Footnote 23:9-14: How did the nation become so corrupt?
A major factor was false prophecy. The false prophets had a large, enthusiastic
audience and were very popular because they made the people believe that all was
well. By contrast, Jeremiah's message from God was unpopular because it showed
the people how bad they were.
There are four warning signs of false prophets --
characteristics we need to watch for even today.
1. They may appear to speak God's message, but they do
not live according to his principles.
2. They water down God's message in order to make it more
palatable.
3. They encourage their listeners, often subtly, to
disobey God.
4. They tend to be arrogant and self-serving, appealing
to the desires of their audience instead of being true to God's
Word.
Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream,
but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do
with grain? declares the Lord. Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord,
and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Footnote: True prophets and false prophets are as
different as straw and grain. Straw is useless for food and cannot compare to
nourishing grain. To share the gospel is a great responsibility because the way
we present it and live it will encourage people either to accept it or reject
it. Whether we speak from a pulpit, teach in a class, or share with friends, we
are entrusted with accurately communicating and living out God's Word. As you
share God's Word with friends and neighbors, they will look for its
effectiveness in your life. Unless it has changed you, why should they let it
change them? If you preach it, make sure you live it!
Keep reading -- 142 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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