What practical steps can we take to discern truth from false teachings? Setting the Scene “In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Revelation 2:15) The believers in Pergamum loved Christ and stood firm under persecution, yet they tolerated a group whose doctrine Jesus hated. He called His church to discern truth from error and to act immediately. The same calling rests on every believer today. Recognizing the Problem • False teachers rarely announce themselves. • Their message sounds close to truth but distorts grace, holiness, or the person of Christ. • Jesus takes doctrinal purity personally, because the gospel reveals His glory and secures salvation for souls. Step 1: Know the Word Inside and Out “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) “Now the Berean Jews were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) Practical habits: • Daily, systematic reading through entire books of the Bible. • Memorizing key passages that anchor major doctrines. • Keeping a notebook of observations, cross-references, and applications. • Letting Scripture interpret Scripture, never isolated verses. Step 2: Compare Every Teaching With Clear Scripture “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse.” (Galatians 1:8) Checklist for evaluation: • Does the teaching exalt Christ as fully God and fully man • Does it affirm salvation by grace alone through faith alone • Does it uphold the authority and sufficiency of the sixty-six books of Scripture • Does it line up with the plain meaning of passages studied in context Step 3: Examine the Fruits “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) Observations to make: • Lifestyle: holiness, humility, genuine love, integrity with money and relationships. • Influence: does it lead listeners to deeper obedience or to license and compromise • Longevity: true fruit grows healthier over time, false fruit eventually rots. Step 4: Listen to the Spirit, Not the Crowd “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) Daily posture: • Yield to the Spirit who leads into all truth (John 16:13). • Cultivate a tender conscience by immediate repentance when Scripture convicts. • Resist emotional pressure and follow the still, steady witness of the Spirit aligning with the written Word. Step 5: Stay Planted in Faithful Community “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching… Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself.” (Ephesians 4:14-15) Key dynamics: • Regular gathering with a biblically sound church (Hebrews 10:25). • Accountability relationships where doctrine and life are discussed openly. • Shared worship, sacraments, and service that keep hearts soft and eyes on Christ. Step 6: Guard the Gospel With Courage “Beloved, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3) Practical courage: • Speak up graciously when error surfaces in conversation, study groups, or social media. • Support leaders who faithfully refute error and equip the saints. • Remove resources that subtly undermine truth from personal libraries and recommendation lists. • Remember that Christ commends those who hold fast and warns those who tolerate deception (Revelation 2:16). Walking It Out Daily • Begin each morning with a portion of Scripture, asking what it reveals about God and how to obey. • Review notes from Sunday sermons, checking every point against the Word. • Keep a short list of trustworthy teachers whose life and doctrine have proven sound. • Schedule regular times of fellowship, even over coffee or a walk, to discuss Scripture. • Pray for a discerning heart and for the wider church to love truth. • Rejoice that the One who called Himself the Truth (John 14:6) guards His people as they cling to His unchanging Word. |
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