How can we guard against attributing God's work to evil, as in Matthew 12:24? Matthew 12:24—The Sobering Warning “But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man drives out demons.’” (Matthew 12:24) Why This Matters Attributing God’s work to Satan is not merely an error in judgment; Jesus calls it blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32). Such a charge reveals a heart resistant to truth and places the speaker in grave spiritual danger. Recognize the Signs of God’s Work • Freedom from bondage (Luke 4:18) • Transformation toward holiness (2 Corinthians 5:17) • Exaltation of Jesus as Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3) • Demonstration of love, joy, peace, and the other fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) Cultivate Scriptural Discernment • Measure every claim by clear biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). • Ask, “Does this align with the whole counsel of God?” (Psalm 119:160). • Reject any evaluation driven by jealousy, pride, or tradition over truth (Colossians 2:8). Guard Your Heart First • Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Pray for wisdom and a teachable spirit (James 1:5; Proverbs 9:9). • Value humility over having the last word (Philippians 2:3). Test the Spirits, Don’t Assume the Worst “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1) • Ask whether the work confesses Jesus Christ come in the flesh (1 John 4:2–3). • Look for consistent biblical fruit over time, not one sensational moment (Matthew 7:16–18). • Seek corroboration from mature, biblically grounded believers (Proverbs 11:14). Watch Your Words Carefully “The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:21) • Speak only after thoughtful, prayerful consideration (James 1:19). • If uncertain, choose restraint rather than rash condemnation (Proverbs 10:19). • Remember that idle words will be judged (Matthew 12:36–37). Stay Close to the Holy Spirit • Walk daily in step with Him (Galatians 5:25). • Refuse to grieve or quench His leading (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Celebrate His work wherever it appears, giving glory to God (Luke 17:15–18). Encourage a Culture of Grace • Honor God’s varied methods and servants (1 Corinthians 12:4–6). • Promote unity by focusing on shared faith in Christ (Ephesians 4:3–6). • Correct error gently, not with accusations of demonic origin (2 Timothy 2:24–25). Living It Out Guarding against mislabeling God’s work begins with a heart grounded in Scripture, humbled by grace, and quick to test rather than to condemn. By honoring the Spirit’s fruit, weighing actions by the Word, and measuring our words carefully, we protect ourselves—and others—from the grave mistake Jesus warned about in Matthew 12:24. |
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