What steps can we take to discern truth amid differing views, per John 7:12? Setting the Scene “There was much murmuring about Him among the crowds. Some were saying, ‘He is a good man.’ But others were saying, ‘No, He deceives the people.’” (John 7:12) Why This Matters Even in Jesus’ own day, people were sharply divided over who He was. Their conflicting claims mirror the swirl of opinions we face today. Scripture offers clear, practical steps for sorting through the noise. Step 1: Settle the Authority Question • Decide that God’s Word is the final measure of truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Refuse to let culture, popularity, or personal preference outrank Scripture. Step 2: Seek Jesus Directly • Read the Gospels regularly to hear His words firsthand (John 5:39). • Ask: “What does Jesus actually say and do?” rather than, “What do others say about Him?” Step 3: Test Every Teaching Against Scripture • Follow the Bereans’ example—“They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • If an idea contradicts plain biblical teaching, reject the idea, not the Bible. Step 4: Look at the Fruit • Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16, 20) • Assess whether a viewpoint produces righteousness, love, and holiness (Galatians 5:22–23). Step 5: Invite the Spirit’s Illumination • “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Pray for wisdom—God promises to give it generously (James 1:5). Step 6: Stay Humble and Teachable • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) • Admit when you don’t know; be willing to revise secondary opinions as Scripture clarifies. Step 7: Lean on Godly Community • “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Engage with mature believers, pastors, and teachers who themselves submit to Scripture. Step 8: Persevere in Obedient Response • Truth is confirmed in practice: “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) • Act on what you learn; obedience deepens discernment. Living It Out When competing voices clamor for attention, remember John 7:12. Some called Jesus “good,” others “deceptive,” but only those who pressed in, listened, and obeyed discovered the truth. Follow these steps, and you’ll grow in clarity, confidence, and conviction—finding solid ground amid every shifting opinion. |
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