Identifying False Prophets in 2 Peter and Ezekiel
False prophets and teachers are warned against in 2 Peter 2:1-2, with parallels drawn to Ezekiel 13. The characteristics and actions of false prophets are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of discerning their speech and actions. Instances regarding Homer Hailey in Christianity Magazine and Bob Owen's sermon add depth to the discussion of false teachers. The speech and actions of a false prophet in Ezekiel 13 are outlined, showcasing how they mislead through false messages and practices.
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Identifying False Prophets 2 Peter 2:1-2 Ezekiel 13
2ndPeter 2:1-2 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. False Prophets of Past & False Teachers of Present Are Paralleled and Identified by Their Speech & Action
Ed Harrell, Christianity Magazine (November 1988) Finally, I find particularly offensive the easy use of the label false teacher with reference to Homer Hailey. As I have already noted, the presumption that one becomes a false teacher on the basis of holding one doctrine that I judge to be erroneous is loaded with consequences that none of us would accept. A false teacher is surely one whose dishonest motives and/or ignorance distinguish him from the sincere brother who has reached an erroneous conclusion (p. 9).
Bob Owen (2/19/95 Sermon - Concord, NC transcript, p.11) Now today, there are some people who differ over the question of divorce and remarriage. You mentioned brother Hailey. He's one of my dearest friends. I communicate with him frequently.And would love to sit at his feet right now and listen to him preach. I differ with him on the issue of divorce and remarriage. He knows that. And I know it and he and I discussed it at length. But Homer Hailey is not a deceitful worker, going around with personal desire to be disruptive and to make gain of the brethren. Homer Hailey is not some hypocritical blasphemer, who rails at the dignity of God. And those are the descriptions of the false teacher in 2 Peter 2.
The Speech & Actions of a False Prophet in Ezekiel 13 Speaking in name of the Lord a message that God had not spoken (13:1-9) Seducing people by false hope of peace, but destruction was true end (13:10-16) Hunting souls of God s people by false religious practices (13:17-23) Term false prophet not used in this passage or any other in O.T. So how can a false prophet be identified? Known by speech & actions, not character
Ezekiel 13:1-9 1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, Hear the word of the Lord! 3Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!4O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts.5You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord.6They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, Thus says the Lord! But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed.7Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, The Lord says, but I have not spoken. 8Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you, says the Lord God. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God.
Speaking Message in Name of Lord That God Had Not Spoken How had the false prophets done so in that time? Prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing Saying, Thus says the Lord! But the Lord has not sent them How false teachers do the same in principle today Matt. 7:21-23Claimed to act in name of Lord, but Matt. 15:8-9 Teach as doctrine the commands of men 2 Tim. 4:1-4 Sound doctrine vs. Desired fables
Ezekiel 13:10-16 10 Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, Peace! when there is no peace and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar 11say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. 12Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, Where is the mortar with which you plastered it? 13Therefore thus says the Lord God: I will cause a stormy wind to break forth in My fury; and there shall be a flooding rain in My anger, and great hailstones in fury to consume it. 14So I will break down the wall you have plastered with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; it will fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. 15Thus will I accomplish My wrath on the wall and on those who have plastered it with untempered mortar; and I will say to you, The wall is no more, nor those who plastered it,16that is, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace, says the Lord God.
Seducing People by False Promise of Peace Though Destruction Was End How had the false prophets done so in that time? They have seduced My people, saying, Peace! when there is no peace Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, Where is the mortar with which you plastered it? That is, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace How false teachers do the same in principle today 2 Pet. 2:18-20Promise liberty, but end is sin s bondage 1 Jn. 3:4-8 Gnostics tried to teach sin was acceptable Rom. 16:17-18 Must note & avoid ones who deceive
Ezekiel 13:17-23 17 Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; prophesy against them, 18and say, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive?19And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies? 20Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds.21I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. 22Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life.23Therefore you shall no longer envision futility nor practice divination; for I will deliver My people out of your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.
Hunting Souls of Gods People by False Religious Practices How had the false prophets done so in that time? Killing people who should not die And keeping people alive who should not live By your lying to My people who listen to lies You have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from How false teachers do the same in principle today Col. 2:4-7 Through philosophy & tradition of men Gal. 1:6-9 Often done by teaching substitute standard 2 Jn. 9-11 Reject those not bringing doctrine of Christ
