What criteria can we use to discern truth from falsehood in teachings? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 29:9 “For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD.” The Heart of the Warning - God Himself identifies the problem: voices claiming divine authority yet lacking His commission. - When the Sender is not God, the message cannot be trusted, no matter how persuasive the messenger. Five Reliable Criteria for Discernment 1. Source Alignment - Does the teaching originate from those truly sent by God, or is it self-appointed? - Galatians 1:8 reminds us that even an angel must not contradict the gospel already given. 2. Scriptural Agreement - Every word must harmonize with the whole counsel of God. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture is the fixed standard for instruction, correction, and training. 3. Christ-Centered Focus - Authentic teaching exalts Jesus—His person, work, and kingdom. - 1 John 4:2-3 links truth to the right confession of Christ. 4. Moral and Spiritual Fruit - Genuine doctrine produces godly character. - Matthew 7:16,20: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” 5. Holy Spirit Confirmation - The Spirit guides believers into truth (John 16:13) and grants inner witness when teaching is sound. - Yet His guidance never contradicts written Scripture. Supporting Passages for Testing - 1 John 4:1 — “Test the spirits…” - Acts 17:11 — The Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” - Deuteronomy 13:1-4 — Miraculous signs do not validate a prophet who draws hearts away from the LORD. - Matthew 24:24 — False christs and prophets will perform great signs “to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment - Read the Bible consistently; know the authentic so well that the counterfeit is obvious. - Compare every new idea, sermon, or book against clear biblical texts. - Watch the long-term fruit in the teacher’s life and in those who follow the teaching. - Seek counsel from mature, Scripture-saturated believers when unsure. - Pray for the Spirit’s illumination, trusting Him to spotlight error and confirm truth. Summing It Up Jeremiah 29:9 spotlights the danger of messages that wear God’s name without His authority. Staying anchored to Scripture, centered on Christ, attentive to spiritual fruit, and yielded to the Spirit keeps believers walking in truth and shields them from persuasive falsehoods. |
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