Why is it important to test signs and wonders against God's Word? Setting the Scene “ If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you…” (Deuteronomy 13:1) Why Testing Matters • Signs can be impressive, but they can also be counterfeit (Exodus 7:22). • God’s unchanging Word, not spectacular experiences, is our ultimate standard (Psalm 119:89). • False wonders are specifically predicted for the last days (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). The Built-In Warning (Deuteronomy 13:2-3) • Even if the sign “comes about,” the message must not contradict God’s revealed commandments. • Listening to a spectacular but misleading voice shows misplaced loyalty; refusing it proves love for the Lord “with all your heart and with all your soul.” Key Principles for Testing 1. Compare the message with clear Scripture. – Anything urging worship of “other gods” (any rival loyalty) is immediately disqualified (Galatians 1:8). 2. Examine the fruit. – True signs lead to repentance, obedience, and exaltation of Christ (John 16:13-14). 3. Check the focus. – Authentic wonders draw attention to the Lord, not to the performer (Acts 14:15). 4. Look for consistency with the gospel. – The death and resurrection of Jesus are the non-negotiable core (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Scriptural Examples • Pharaoh’s magicians duplicated some plagues but could not produce true deliverance (Exodus 7–8). • Simon the sorcerer amazed people, yet his heart was “not right before God” (Acts 8:9-24). • The Bereans were “more noble” because they examined the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s teaching (Acts 17:11). Practical Steps Today • Saturate your mind with the Bible so counterfeit ideas are obvious. • Slow down when something feels sensational—truth stands up to patient scrutiny. • Involve mature believers; testing is a community responsibility (Proverbs 15:22). • Keep Christ central; any sign that eclipses Him is suspect (Colossians 1:18). Encouragement for the Faithful • God still works wonders, and His genuine miracles confirm His Word (Mark 16:20). • Careful testing guards both the purity of the gospel and the joy of witnessing real works of God. • Holding to Scripture anchors us so “we are no longer tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). |
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