Go! And Test The Prophets - Deuteronomy 18:22 Series

Go! And Test the Prophets - Deuteronomy 18:22

Opening Scripture

Deuteronomy 18:22 (NLT): “If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.”

Introduction

Church, let me ask you a question: Who are you listening to?

In a world of social media influencers, self-proclaimed prophets, false teachers, and endless noise, we are bombarded with voices that claim to offer truth, hope, and direction. But not every voice is from God. Some voices sound spiritual, some sound wise, but they do not carry the authority of the Lord.

This morning, we will explore God’s warning in Deuteronomy 18:22, and we will see how it ultimately points us to the true and final Prophet — the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Word made flesh, the One who always speaks truth, and the One who is worthy of our trust, our repentance, and our obedience.

The sermon title is “Go! And Test the Prophets” — because God calls His people not to be gullible but discerning.

Point 1: The Test of True Prophecy

Let’s begin with our key verse.

Deuteronomy 18:22 (NLT): “If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.”

In the Hebrew, the word for “prophet” is ?????? (navi?) — meaning “one who speaks on behalf of another.” A prophet was God’s mouthpiece. But God sets the standard: if what they say does not come true, they are not speaking for Him.

False prophets were common in Israel’s history. Jeremiah 23:16 warns:

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: ‘Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the Lord!’”

Theologically, this reminds us that God’s Word is always true and trustworthy. God does not lie. Numbers 23:19 (NLT) says:

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

We are surrounded by false teachers — prosperity preachers promising health and wealth, influencers selling spiritual shortcuts, and voices that twist Scripture. We must test everything against the unchanging Word of God.

John Piper once said: “The root issue in the believer’s life is always this: will we trust God’s Word over everything else?”

Piper is right. The real battle is between God’s voice and the world’s voices.

I once read of a counterfeit expert in a bank. He didn’t study thousands of fake banknotes to learn the difference. Instead, he studied the real note so carefully that when a fake crossed his hand, he instantly knew it was false. That is what God calls us to do with His Word. When we know His truth deeply, the false will be exposed.

Point 2: The Promise of the True Prophet

Deuteronomy doesn’t just warn us about false prophets; it also points us forward.

Deuteronomy 18:18 (NLT): “I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him.”

This is a messianic prophecy. God was pointing to Jesus Christ as the true and final Prophet. Acts 3:22 confirms this when Peter preaches:

“Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’”

The Hebrew word for “listen” is ?????? (shama?) — not just hearing, but obeying. Jesus is not just another prophet; He is the Prophet who perfectly reveals the Father.

Hebrews 1:1–2 (NLT) says: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

If you want to know God’s voice, you don’t need to chase every new teaching, podcast, or prophecy. You need to listen to Jesus.

Charles Stanley once said: “God will never say anything to you in the Spirit that He has not already said in His Word.”

That is crucial — the Word of God, fulfilled in Christ, is our final authority.

Imagine being lost in a vast forest at night. You hear voices calling — some telling you to go left, some right, some forward. Then suddenly you hear the voice of the one person you know loves you, who has come to rescue you. That is what Jesus’ voice is to the believer. Amidst the noise, His is the voice of truth and salvation.