Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22 (CEB)
It is common for people to say that they dislike tests. People really mean that they have no desire to undergo testing themselves, but most assuredly, they are glad that their food, water, cars, and airplanes, just to mention a few things, are tested. Paul encourages us to evaluate prophetic messages to determine if they are worthwhile. Tests are essential to knowing and receiving the truth.
For tests to be practical, there must be standards. Government agencies set norms and parameters for product safety. For example, automobiles must meet minimum braking standards, and protect the occupants in the event of a crash. For spiritual matters, we have the Bible as our standard of truth. But having a standard and using it correctly is not automatic.
In Hebrews 5:11-14 we see how maturity plays a role in our ability to understand truth. The writer expects that these people should have understood the elementary truths of God’s word by this time, but they need milk rather than solid food. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Learning discernment takes time and practice, but the knowledge and awareness of the Word of God are even more critical. In part, people are trapped by deception because something about false teaching is attractive. Paul warned us that this would happen: For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)
Preach the Word
Visiting churches to observe how they preach and conduct their services is interesting. On one such occasion, I was greatly dismayed. As the pastor began to preach, on a subject I vaguely recall, I expected him to tell us the text from which he was preaching, and I kept on waiting.
I whispered to my wife, “Where is the text?” Finally, after about 25 minutes, the pastor announced his text, and after five more minutes, he read a few verses. It appeared that he used Scripture to reinforce his thoughts and ideas instead of vice versa.
I have since learned that some pastors are reluctant to preach the word because many of their listeners are unfamiliar with the Bible. Doesn’t that mean failing to follow the command that Paul gave to Timothy, “preach the word?” 2 Timothy 4:2.
If the Word of God is our standard by which we are to judge what is said and written, isn’t it necessary to preach and hear the Word of God? We have seen many reports and accounts of Christians’ lack of biblical literacy today. Is it any wonder that there seems to be an inability to discern even simple truth about right and wrong, salvation, and other things that should be considered elementary principles?
Test the Prophets
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1 (NLT)
We believe in the prophetic. God still speaks through his prophets today. However, please don’t listen to anyone who refuses to have their utterances examined. People believe what they want to believe for whatever reason, but it is dangerous not to test prophetic messages. A. W. Tozer accurately said:
Many tender-minded Christians fear to sin against love by daring to inquire into anything that comes wearing the cloak of Christianity and breathing the name of Jesus. They dare not examine the credentials of the latest prophet to hit their town lest they be guilty of rejecting something which may be of God.… This is supposed to indicate a high degree of spirituality. But in sober fact it indicates no such thing. It may indeed be evidence of the absence of the Holy Spirit.
Gullibility is not synonymous with spirituality. Faith is not a mental habit leading its possessor to open his mouth and swallow everything that has about it the color of the supernatural. Faith keeps its heart open to whatever is of God, and rejects everything that is not of God, however wonderful it may be. [1]
Prophecy is vital to a church’s health and vitality. But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT). Prophecy must always align with God’s word. A prophetic word must always build up and encourage those who are listening and who have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. There may be words of caution and warning, but not of tearing down and destroying. Stay away from those who prophesy, but do not submit to testing and confirmation.
Careful Examination
Paul urges his readers to “examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.” Good sound advice from the apostle, but how do we make it happen? We know intuitively that God’s word is the standard by which we must test everything, but how do we make the application while being aware of our own cultural biases, historical perspective, and theological inclinations?
It does not require a degree in theology to discern, but it requires proper discipleship, a fervent prayer life, and a love for God’s word. The Book of Acts tells us that the Christians in Berea were noble because they studied the Scriptures to see if the things Paul was saying were true. Do the people in our congregations check up on the preacher and verify the integrity of the teaching they receive, or do they simply accept it or perhaps simply ignore it? Once again, we say, test everything, and retain what is good and helpful.
Steve Ekeroth
[1] A. W. Tozer and Marilynne E. Foster, Tozer on the Holy Spirit: A 366-Day Devotional (Camp Hill, PA: WingSpread, 2007).