DISCERNING THE VOICE — TESTING WHAT WE HEAR

DISCERNING THE VOICE — TESTING WHAT WE HEAR

Key Scriptures: 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; John 10:27

Introduction

The spiritual world contains both truth and deception. Scripture therefore warns believers not to believe every spirit or accept every spiritual message without examination.

The Message

A person may hear a powerful sermon, receive a prophecy, experience a dream, or encounter a teaching that sounds spiritual. But spiritual language alone does not make something true.

The believer must test everything.

The Bereans in Acts 17 examined the Scriptures to determine whether what they were being taught was true. Their example is important for every generation.

No preacher, prophet, teacher, leader, or spiritual personality should become greater than Scripture.

If a teaching contradicts God’s Word, it must be rejected regardless of who presents it.

Discernment also requires humility. Sometimes the correct response is not immediate acceptance or rejection but careful examination.

Lessons

1. Test spiritual claims by Scripture.
2. Do not follow personalities above God’s Word.
3. Ask questions when something is unclear.
4. Spiritual experiences must never replace biblical truth.

Conclusion

God does not call His people to blind faith. He calls us to faith grounded in truth.

Stay humble, study Scripture, pray for wisdom, and test what you hear.