Who are You Listening To
Anton Bosch warns believers to discern carefully whom they listen to, emphasizing the danger of false teachers who preach their own messages rather than God's truth, and calls for faithfulness to the holiness of God's Word.
This sermon emphasizes the prevalence of false prophets and preachers who speak their own words instead of God's, leading people astray with deceptive messages. It highlights the need for discernment in listening to preachers and the importance of true shepherds who feed the flock with God's word. The message warns against loving flattery and lies over the truth, urging listeners to align themselves with genuine shepherds who fear the Lord.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Burden of Jeremiah and the Modern Church
- Jeremiah's broken heart over false prophets
- The church faces similar issues as ancient Israel
- The relevance of Jeremiah's message today
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II. The Problem of False Prophets and Preachers
- Preachers preaching their own messages, not God's word
- The spiritual adultery of forsaking faithfulness to God
- The worldly and profane nature of many modern preachers
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III. The Consequences of False Teaching
- Strengthening the hands of evildoers
- The absence of true repentance in the church
- The coming judgment on false teachers
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IV. The Call to Discernment and Faithfulness
- Do not listen to every self-proclaimed prophet
- Seek preachers who handle God's word faithfully
- The necessity of brokenness and humility in ministry
Key Quotes
“My heart within me is broken because of the prophets. All my bones shake. I am like a drunken man and like a man whom wine has overcome because of the Lord and because of His holy words.” — Anton Bosch
“When preachers love preaching more than they love the Lord, when preachers love themselves, when preachers love money, they are committing adultery.” — Anton Bosch
“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.” — Anton Bosch
Application Points
- Evaluate carefully the teachings you listen to and ensure they align with Scripture.
- Cultivate a personal, faithful relationship with Jesus rather than relying solely on human teachers.
- Encourage and support preachers who demonstrate humility, brokenness, and faithfulness to God's word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Anton Bosch mean by 'false prophets' in this sermon?
He refers to preachers and teachers who preach their own ideas rather than the true word of God, misleading believers.
Why does the sermon emphasize the concept of 'adultery'?
Adultery symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness, where believers or preachers forsake their relationship with God for worldly or false allegiances.
What is the danger of listening to false teachers according to the sermon?
False teachers strengthen evildoers, prevent repentance, and lead people away from God's truth, resulting in spiritual harm.
How can believers protect themselves from false teaching?
By discerning carefully whom they listen to, ensuring preachers faithfully handle God's word, and seeking a personal relationship with Jesus.
What role does repentance play in this message?
Repentance is essential for turning away from wickedness, but false teaching often discourages true repentance, which is dangerous for the church.