How can we discern modern voices that undermine our faith like in 2 Kings 18? Facing the Taunt: 2 Kings 18:29 “Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my hand.’” Sennacherib’s Strategy—Then and Now • Cast doubt on God’s power: “He cannot deliver you.” • Discredit godly leadership: “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you.” • Offer counterfeit security (vv. 31–32). • Intimidate with numbers, noise, and mockery. • Elevate human strength over divine promise. Modern Echoes of Undermining Voices • Secular media insisting biblical miracles are myths. • Academic theories portraying Scripture as merely human literature. • “Progressive” theology redefining sin and salvation. • Moral relativism declaring every lifestyle equally valid. • Prosperity gospels promising ease instead of holiness. • Deconstruction movements urging believers to “update” core doctrines. Three Scriptural Filters for Discernment • Word Test: “The Bereans… examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • Fruit Test: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) • Gospel Test: “If anyone preaches a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:9) Practices That Sharpen Spiritual Hearing • Daily immersion in the whole counsel of God (Psalm 1:2). • Memorizing foundational passages (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Depending on the Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13; 1 John 2:27). • Fellowship with believers who uphold sound doctrine (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Singing and speaking Scripture to one another (Ephesians 5:19). • Rejecting entertainment or teaching that contradicts clear biblical commands (Psalm 101:3). Standing Firm Like Hezekiah • Sought prophetic counsel (2 Kings 19:2–4). • Spread the enemy’s letter before the LORD (19:14). • Prayed, exalting God’s uniqueness (19:15). • Asked specifically for deliverance “so that all kingdoms… may know that You alone, LORD, are God” (19:19). • Waited in faith and watched God act (19:35). The Assurance Behind Our Discernment • “The LORD is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3) • “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) • As in Jerusalem’s siege, God still defends His Word and His people. Stand fast. |
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