How can we discern truth from falsehood using Ezekiel 13:22 as guidance? Key Verse: Ezekiel 13:22 “Because you have disheartened the righteous with lies when I had not grieved him, and because you have encouraged the wicked not to turn from his wicked way to save his life,” What the Verse Reveals About False Messages • Falsehood discourages those walking rightly, piling on guilt God never intended. • It props up the wicked by excusing sin, keeping them from repentance. • God condemns both effects—He never authors needless despair in the righteous, nor does He license ongoing evil. Timeless Principles for Discerning Truth • Compare every message with what God has already spoken—Scripture is the plumb line (Isaiah 8:20). • Evaluate fruit: truth strengthens righteousness; error weakens it (Matthew 7:15-20). • Watch for flattery toward sin—authentic truth always calls for turning from evil (Acts 26:20). • Note the source: true messengers submit to God’s authority, not personal agendas (Jeremiah 23:21-22). • Look for alignment with God’s character—He is both holy and compassionate; any message that obscures either trait is suspect (Psalm 89:14). Practical Discernment Checklist 1. Read the whole counsel of God regularly—familiarity breeds recognition. 2. Test the spirits (1 John 4:1): • Does the message exalt Christ as Lord? • Does it acknowledge His incarnation and atoning work? 3. Check context—isolated verses can be twisted; broad context clarifies intent (2 Timothy 2:15). 4. Seek corroboration—multiple Scriptures confirm a doctrine (Deuteronomy 19:15). 5. Observe the messenger’s life—persistent ungodliness undermines credibility (Titus 1:16). 6. Invite the Spirit’s illumination—He guides into all truth, never contradicting the written Word (John 16:13). Living It Out with Confidence • Encourage, don’t crush, those pursuing righteousness—echo God’s heart, not the liar’s discouragement. • Call sin what it is, while offering the hope of repentance and life. • When confronted with a teaching, ask: “Does this drive me toward holiness and deeper trust in Christ, or into fear, compromise, or self-indulgence?” • Stand firm; the Lord promises discernment to those who seek it (Proverbs 2:3-6). Scriptures That Reinforce the Lesson • Deuteronomy 18:21-22 — criteria for a true prophet. • John 8:31-32 — truth sets free, never enslaves. • Acts 17:11 — the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — all Scripture equips for every good work. • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 — test everything, hold fast to the good, avoid every form of evil. |
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