How can we discern who is "approved" in our church community today? Understanding “approved” through 1 Corinthians 11:19 “And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.” Paul assumes that genuine believers—those proven faithful under the standard of God’s Word—will stand out when disagreements arise. “Approved” (dokimos) pictures metal tested by fire and found pure. What “approved” people look like in Scripture • Steadfast in truth – “Do your best to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 • Sound in doctrine – “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others with sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” Titus 1:9 • Evident fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23 • Humble servants – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26 • Tested by trials – “You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:3 Discernment checklist for today 1. Examine their teaching – Is everything measured by Scripture? (Acts 17:11) – Do they avoid adding or subtracting? (Revelation 22:18-19) 2. Observe their character – Consistency in public and private life (1 Peter 1:15) – Repentance when they fail (1 John 1:9) 3. Watch their relationships – Peace-making rather than faction-building (Romans 12:18) – Willingness to submit to godly leadership (Hebrews 13:17) 4. Assess their influence – Do they draw people to Christ, not themselves? (John 3:30) – Is the church strengthened, not splintered? (Ephesians 4:12-13) Practical steps for a congregation • Teach the whole counsel of God regularly so the “approved” and “unapproved” become evident. • Provide forums—Bible studies, elders’ meetings—where doctrine can be lovingly tested. • Encourage members to compare every sermon, song, or ministry against clear passages of Scripture. • Practice gentle, scriptural correction (Galatians 6:1) when error surfaces, granting space for repentance. Guarding our own hearts while discerning • Check motives—seek purity, not superiority (Philippians 2:3). • Submit ourselves to the same test (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Remember that God’s goal is unity in truth, not uniformity at any cost (Ephesians 4:15). Encouragement to stay diligent “Do not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) As we lovingly uphold Scripture, those who are “approved” will shine, God’s church will mature, and Christ will be honored. |
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