Living in the computer age has blessed us with easy access to information; a simple click will connect us to just about every bible version or translation, countless commentaries and study guides, and a multitude of teachers, prophets, and ministries. Unfortunately, not every biblical interpretation or every teacher can be trusted. We are warned to beware of false prophets and the error of unprincipled men (Mat 7:15; 2Pe 2:1; 2Pe 2:17).
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
How can we protect ourselves from false teachings? John told us to “test the spirit”:
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
John is talking about discernment, which is the wisdom and ability to distinguish truth from error. It is applying critical thinking skills to the spiritual.
How does one discern?
The first step is to ask the Father for wisdom, as scripture tells us:
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Then have faith that your prayer was answered and go forward with confidence as you do your testing.
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Next, follow the testing criteria spelled out in scripture:
1) Make sure the teaching/prophecy recognizes the divinity of Yeshua/Jesus.
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2) Examine the teaching/prophecy for righteousness. Is it in accordance with the commandments/ways of the Father? Or of the traditions of man?
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
3) Be sure your source is using the entirety of the Bible in teaching and prophecy. The foundation of the New Testament is the Old Testament (The Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible). Remember that Yeshua taught from the Hebrew Scriptures; they are about Him.
Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
4) Be sure the teaching/prophecy does not rely on extra-Biblical books. These are not considered inspired scripture. Sound doctrine comes from scripture:
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Extra-Biblical books may add to your understanding of culture and history, but they can also lead one astray, towards different doctrine:
1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
5) Confirm the teaching/information by your own study. We have been given access to Scripture so that we can know the Father’s way and the teachings of Yeshua on our own. Be like the Jews in Berea and have “readiness of mind” while searching the scriptures for truth (Act 17:10-11).
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
6) Trust your feelings. You should not feel confused, unsettled, belittled, or frightened by a source. This is what Yeshua meant when He said we would know false prophets/teachers by their fruit:
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Teachings and prophecy should instill understanding, calmness, and peace.
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Final step: Thank the Father for this blessing.
Then enjoy the blessings of discernment! A safe walk and a sound sleep:
Pro 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Pro 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
© 2020 GoingByTheBible.com
Scripture quotations are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION, public domain.