In the previous blog I talked about the danger false teaching, disguised as truth, sneaking into our lives and hearts. We saw that 1) true light comes only through Jesus and 2) a deep knowledge of God’s Word is the only way to keep from error. Lets look at two more principles to notice error.
- God gives discernment to those who ask for it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” (Psalm 119:125) We are not smart enough on our own to discern Satan’s deceptions. Neither was Eve. But God promises He will give us the awareness of error so we aren’t deceived by it. We are to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). To do it in our own strength would be unwise because then we are prone to going against God’s Word.
The God who opened our eyes to our need of salvation is the same God who grants us discernment as we continue to grow in our relationship with Him and in His Word. It is part of our sanctification, maturing as Christians, and growing in Christlikeness. Many Christians remain spiritually immature despite being in church for years because they are not growing in the Word. The author of Hebrews states it perfectly: “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
Are you comfortable with just attending church Sundays, and that’s it? Is your knowledge of the Scriptures minimal? Do you barely make time for the Word or for prayer? A discerning Christian is a growing Christian because he or she is constantly striving to grow more in the Lord despite his own imperfections and shortcomings. He is not satisfied with the milk because he is no longer an infant. He needs solid food, which comes through continued growth in the Word of God and asking God for discernment.
- Listen to everything with a discerning ear. Of course you should trust your pastor, but you are responsible to check what he says against God’s Word so nothing false slips in. The same is true to what you listen to online and the lyrics of the music you hear, Christian as well as secular. Acts 17 records that the apostle Paul and Silas traveled to Berea from Thessalonica due to the hostility of the Jews because they shared the gospel with them. During their stay in Berea, the residing Jews were described as “more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (v 11). Whenever they heard Paul speak, they would look up what he said in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to make sure it was true and accurate. Imagine that. The great apostle Paul, doer of miracles, starter of churches and writer of much of the New Testament, being checked up on by these men? Paul himself says they were “more noble” for doing this! So, if they could make sure what they heard from Paul was true, you should make sure all you hear from church leaders and national authors and speakers is true. Ask God for discernment, then apply it to what you hear.
Has it ever happened to you that you hear something new and it just doesn’t seem quite right to you, something uncomfortable grows inside you about it? That’s God’s Spirit flashing lights and sirens to get your attention. Follow that leading. Don’t think others must be right because of their position, how many books they sold or how many subscribe to their podcast. Examine all you hear or sing in light of the Word of God. Ask yourself: “Is what’s being said or sung faithful to the biblical text?” If more Christians did this today, their ability to discern would grow significantly because they would be allowing the Scriptures to assess what they are listening to. That being said, it requires Christians to first and foremost be grounded in the Word so that they are able to point out the red flags in false teaching today.
With so much deception in the world today, and sadly in many churches as well, the true church of Jesus Christ must stand firm with biblical truth and sound doctrine because that is what the Lord Jesus Christ has provided for his Bride. The truth is usually not popular, and that is true in churches as well. Don’t be gullible. Don’t underestimate the ability of the Holy Spirit to alert you to something that doesn’t feel right. Do have courage to pursue the truth wherever it takes you. Satan and the world will do all they can to mislead you but if you stay focused on the Word and trust God’s discernment you can’t go wrong!
Matthew 24:24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
When is the last time you heard something that didn’t seem right and knew God was sending you a warning about what you were hearing?
Do you find yourself singing words that may not line up with Scripture, that Jesus Himself might not sing? Stick to songs you know are true and have stood the test of time.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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