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.
Point 3: The Call to Discernment and Repentance
Paul echoes this in the New Testament.
1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 (NLT): “Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”
The Greek word for “test” is d???µ??? (dokimazo) — meaning to examine, prove, or discern. Believers are called to be discerning, not cynical — open to God’s Word, but testing every spirit against Scripture.
John also warns us:
1 John 4:1 (NLT): “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”
In our generation, we must cultivate a discerning heart. Discernment is not suspicion; it is Spirit-led clarity. And discernment always leads us back to Christ.
R.T. Kendall once said: “The greatest need in the church today is not more gifted preachers, but more discerning listeners.”
And that is so true. A discerning listener doesn’t just consume teaching; they weigh it against the eternal truth of Christ.
The Gospel Connection:
Here is the heart of the matter. If false prophets lead us astray, it is because they distract us from Christ.
But the good news is this: Jesus is the true Prophet, the true Priest, and the true King.
As Prophet, He declares God’s Word with authority.
As Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
As King, He rules and reigns over all creation.
The Gospel is this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived the perfect life we could never live. He died on the cross, taking the punishment for our sins. He was buried, and on the third day, He rose again, defeating death. And now, He offers forgiveness, eternal life, and peace with God to all who repent and trust in Him as Lord and Saviour.
Romans 10:9 (NLT) makes it plain: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Call to Action:
So, what must we do?
Test every voice against the Word of God. Don’t be swayed by false prophets.
Listen to the true Prophet — Jesus. Make His Word your foundation.
Repent and trust Him today. Do not delay.
If you’ve been listening to the wrong voices, turn back to Christ. If you’ve been drifting from God’s truth, come home. Today is the day of salvation.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, if you’ve never placed your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, today is the day. The true voice of God calls you to repent and believe. Will you respond?
Come to Him. Lay down your sin. Receive His forgiveness. Trust in His finished work at the cross.
Benediction:
As you go this week, may you walk in discernment, holding fast to the Word of God. May you reject every false voice and listen only to the Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit guide you in all truth. Amen.
