclined to say that it would fall under the categories of the world, the flesh, or the devil. 

That’s where I would start. If I had to come up with another list, I might say it could be possessions, as some people get caught up in materialism which distracts them from spiritual things. Or perhaps it could be pleasure of some kind or another, or maybe just plain pride.

What would it take to lure you away from serving the Lord? There is a passage of scripture in the book of Deuteronomy where Moses warns the children of Israel about that very thing, and it is a very fascinating passage. Deuteronomy chapter 13, verse 1 says:

13 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.

(Deuteronomy 13: 1-3)

He clearly talks about the possibility of a prophet luring people away from worshiping the Lord to worshiping other gods. The first possibility on Moses' list is that a prophet could do it. Notice he talks about a prophet or dreamer of dreams.

What is a Prophet?

There are all kinds of definitions of a prophet that float around.

The most common is that he predicts something. Some people say a prophet is simply a preacher. By the way, prophets did preach, but that’s not the essence of a prophet. You could be a preacher without being a prophet. 

According to Scripture, I think it’s Numbers chapter 12, a prophet is someone who receives direct revelation from the Lord. That’s a very critical issue in the Bible. 

A prophet is someone who receives a direct revelation from the Lord. The way God communicated to prophets in the Old Testament was through a dream or a vision. A dream was given at night, and a vision was given during the day.

This verse talks about a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, indicating some overlap. A prophet could have received a revelation from God through a vision, but here he specifically spells out the dreamer of dreams. 

If you read the Old Testament and seen the expression "seer"? That’s another word for prophet. Why is he called a seer? Because he sees—either a vision or a dream. That’s why he’s called a seer.

In this passage, he says a prophet comes along and, notice this very carefully, gives you a sign or a wonder, and it comes to pass. 

The sign or wonder refers to some kind of miraculous feat, perhaps healing someone, and it actually works. Based on that, he says, "Now you should be worshipping this other god over here and not the God that redeemed you out of Egypt," as Moses will point out in this passage.

True and False Prophets:

This is fascinating to me. A lot of what prophets say doesn’t come to pass. Some of the miracles they perform aren’t miracles at all. But here, he contemplates the possibility that a prophet comes along, works a miracle, and it actually comes to pass, or makes a prediction that comes to pass.

Remember in the book of Exodus when Moses worked miracles, the Pharaoh's magicians also worked miracles. You don’t have to be a Christian to work miracles. Satan can give you the power to work a miracle, but in this case, the miracle is used to say, "You shouldn’t be worshipping the Lord at all."

Moses says if that happens, and they say, "Let us serve other gods," you shall not listen to the words of the prophet or the dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you. 

This gets more interesting by the verse. He’s saying God will allow that kind of thing to happen to test you, to see if you will really serve the Lord or be lured away from Him. He’s testing whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul.

Here is a case of a prophet or a dreamer of dreams working a miracle and then saying, "I have authority, and I’m telling you, you should worship these other gods." 

Most commentators on this passage say Moses is talking about when they get into the land, there will be idols. He’s talking about idols, suggesting that they will worship these idols. 

No doubt that’s the case here. But as I looked at this passage, I thought this is more a rejection of the first commandment than the second. It’s about not worshipping the Lord. This is a god in any way you slice it.

He says don't do it. One commentator, whom I respect, said the success of the false prophets was permitted to test God's people. I like the way he succinctly said that. But the point is that they will be tested by somebody saying, "You should be worshipping this god or this idol," rather than the true God. Moses then says in verse 4,

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

(Deuteronomy 13: 4)

Moses piles one verb upon another to communicate the relationship with the Lord: walk, fear, keep, obey, serve, hold fast. 

The point is clear: no matter what some prophet says, you cling to the Lord, love Him, walk with Him, serve Him, keep His commandments, obey Him, hold fast to Him, and do not get lured away from Him.

Dealing with False Prophets:

What do we do with people listening to this false prophet? He tells us in verse 5:

"But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst."

