How can we discern truth from falsehood, as seen in Nehemiah 6:7? Setting the Scene: Nehemiah 6:7 in Context Sanballat and his allies sent an open letter to Nehemiah, charging him with plotting a revolt. Their claim included four short statements: • “You have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf:” (Nehemiah 6:7a) • “ ‘There is a king in Judah!’ ” (Nehemiah 6:7b) • “And now the king will hear about these reports.” (Nehemiah 6:7c) • “So come, let us confer together.” (Nehemiah 6:7d) Key Phrases Exposing the Scheme 1. “appointed prophets” – False spiritual endorsements can sound convincing. 2. “There is a king in Judah!” – Half-truths twist legitimate hopes into lies. 3. “the king will hear” – Rumors often play on fear of earthly power. 4. “come, let us confer” – A call to negotiate can mask a trap. Timeless Lessons for Discerning Truth • Measure every claim by God’s revealed mission. Nehemiah knew God had called him to rebuild, not to be king (compare Nehemiah 2:4-8). • Examine the source. Opposition voices came from men who had repeatedly opposed God’s work (Nehemiah 4:1-3). • Test the message against Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Look for fear tactics. God leads by peace; the enemy leads by intimidation (Isaiah 26:3). • Refuse to bargain with deception. Nehemiah answered, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3, paraphrased) • Remember who stands behind lies: “the devil … is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) Supporting Scriptures • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” (1 John 4:1) • “He who walks with the wise will become wise.” (Proverbs 13:20) • “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Ephesians 6:14) Practical Steps for Daily Discernment 1. Stay anchored in daily, literal reading of God’s Word. 2. Pray for wisdom and invite the Holy Spirit’s illumination (James 1:5). 3. Check motives—both yours and the speaker’s. Truth glorifies God, lies glorify self. 4. Seek counsel from mature believers who hold firmly to Scripture. 5. Observe the fruit: truth produces righteousness and peace; falsehood breeds confusion. 6. Keep focused on the task God has assigned, refusing distractions that compromise obedience. The Outcome: Truth Prevails Nehemiah’s refusal to entertain the lie kept the wall project moving forward and unmasked the enemy’s plot. Discerning truth today follows the same pattern—cling to Scripture, reject fear-driven rumors, and keep building what God has entrusted to you. |
    |