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Q&A-108

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1 Kings 13 Prophets: The Good & The Bad & the Lessons for Us

Being a prophet does not automatically make someone a follower of God, saved forever. There are prophets who God uses that are not believers, like Balaam (Num. 22-24; Joshua 13; 2 Peter 2:15-16; Jude 11; Rev. 2:14).

Balaam dealt with God (name of Deity), not the Lord (the covenant Name). Remember God spoke through the donkey. Was the donkey granted eternal life just because God used him as a conduit for truth?

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Some prophets only speak words from their experience, and from their hearts, not God’s revelation.

Jer. 23:16 (NKJV) Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the Lord.

Acts 20:29-31 (NKJV) For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

False prophets can perform signs and wonders.

Mt. 24:24 (NKJV) For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

2 Th. 2:9-12 (NKJV) The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Rev. 13:13 (NKJV) He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

1 Kings 13:1-10 The Obedient blessed ministry of the man of God

God used the man of God to give one of the most remarkable prophecies in the Bible. Josiah (640-609 BC reigned) fulfilled this prophecy almost 300 years in the future (2 Kings 23:15-20).

Lesson: God can use a person in a mighty way; but that does not insulate them for life from temptations that can ruin their lives and ministries.

1 Kings 13:11-19 The deception and disobedience of the man of God

Fellow servants of the Lord can tell us things that God did not say to them.

We are all subject to deception when we do not stick to God’s Word.

The old prophet may have truly believed that he experienced an angel that appeared to him and told him these things.

Even if someone sincerely believes in their experience, if it does not square with God’s Word it is false.

Lesson: God holds us responsible to what He has revealed to us in His Word.

Acts 17:11 (NKJV) These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Gal. 1:8-9 (NKJV) But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

James 4:17 (NKJV) Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

1 Kings 13:20-32 The judgment and death of the disobedient man of God

Lesson: God requires full and complete obedience. Selective and partial obedience is considered by God to be disobedience.

Gal. 6:7 (NKJV) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

1 Sam. 15:22 (NKJV) So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Lesson: Don’t let others reveal or determine God’s will for your life. Instead, obey God’s Word at any cost.

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Pr. 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.