Vv 1-3: "In the book of Deuteronomy it was laid down what the
attitude of the people of Israel should be to those who claimed to speak with
the authority of God's Holy Spirit.
"First, does the prophet utter prophecies which are proved to
be true by their fulfilment? 'If the word does not come to pass or come true,
that is a word which the Lord has not spoken, the prophet has spoken it
presumptuously', ie, without God's authority (Deu 18:22). But there was always
the possibility that the 'prophet' might succeed, by means of a bit of clever
guesswork, in deceiving his hearers. So then a further test: 'If a prophet
arises among you... and the sign or wonder which he tells you comes to pass, and
if he says, 'Let us go after other gods'... you shall not listen to the words of
that prophet' (Deu 13:1,2).
"In other words, a prophecy or a sign or a wonder does not
guarantee that the Holy Spirit is at work. The final and certain test is whether
the teaching is good and true and right" (WGHS). See Lesson,
Holy Spirit gifts, available today?
Deu 13:4
Note 6-fold progression: follow, revere, keep, obey, serve,
hold fast...