1 John 4:1, “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.” (NLT)
In Acts 17, we see a great example from the church of Berea on how to respond to any sort of teaching we receive regarding our faith. We should always go home and judge what we’ve heard against the teachings in the Bible to ensure what we were taught is in fact true. We shouldn’t accept everything we hear. For example, anyone teaching we must earn our salvation through works, is lying. The Word of God tells us, it is not by works that we are justified, but accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (Romans 3:25-26; Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, anyone who denies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is an antichrist and we are warned of this in 1 John 2 (begin reading from verse 18 to 27). As believers, we also have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, who gives us understanding and will sound an alarm when a teaching from someone is not biblical or somewhat off track. Be obedient to that small voice (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). “Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22). So, compare what you hear to the truth in the Word of God, and reject anything that is contrary to it.
We are in the end of times. Let’s be alert and keep guard over our souls through reading the Word of God, prayer, and application of His teachings to our lives (1 Peter 5:8).
Dear Father, please give me Holy Spirit conviction to recognize a false prophet and false teachings. I ask You to equip me so that I know Your Word for application to my life, but also, so I’m ready to make a defense when the enemy strikes. I desire to be more vigilant and ready for Your return at any time. In Jesus name I pray, amen!
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