How can we discern teachings that align with God's will, as in John 7:16? Setting the Scene in John 7:16 “My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from the One who sent Me.” Jesus stands in the temple courts, facing critics who question His authority. His answer gives us the bedrock principle for discernment: teaching that truly aligns with God’s will originates with God Himself, not from human invention or reputation. What Makes Teaching Authentic? Four Core Tests • Source Test – Does it clearly come from God’s revealed Word? (2 Timothy 3:16) – Is the message anchored in Scripture rather than human tradition or charisma? • Christ-Exalting Test – Does the teaching magnify Jesus as Lord, Savior, and only Mediator? (John 5:39; Colossians 1:18) – Any teaching that diminishes Christ’s person or work fails the test. • Fruit Test – Jesus warns, “You will recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-20) – Sound doctrine produces obedience, humility, and love; error breeds pride, division, and sin. • Consistency Test – Truth harmonizes with “the faith once for all entrusted to the saints.” (Jude 3) – Compare unfamiliar claims with the whole counsel of God; Scripture never contradicts itself. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Discernment • John 7:17 continues, “If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God.” A willing heart and the Spirit’s illumination go hand in hand. • The Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) He never leads contrary to the written Word He inspired. • 1 John 4:1 urges, “Test the spirits.” Discernment is a Spirit-enabled duty, not a passive hope. Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment 1. Immerse in Scripture daily; familiarity with truth exposes error quickly. (Psalm 119:11) 2. Pray for wisdom, expecting God to grant it liberally. (James 1:5) 3. Evaluate sermons, books, podcasts, and conversations by the four core tests. 4. Observe the teacher’s life: humility, integrity, and godly fruit validate the message. (1 Timothy 4:16) 5. Consult trusted, mature believers when something seems off. “In abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14) Warnings from Scripture about False Teaching • Paul writes, “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9) • Peter cautions that false teachers “will secretly introduce destructive heresies.” (2 Peter 2:1) • The safeguard is steadfast devotion to apostolic doctrine, not fascination with novelty. Living Out Discernment in Community • Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s message. Collective searching strengthens individual discernment. • Healthy churches cultivate environments where questions are welcomed, Scripture is opened, and Christ is honored. • When believers together prize truth above preference, Christ’s voice is heard clearly, and teachings that align with God’s will stand out unmistakably. |
    |