Daily writing prompt

What brings you peace?

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Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets.” (Matthew 7:15) If you are going to listen to sermons do it safely.

1. Always search the Scriptures to see if what is being preached aligns with them. When Paul (who wrote much of the New Testament) preached, people responded in two different ways. People in the city of Thessalonica passively listened, however, people in Berea “were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed.” (Acts 17:11-12) Trust the ancient Scriptures, not the shallow lip-cures of modern preachers.

Jesus said: “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.'” (Matthew 15:7-8) If the words of the Bible aren’t burning in a preacher’s heart, be careful. (Luke 24:32)

2. Always test the spirit of someone who is preaching to you. Here’s how Jesus’ disciple John said to do that: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3) If someone preaches “another Jesus” (Galatians 1:6-9) that doesn’t match the Jesus of the Bible, he or she is (intentionally or unintentionally) a false prophet. Don’t continue to listen to their sermons.

You can also test the spirit of a preacher by looking at his or her character and lifestyle. If a preacher isn’t living according to the Bible and daily demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit watch out. (Galatians 5:22-23) If a preacher isn’t living a life that is being led by and aligned with God the Holy Spirit, beware.

3. Use discernment. “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) How does a sermon set with you? How does it “taste”? If something seems off base, that may be God the Holy Spirit warning you to avoid deception. This experience of the Spirit’s warning is a spiritual gift called “discerning of (or distinguishing between) spirits.” (1 Corinthians 12:10)

Avoid deception. Practice safe sermon-hearing!