How can we discern truth when others mock our faith like in Acts 2:13? Looking at the Moment in Jerusalem “ But others mocked them and said, ‘They are drunk on new wine!’ ” (Acts 2:13) Pentecost was noisy with the Holy Spirit’s arrival, yet some bystanders wrote it off as drunken babble. Ridicule was immediate and public. Why the Mocking Matters • Mockery exposes a heart unwilling to weigh evidence (Proverbs 18:13). • It tests our own confidence in what God has plainly done and said. • It reminds us that unbelief is not new; Jesus Himself was scorned (Matthew 27:41-43). Truth Never Shifts—Scripture Grounds Us • God’s Word is “truth” (John 17:17) and “cannot be broken” (John 10:35). • We weigh every claim—ours and theirs—against the fixed plumb line of Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • The Spirit of truth guides believers, not the mood of the crowd (John 16:13). How to Discern When Faith Is Mocked 1. Remember Who Spoke First ‑ Peter answered mockery with “this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16). ‑ Go to the text before you go to feelings. 2. Compare Words to Works ‑ The crowd heard languages they recognized; the disciples’ experience matched prophetic promise (Acts 2:6-11, Joel 2:28-32). ‑ Authentic works of God line up with His written words. 3. Test the Spirit’s Fruit ‑ Real movement of the Spirit produces conviction and repentance (Acts 2:37-41; Galatians 5:22-23). ‑ Mockery bears pride; the Spirit bears humility and life. 4. Look at the Messenger’s Life ‑ Peter, once fearful, now preaches boldly—evidence of resurrection power (Acts 4:13). ‑ A changed life corroborates a true message (1 Thessalonians 1:5). 5. Hold Fast, Speak Graciously ‑ “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). ‑ We answer, not with scorn, but with sober truth (1 Peter 3:15-16). Living Examples Encourage Us • Nehemiah ignored Sanballat’s taunts, kept building (Nehemiah 4:1-6). • Paul preached in Athens despite ridicule over the resurrection (Acts 17:32). • Hebrews 11 parades saints who trusted God over public opinion. A Promise to Anchor Our Discernment “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Stay in the Word, weigh every spirit, and the same Spirit who silenced the scoffers at Pentecost will steady your heart today. |
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