Jeremiah 23:30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. 32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.
This passage of scripture teaches us the dangers of imbibing and believing erroneous teachings. Here the Lord shows His utter displeasure with those who were teaching His people to err by the false dreams and incorrect interpretations they were presenting to the people. The deleterious effects of those errors are also brought to view because they do not profit anyone, and always as a rule lead into false paths.
One of the reasons why the Lord cautions us against believing false doctrines is because our actions are directly affected by what we believe. A prominent example of the results of erroneous teaching can be found in the experience of Ahab, king of Israel, who succumbed to the words of false prophets who supposedly prophesied in the name of the Lord.
Ahab needed advice on whether or not he should go to war with the Syrians, and so he consulted with the many false prophets who claimed to give counsel from God. All of them unitedly assured Ahab that the Lord had given him the go-ahead for this venture, and so Ahab chose to believe them and consequently made his decision based on what he thought was the word of the Lord. Let's read:
1st kings 22:6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hand.
Ahab's actions were directly affected by what he believed, and so the decision was made to go to war, contrary to what the one true prophet of God had said. The results of Ahab's actions are before us so that we too can take notice and receive instruction. Let's read:
1st Kings 22:34 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. 35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. 37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.
In our day there are multitudinous errors and false doctrines that abound, that give to those who accept them a false sense of security, and thus the actions, behaviors and thinking of the masses are directly affected by what they believe. For instance, if a person is taught that the law of God is no longer binding upon men, then their actions will be affected by what they believe, and they will inevitably live contrary to the principles of righteousness, because they believed that the commandments are no longer in force.
One of the most prominent false doctrines is the teaching that the spirit of man continues to live on after death. This deadly falsehood has spawned a multitude of superstitious fears, errors, and profitable businesses, as people try to protect themselves from those who have departed this life.
After one of my uncles died, our relatives who are Catholics refused to sleep on his bed even though many family members had come over for the funeral, and we were in need of extra beds. The reason for their decision was their belief that the soul of my uncle was hovering somewhere in the house and they would not for anything sleep on his bed. Their actions and decisions were based on their belief. My mom however, who believed that the dead are really dead decided that she needed to sleep, because she was exhausted from the hustle and bustle of the day, and since the only bed that was available was my uncle's, she retired for the night and had a perfectly good night's rest, without incident. Her actions were also based on her belief.
That's why Jesus warns us not to listen to nor receive false doctrines for they inevitably affect our actions and lead us in paths that are not safe, nor necessary. God is now calling every honest-hearted person to study and believe the truths of His word that we may be shielded from the many falsehoods that abound today, both in the secular and religious realms. We therefore end with an instruction from the Most High, so that our thoughts and actions may be guided in true and right paths. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
May the word of God shine brilliantly into our hearts that we may be able to discern right from wrong, and good from evil. "Good night" and God bless!