11/06/2023
*SUNDAY MESSAGE*
*TOPIC: THE MAN OF GOD AND THE OLD PROPHET. PART 2*
*TEXT:1 KINGS 13:1-24*
We started this message last week. God sent the man of God to King Jeroboam to deliver a message, with the strict instruction that he should not eat or drink until he came back. But the old prophet in the town deceived him and brought him back to his house to eat and to drink. As a result of his disobedience, he was killed by a lion on his way back home. *We should beware, so as not to be deceived by the old prophet.*
Today we shall consider the following:
*The man of God's folly
*The characteristics of the old prophets.
*And how to overcome the old prophets' deceits.
*THE MAN OF GOD'S FOLLY-1Kings 13:9*
The man of God eventually disobeyed God through the old prophet's deceit. His disobedience was a great folly. The steps toward his fall are stated below from which all believers could learn great lessons.
* He was resting under an oak while he was to be going. When the believer is resting instead of being up and doing for the Lord, the old prophet will catch up with him.
* He did not check up the words of the old prophet with the word of God.
*"To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to the word, it is because there is no light in them" ( Isaiah 8:20)*
*He thought that every one that spoke, dressed and behaved well was truly a man of God. But our Lord Jesus Christ said.
*" Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven"(Matthew 17:21)* Hospitality, giving a good welcome, do not prove that a person is a man of God.
* The fact that the prophecy of the old prophet came to pass did not prove that he was truly a man of God.
*Beware of the words of the modern day old prophets*
*THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OLD PROPHETS*
* They have old testimonies-We were the people doing it before.
*They please people because of reward.
*They have fake identity - I am a prophet as you.
* They do not have respect for the word of God. Virtually all their actions are performed outside of the word of God.
* They sin. They tell lies with ease and count adultery as a normal practice.
*They cover up their sinful lives with hospitality.
* They have little or no time for prayer.
*They have the languages of real men of God in their mouth. They are quick to say "God bless your soul" " Praise the Lord" The Lord is good all the time " and so on.
*OVERCOMING THE DECEITS OF THE OLD PROPHETS*
If you want to daily overcome the deceits of the old prophet, you have to do the following:
* Be rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ. *Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Colossians 2:7-9; 3:16)*
*Be not slothful in business (the work of winning souls and edifying the couch) fervent in the spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11)*
*Do not have any dialogue with the old prophet at all.
* Purpose in your heart to obey the word of God at all costs.
* Always reject the offer of the old prophets
* Be prayerful.
*Pray without ceasing. Continue instant in prayer.(1Thess.5:17; Romans 12:12)*
*Let your goal be to make heaven at all costs.
As you have purposed to obey the word of God in all areas of your life, do not allow the old prophets to hinder you. Do not rest or have dialogue with the old prophets. Determine to obey God to the end. No lion on the way can devour you. You will make it to heaven in Jesus name.
*Pastor D.I Olowe*
*All Christian Evangelistic Ministry A.KA The last Days Revival Church*
*No 6, Ifelagba Community Atere zone 6,Ilorin,Kwara State.*
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