How can we identify and resist false guidance in our spiritual journey? Setting the Scene – Nehemiah 6:10 “Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said: ‘Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple and close the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you!’” Why Shemaiah’s Counsel Was False • Positioned as prophetic yet contradicted God’s law (Numbers 3:10; only priests could enter the sanctuary) • Motivated by fear, not faith (2 Timothy 1:7) • Undermined the mission God had assigned (Nehemiah 6:3) • Was secretly paid by Tobiah and Sanballat (Nehemiah 6:12–13) • Appealed to self-preservation over obedience (Matthew 16:24–25) Spotting False Guidance Today • Contradicts clear Scripture (Isaiah 8:20; Galatians 1:8) • Centers on fear, flattery, or urgency instead of God’s character (James 3:17) • Encourages disobedience under a veneer of piety (Mark 7:6–9) • Comes from compromised or hidden motives (2 Peter 2:1–3) • Pulls you away from God-given assignments or fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25) Biblical Tests for Guidance 1. Scripture Test – Does it align with “All Scripture… God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)? 2. Spirit Test – Does it exalt Christ and produce His fruit (1 John 4:1–3; Galatians 5:22–23)? 3. Community Test – Is it affirmed by mature, godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14)? 4. Mission Test – Does it further or hinder what God already told you (Acts 20:24)? 5. Integrity Test – Does it require compromise or secrecy (John 3:20–21)? Tools for Resisting False Guidance • Daily intake of the Word—“Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105) • Prayerful discernment—ask for wisdom (James 1:5) • Spirit-filled alertness—“Be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8) • Accountable relationships—like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) • Obedient follow-through—truth solidifies when practiced (John 7:17) Encouraging Promises to Hold • John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • Isaiah 30:21 – “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” Key Takeaways • Know Scripture well enough to spot any detour. • Measure every voice by the unchanging Word and the character of Christ. • Stay mission-focused; fear and compromise are tools of the enemy. • Surround yourself with trustworthy believers who point you back to truth. |
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