How can we ensure we recognize and accept God's messengers today? Setting the Scene “So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?” — Luke 20:15 Why the Tenants Rejected the Son • They wanted the vineyard for themselves (vv. 14–15) • They did not recognize the owner’s authority • Pride and self-interest blinded them (cf. Matthew 21:42) Why We Sometimes Miss God’s Messengers Today • Preconceived ideas about how God “should” speak • Attachment to comfort or cultural trends (2 Timothy 4:3) • Suspicion that dismisses anything challenging (Acts 7:51–52) Scriptural Safeguards for Recognizing Genuine Messengers • Test every word by Scripture – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” Isaiah 8:20 – Berean-minded discernment (Acts 17:11) • Look for Christ-centered proclamation – “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” Hebrews 1:2 – Any true messenger magnifies Jesus, not self (1 Corinthians 2:2) • Examine the fruit of character and conduct – “You will recognize them by their fruit.” Matthew 7:16 – The Spirit’s fruit evident (Galatians 5:22–23) • Seek the Spirit’s inner witness – “The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 – “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit.” Romans 8:16 • Confirm through the broader body of Christ – “Let two or three prophets speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” 1 Corinthians 14:29 – Unified affirmation builds safety (Ephesians 4:11–16) • Cultivate a humble, teachable heart – “Receive with meekness the implanted word.” James 1:21 – Hardened hearts miss God’s voice (Hebrews 3:7–8) Practical Steps to Accept God’s Messengers • Daily stay in Scripture so counterfeit voices stand out • Welcome correction; it guards against deception (Proverbs 9:8–9) • Support faithful messengers materially and prayerfully (Galatians 6:6) • Act promptly on truth received—obedience sharpens discernment (John 7:17) The Cost of Rejection • Vineyard judgment followed tenant rebellion (Luke 20:16) • Refusing truth brings loss of fellowship and fruitfulness (Hebrews 12:25) • Rebellion invites spiritual barrenness (Jeremiah 6:19) Encouraging Assurance • God still sends servants—pastors, missionaries, everyday believers (Romans 10:14–15) • He equips us with “everything needed for life and godliness” to discern rightly (2 Peter 1:3) • When we receive His messengers, we receive Him (Matthew 10:40) |
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