What criteria can we use to discern truth from lies in spiritual teachings? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 27:14 “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are telling you, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying a lie to you.” (Jeremiah 27:14) Understand the Warning • Judah faced voices that felt patriotic and reassuring, yet contradicted God’s revealed plan. • God’s people were tempted to trust popular prophets instead of the Word He had already given through Jeremiah. • The verse highlights a timeless issue: persuasive teaching can still be false if it departs from what God has clearly said. Key Criteria for Discernment • Agreement with Scripture – If a message contradicts the plain sense of God’s Word, reject it (Isaiah 8:20). • Proven character of the messenger – Jeremiah’s life matched his words; false prophets were known for self-interest (Jeremiah 23:21-22). • Fulfilled prophecy and consistency over time – Genuine prophetic words come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). • Exaltation of the true God, not human agenda – Sound teaching directs hearts to the Lord’s glory, not to man’s comfort or control (Galatians 1:10). • Call to obedience and holiness – Authentic messages urge repentance and faithfulness, never license to sin (1 John 3:7-8). Anchoring Criteria in Other Scriptures • Acts 17:11—The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • 1 John 4:1—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—All Scripture equips believers “for every good work,” serving as the ultimate standard. • Matthew 7:15-20—“By their fruit you will recognize them,” pointing to the moral and practical outcomes of teaching. • Galatians 1:8—Even an angelic messenger is cursed if he proclaims a gospel contrary to the one already given. Putting It into Practice • Keep an open Bible handy whenever listening to spiritual instruction. • Check context and cross-references before accepting a theological claim. • Evaluate a teacher’s life: humility, integrity, and submission to Scripture are non-negotiable. • Look at long-term fruit—does this message produce Christlike character and faithfulness? • Rely on the Holy Spirit, who leads believers “into all truth” (John 16:13), never in opposition to Scripture. Encouragement to Remain Vigilant Truth withstands scrutiny, while lies unravel under the light of God’s Word. Like Judah of old, we thrive when we heed the voice of Scripture above every competing claim, trusting that the God who spoke through Jeremiah still guides His people today. |
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