How can we ensure we are listening to God's chosen messengers today? Setting the Context Acts 3:23: “Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.” Peter is applying Moses’ promise of “a Prophet like me” (Deuteronomy 18:15–19) to Jesus. The stakes are eternal: listen to the voices that truly speak for Christ, or be cut off. Why Listening Matters • God still speaks through human messengers—pastors, teachers, evangelists (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Right hearing brings life, growth, and unity (John 10:27; Acts 2:42-47). • Wrong hearing brings deception and judgment (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Galatians 1:8-9). Marks of God’s Authentic Messengers Today • Scripture-saturated message – Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony!… they have no light of dawn.” – 1 Peter 4:11: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” • Christ-exalting focus – John 16:14: the Spirit glorifies Christ; genuine teachers do the same. • Sound doctrine consistent with apostolic teaching – Acts 2:42; Jude 3. • Evident fruit of the Spirit – Matthew 7:16-20; Galatians 5:22-23. • Humble, servant-hearted character – 1 Peter 5:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:5. • Affirmation by a faithful church body – 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Acts 13:1-3. • Endurance under testing – 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; James 1:12. Practical Steps to Stay Attuned 1. Immerse yourself in daily Bible reading; familiarity with the whole counsel of God is the first filter (Psalm 119:11). 2. Compare every teaching with Scripture—word, context, and overall storyline (Acts 17:11). 3. Listen for consistent exaltation of Jesus’ person, work, and lordship (Colossians 1:28). 4. Observe the teacher’s life over time; look for the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). 5. Stay committed to a biblically faithful local church where elders shepherd and safeguard doctrine (Hebrews 13:17). 6. Invite the Spirit’s discernment: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). 7. Seek counsel from mature believers when evaluating new voices or movements (Proverbs 11:14). 8. Watch for unity with historic, orthodox faith rather than novelty that contradicts it (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Guardrails Against False Voices • Beware of messages that diminish Scripture’s authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Reject any teaching that downplays sin or redefines morality (Isaiah 5:20). • Be cautious of personalities who elevate themselves rather than Christ (3 John 9). • Avoid teachers motivated chiefly by money or fame (1 Timothy 6:5-10; 2 Peter 2:1-3). • Remember that miracles or charisma alone never prove authenticity (Matthew 7:21-23). Encouragement to Respond When the message is biblical and Christ-centered, welcome it with obedient faith (James 1:22). Acts 3:23 warns of severe consequences for refusing, but the chapter also promises “times of refreshing” for those who heed God’s appointed voices (Acts 3:19-20). Listen well, walk in the truth, and enjoy the fullness of life that comes from hearing and following the Shepherd through His faithful messengers today. |
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