How can we verify if a message aligns with God's Word and will? Setting the Scene—1 Kings 13:18 “The prophet replied, ‘I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, “Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.”’ But he was lying to him.” The man of God had a clear command directly from the LORD (vv. 9–10). Yet he trusted a conflicting word that sounded spiritual—and it cost him his life (vv. 20–24). The account stands as a caution sign: every message, no matter how impressive the messenger, must be tested. Timeless Tests for Every Message • Compare it with Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary… let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:8) If the new word clashes with the written Word, reject it—no exceptions. • Observe the direction it points – Does it lead to greater loyalty to the LORD, or away from Him? – Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that even a sign-working prophet must be refused if he diverts hearts to “other gods.” • Examine the messenger’s fruit – “Beware of false prophets… by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20) Character, integrity, and consistency with past truth matter as much as eloquence. • Seek the Spirit’s witness – “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” (1 John 2:20) The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired (2 Titus 3:16-17). • Test before you trust – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” (1 John 4:1) – “…test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Delay final acceptance until the message passes every biblical filter. Scriptural Illustrations of Discernment • Berean believers—“examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • Isaiah’s plumb line—“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) • Paul confronting Peter—truth over personality (Galatians 2:11-14). Practical Steps Today 1. Read the Bible daily; familiarity sharpens detection. 2. Keep commands you already know; obedience nurtures discernment (John 7:17). 3. Measure every sermon, podcast, dream, or counsel against clear Scripture. 4. Invite mature believers to weigh prophetic or personal words with you. 5. Watch for long-term fruit; truth produces holiness and love (James 3:17). Why Immediate Obedience Matters The man of God had one simple instruction—“Do not eat bread or drink water there” (v. 9). Partial obedience left space for deception. When God speaks clearly, swift compliance closes that gap. Summary in a Sentence A message aligns with God’s will only when it harmonizes with the written Word, exalts the LORD alone, passes the tests of godly character and Spirit-given discernment, and produces holy fruit—anything less, like the old prophet’s claim, must be refused. |
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