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Galatians 1.8, 9
In spite of these many warnings, Israel would frequently be tempted to follow other practices in worship than those commanded by the Lord. What kinds of things would lead them to ignore the plain and clear revelation of God and begin to do exactly the opposite of what He commanded?
Charismatic and persuasive prophets would provide temptations to disobey the Lord. Men who can speak well, accomplish impressive works, and cast alluring visions may be just the sort to lead the people of God away from the true worship of the Lord.
It has always been thus, and is today. How many people in our own day have left off caring about true worship and the Gospel of the Kingdom to follow some charismatic individual in pursuit of health, wealth, or other false gospels?
We become vulnerable when we leave off hiding the Word of God in our heart and making the Law of God the touchstone in all our ways.
But the people of God need such false prophets to arise from time to time. By them the Lord sharpens our discernment, fortifies obedience, and enables us to prove and improve love for Him.
We pass these tests when we examine all we hear by the whole counsel of God in Scripture (Acts 17.11) and hold fast only to the ways of the Lord. Each act of obedience makes us stronger, but we must maintain constant vigilance, for false prophets can be very persuasive.
Do not expect false prophets to announce themselves as such. They will use the language of the Kingdom and the Gospel to press their visions and schemes. We must be vigilant, discerning, and in touch with the great heritage of Christian belief in order to know which voices to heed and which, because they foment rebellion against God, must be suppressed.
T. M. Moore
The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.