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