Jeremiah 27
by Pastor David Groendyk

Here is another chapter in which Jeremiah warns people of impending doom. The emphasis this time, however, lies in the fact that the people should not listen to the prophets, diviners, dreamers, fortune-tellers, or sorcerers who are saying that the exile won’t come (v. 9). And the Lord is awfully direct in these verses. Notice how many times he calls out the false prophets for their lies: “Do not listen” (v. 9), “it is a lie” (v. 10), “do not listen” (v. 14), “it is a lie” (v. 14), “I have not sent them” (v. 15), “they are prophesying falsely” (v. 15), “do not listen” (v. 16), “it is a lie” (v. 16), “do not listen” (v. 17). Nine times! God takes false teachers seriously, and so should we. When false teachers are harming the flock of God, acting as wolves in sheep’s clothing, it is our duty to expose their lies and warn others against listening to them.

The major lie Jeremiah confronts here is that no evil or judgment will befall this people. And I can’t help but see parallels with the heresy today known as the “prosperity gospel” or the “health and wealth gospel” or the “word of faith movement”. The similarity between the false teachers in Jeremiah’s day and our day is the idea that God’s plans for you are only ever success, achievement, victory, health, wealth, and prosperity. Both of these heresies would say, “Don’t listen to anyone who tells you God sends hardship your way! God only has good things in store for his people.” The trouble is that that is not what Scripture tells us, and that is not what any child of God experiences. Read Romans 8 or 2 Corinthians 4–5 or Psalm 88 or the whole book of Job to see some of the ways God tests us and tries us and purifies our faith through hardships. Don’t buy into the idea that God promises Christians material success in this life. God certainly has a plan to prosper you, but it may not be in this life, it probably won’t be the kind of prospering you expect, and it may not come until serious hardships come first (see Jer. 29:4–11). Expect tests, trials, and tribulations. It is a normal part of the Christian life in a world that is still riddled with sin and its effects. That does not mean God is not in control or that he is not good or that he does not love you.

Jeremiah then offers a test for all the prophets: if they really are prophets, let them intercede on behalf of the city, and God will surely listen to them (v. 18)! This is an age-old test for prophets. If those who claim to speak the word of the Lord really are who they say they are, then their words will come true (Deut. 18:20–22). I can’t help but be reminded of what Kenneth Copeland (a very popular false teacher) did back in April. At the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he preached a sermon in which he declared the virus “finished” and “over”. He led a chant in which he declared about the virus, “You are destroyed forever, and you’ll never be back.” How did those prophet’s words turn out? Not well. Another false teacher I’m reminded of is Benny Hinn. Benny Hinn is another prosperity gospel preacher who is known for his miraculous healings. And yet, we never see him walking through the cancer wings of hospitals healing the terminally-ill children. Why not? Because the false words he proclaims don’t really come true. As great as these teachers’ words seem, they are unbiblical and dangerous.

How do we know if someone is a false teacher or not? Test his or her words against Scripture. Test them against the things that God has already said. If their teachings do not line up with the testimony of God’s Word, they are not true. Whether or not a teacher or preacher is speaking the word of the Lord and whether or not you should believe and follow them is a matter of life and death (vv. 8, 10, 13, 15, 17). It is urgent that we read, study, know, and understand Scripture for ourselves. And if you’re thinking, “How can I possibly understand the Bible? I’m not smart; I don’t like to read; I can’t do it”, then I have good news for you. The Holy Spirit freely gives understanding so that we would know the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10–12). It’s not up to you to work out all the hard texts of Scripture. Help is just a prayer away. Go to him now in prayer with a renewed desire to read and learn what his Word says, asking him to help you all the way.