(Deuteronomy 13: 6)

He says to the people, "Don’t listen to me. You cling to the Lord." And concerning this false prophet, he says, "Real simple: kill him." That’s what he says. We’re not under this law, or a lot of people would be dying today. But in that context, at that time that is what God says. 

You are to purge the evil of a false prophet from your midst.

As a matter of fact, that little phrase "you shall put away the evil from your midst," appears at least eight times in the book of Deuteronomy. 

This is a big deal—get rid of this; don’t put up with it. 

Now, so far, what we've seen is one possibility of being lured away from the Lord by prophets. Interestingly, some Jews have used this passage as a reason why you should not follow Jesus; they considered Him a false prophet. 

I think that there are Christians today who get lured away from truly following the Lord because of this very issue. Are there not some who called prophets who claim they work miracles and then say all kinds of things? They will say they received a revelation from the God or the angels and what that usually amounts to is if you dig deep into what they are saying the say "God or the Spirit told me to tell you to send me money, and if you do you will be blessed."

This is the kind of stuff that lures people away from the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible doesn’t promise you a rose garden without thorns. And remember if the Lord gives you a rose garden then remember, roses have thorns.

The idea that you wouldn’t have trouble is so foreign to the Bible, I wonder what some people are reading.

Give me a break. Have you ever read the book of Job? The things described in Job predate Moses. Job probably lived around the time of the patriarchs. So, one of the first things God wants you to know is that life is problematic. As Job says, "Just as sparks fly upward, you’re going to have problems." 

But this is much more than a cautionary tale to be on your gueard against false teaching from within the Christian church, but outside in the wider world also reminded of the gravity and the necessity of vigilance in our whole of life faith journey. 

This passage serves as a solemn warning against the allure and danger of false prophets, who, even with so claims of divine revelation and persuasive words. 

All such things can be manipulated ton lead us astray from the truth of God. It underscores the importance of discernment and steadfastness in our commitment to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 is not merely an ancient cautionary tale but a living, breathing call to us today. In a world filled with countless voices claiming to speak the truth, it is crucial to stay anchored in God’s word. 

We must remember that our faith is not just a collection of beliefs but a relationship with a living God who has revealed Himself to us through Scripture. This relationship demands our loyalty, even when confronted with enticing alternatives.

The text challenges us to test every spirit, every teaching, and every prophecy against the unchanging word of God.

It is a call to spiritual maturity, where we grow in our ability to discern truth from falsehood. This discernment is not about skepticism or cynicism but about a deep, abiding connection with the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth.

But this warning also comes with a promise. God does not leave us to navigate these challenges alone. He is with us, empowering us through His Spirit and His Word.

The same God who warned Israel against false prophets is the God who promises never to leave us or forsake us. He is our Shepherd, leading us through the valleys and the shadows, ensuring that we do not fall prey to deception.

As we reflect on this, we must also recognize the hope and encouragement that comes from our God. 

He is a God of love, grace, and truth, and He desires that we walk in the light as He is in the light. His commandments are not burdensome; they are life-giving and meant for our ultimate good. By adhering to His word, we are not just avoiding falsehood but embracing the abundant life He offers.

In a practical sense, this means we must be proactive in our spiritual disciplines. Regular study of the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential in strengthening our faith and discernment. These practices keep us grounded and connected to the truth, making it harder for false teachings to take root in our hearts.

Moreover, we must support one another on this journey.

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. We are a community, a body of believers, who can encourage and hold each other accountable. 

When we see a brother or sister being swayed by false teachings, it is our duty, in love, to gently guide them back to the truth. Together, we stand stronger against the deceptions that seek to pull us away from God.

As we close, let us be reminded of the words of Jesus in John 10:27-28: 

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

This is the confidence we have in Christ. We are His sheep, and He is our Good Shepherd. No false prophet, no deceptive teaching can snatch us from His hand if we remain close to Him.

So, let us go forth with renewed commitment and joy, knowing that our God is faithful. He has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

Let us continue together to immerse ourselves in His word, trust in His guidance, and encourage one another in the faith. In doing so, we will not only safeguard ourselves against deception but will can live a light that brightly shines as a beacons of truth and hope in a world that desperately needs it.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore.

Amen