How can we discern if a movement is "from God" as in Acts 5:39? Setting the Scene in Acts 5 - The apostles have been arrested for preaching Christ and performing miracles. - The Sanhedrin is divided: kill them or release them? - Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, counsels patience: “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39) Gamaliel’s Guiding Principle - Human schemes fade; divine works endure. - The early church was a living test case: persecution could not silence it, and the gospel kept advancing (Acts 6:7; 9:31). - This principle still helps us evaluate spiritual movements today. A Framework for Discernment Today 1. Scriptural Alignment – Does the teaching agree “with the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:3)? 2. Christ-Centered Focus – Does it exalt the crucified and risen Jesus (John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 2:2)? 3. Holy Living & Fruit – Are love, joy, peace, and the rest of the Spirit’s fruit evident (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 7:16-20)? 4. Doctrinal Integrity – Is “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” guarded (Jude 3; Galatians 1:8-9)? 5. Perseverance Under Pressure – Does it endure hardship without compromising truth (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22)? 6. Genuine Spiritual Power – Are lives transformed in ways human programs cannot explain (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:5)? Signs That a Movement Is From God - Consistent, careful use of Scripture, interpreted literally and in context. - Humble leaders who serve rather than dominate (1 Peter 5:2-3). - Growth in holiness among followers, not just numerical growth. - Clear confession of Jesus as Lord and the only way of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). - Enduring impact that outlasts fads and opposition. Warning Flags of Man-Made Movements - Teachings that add to, subtract from, or twist Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19). - Promises of personal gain, wealth, or status as primary motivators (1 Timothy 6:5). - Moral compromise excused or redefined (Isaiah 5:20). - A cult of personality around leaders rather than devotion to Christ (3 John 9). - Secrecy, manipulation, or pressure tactics instead of open, voluntary commitment (2 Corinthians 4:2). Testing by the Word: Key Passages - 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” - Acts 17:11 – The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Practical Steps for the Local Church - Regular, expositional teaching of the whole counsel of God. - Encourage believers to be Berean-minded, checking every claim against Scripture. - Maintain accountable leadership structures (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). - Pray for discernment and cultivate close walk with the Spirit (Philippians 1:9-10). - Engage in gracious dialogue with those in questionable movements, holding fast to truth while extending love (Ephesians 4:15). Encouragement to Stay Anchored When a work is truly God-initiated, no human effort can overthrow it. Standing with such a work means standing with Him. Conversely, resisting a man-made movement keeps us from fighting against God. Stay anchored in Scripture, keep Christ central, and trust the Spirit to reveal what endures. |
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