Why is it important to verify teachings against Scripture in today's world? The Question That Still Echoes Deuteronomy 18:21: “You may ask in your heart, ‘How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?’” Scripture as the Final Standard - God anticipated confusion and supplied a yardstick—His own words. - 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped.” If Scripture is breathed by God, anything contradicting it cannot be. - Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth.” Verifying teaching safeguards that truth in every generation. Dangers of Unverified Teaching • False confidence – Jeremiah 23:16 warns that false prophets “fill you with false hopes.” • Spiritual drift – Galatians 1:8–9 shows the seriousness: even an angel bringing a different gospel is “accursed.” • Fractured unity – Romans 16:17 directs believers to “watch out for those who create divisions” through contrary doctrine. • Moral compromise – 2 Peter 2:1–3 links false teaching with “sensuality” and merchandise of souls. How to Verify—Practical Steps 1. Compare every claim with the written text in context. 2. Note plain meaning first; allegory never overrides literal sense. 3. Check consistency with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). 4. Use reliable translations and tools but let Scripture interpret Scripture. 5. Observe fulfilled prophecy and historical accuracy—proofs of divine origin (Deuteronomy 18:22). 6. Invite accountability; discuss findings with mature, Scripture-saturated believers. Encouraging Examples from Scripture - Acts 17:11: Bereans were “more noble” because they examined the Scriptures daily “to see if these teachings were true.” - Jesus Himself countered error by quoting written Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). - The early church settled doctrinal disputes by returning to what “is written” (Acts 15). Living Out Discernment Today • Information overload means distortion travels fast; truth must travel faster. • Smooth communication skills or cultural relevance never substitute for biblical fidelity. • Verifying teaching guards families, churches, and personal witness, enabling believers to shine “like stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15–16). |
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