In what ways can believers ensure they follow God's true messengers? A sober reminder from Jeremiah 23:21 “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.” False messengers were energetic and eloquent, but God had not commissioned them. The same danger stands today, making discernment essential. Measure every message by the written Word • Compare every teaching to Scripture’s plain meaning (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20). • Remember that “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful” (2 Timothy 3:16), so anything contradicting it is automatically disqualified. • Even an angelic visitation is rejected if it departs from the gospel already revealed (Galatians 1:8). Look for Christ-centered fruit • Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16-20). • True messengers exalt Christ, not themselves (John 3:30). • Watch for humility, obedience, love, and holiness flowing from their lives and ministries (James 3:13,17). Rely on the Holy Spirit’s discernment • “The Spirit of truth… will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Ask Him to confirm or check what you hear (1 John 2:27). • The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired. Stay connected to the local church • God provides pastors and teachers “to equip the saints” (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Collective wisdom protects against isolation and deception (Proverbs 11:14). • Submit new teachings to trusted, mature believers for confirmation (Hebrews 13:17). Guard your own heart • Cultivate reverence for God’s voice by daily reading and obeying Scripture (Psalm 119:11). • Keep motives pure—itching ears crave novelty (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Pray for discernment and the courage to reject what is popular but untrue (Philippians 1:9-10). By anchoring every message to the Bible, examining the messenger’s fruit, listening to the Spirit, living within church accountability, and maintaining a truth-loving heart, believers can confidently follow the Lord’s genuine servants and avoid the pitfalls Jeremiah exposed. |
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