And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him.
1 Kings 13:18 (ESV)
A man of God was sent to prophecy against the golden calf and its altar at Bethel (2 Kings 13:1-6). And he was instructed not to eat or drink while on his journey (2 Kings 13:7-10). On his way home, he was met by an older man who claimed to have a message from God for him. A message that was contrary to what he had originally received. And he deceived the prophet into sharing a meal with him. A meal that ultimately cost him his life (2 Kings 13:20-26).
It might be easy to dismiss this as an interesting, although somewhat confusing, story. But it should serve as a warning to us. When God gives us clear instructions, we need to be careful not to be deceived into disobedience.
There are many today claiming to be prophets who bring a message contrary to God’s instructions for us as found in Scripture. They may be popular. And their words may be appealing. But if they are teaching something contrary to Scripture, they are not of God.
Guard Against False Teachers
How do you avoid falling prey to a lying prophet or false teacher? The most important thing you can do is to know what Scripture teaches. Don’t take someone else’s word for it. Study it yourself. Know what it says and put it into practice (2 Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17).
A second thing you should do is to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us into the truth (John 14:26) if we will listen to him.
And have nothing to do with those who have proven to be false prophets. Those whose teachings are contrary to the inspired, truthful, and authoritative word of God. As Paul says:
For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NIV)
