How does "inquire, investigate, and interrogate" influence our approach to spiritual discernment? Scripture Focus “Then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. If it is true and proven that this detestable thing has been done among you…” (Deuteronomy 13:14) Three Imperatives That Shape Discernment • Inquire – look beneath the surface, gather initial facts, ask questions rather than assume. • Investigate – follow the evidence, verify sources, compare claims with revealed truth. • Interrogate – press for clarity, test motives, expose contradictions, insist on corroboration. Together they form a thorough, truth-seeking process that guards the community from deception and preserves purity of worship. Why Thorough Inquiry Matters • God values truth and expects His people to value it as well (Psalm 51:6). • False worship threatens covenant faithfulness; sloppy discernment opens the door to error (Galatians 1:6-9). • Accurate judgment protects the innocent and prevents rash punishment (Proverbs 18:13, 17). Practical Steps for Believers Today 1. Compare every teaching with Scripture • Acts 17:11—Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” 2. Seek multiple witnesses and solid evidence • Deuteronomy 19:15—“A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” • Matthew 18:16—Jesus affirms the same standard. 3. Ask probing questions • Who benefits from this teaching? • Does it exalt Christ or man? • Is the fruit holy (Matthew 7:16-20)? 4. Submit findings to wise, mature believers • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many advisers.” • Hebrews 13:17—God appoints overseers for protection. 5. Act decisively once truth is confirmed • Titus 3:10—“Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition.” • 2 John 10—Do not give false teachers a platform. Blessings That Flow from Careful Discernment • Purity of doctrine—keeps the gospel uncorrupted (2 Timothy 1:13-14). • Unity of the body—shared confidence in validated truth (Ephesians 4:13-15). • Spiritual protection—reduces vulnerability to satanic schemes (Ephesians 6:11). • Personal growth—deepens love for God’s Word and sharpens wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-6). Key Takeaway Spiritual discernment is not passive intuition; it is an active, disciplined process. By obeying the command to “inquire, investigate, and interrogate,” believers honor God’s standard of truth, safeguard the church, and grow in mature, steadfast faith. |
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