What role does Scripture play in identifying true messengers of Christ? Setting the Scene: Why Discernment Matters • Jesus forewarned that spiritual counterfeits would appear. • Counterfeits look convincing; only a fixed standard reveals the difference. • Scripture is that fixed, unchanging standard. Key Text: Matthew 24:23 in Context “ At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.” • The warning assumes people will claim authority. • Our safety lies in refusing every claim that departs from what Jesus has already said. Scripture as the Final Authority • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—“All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete.” • Galatians 1:8—Even an angel is rejected if his message contradicts the gospel. • Isaiah 8:20—“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” Four Biblical Tests for True Messengers 1. The Gospel Test ‑ Do they preach salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone? (Galatians 1:8-9) 2. The Doctrinal Test ‑ Is every teaching anchored in the whole counsel of God? (Acts 20:27) 3. The Fruit Test ‑ Does their life display repentance and the fruit of the Spirit? (Matthew 7:15-20) 4. The Berean Test ‑ Are their words open to scriptural scrutiny? “They examined the Scriptures every day.” (Acts 17:11) Old-Testament Confirmation • Deuteronomy 13:1-3—Even accurate predictions are rejected if they lead away from the Lord. • True prophets always direct people back to covenant faithfulness. New-Testament Reinforcement • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits …” • 2 Peter 1:19—Scripture is “a lamp shining in a dark place,” more certain than experience. Practical Steps for Modern Disciples • Keep a daily habit of reading whole books of the Bible, not isolated verses. • Compare every sermon, podcast, or prophecy with clear passages of Scripture. • Watch for subtle shifts: adding requirements to the gospel, denying Christ’s deity, or dismissing biblical morality. • Surround yourself with a church that prizes expositional teaching; collective discernment protects individual believers. Encouragement for the Believer • God never leaves His people without a trustworthy guide; His written Word stands unchanged. • When you cleave to Scripture, false voices lose their power, and the true Shepherd’s voice rings clear. |
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