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Put to the Test

    When we hear that someone calls them self a "Christian," it can cause us put our guard down completely. Even worse, we can allow someone to speak into our lives under the assumption that they are giving godly advice, when in fact they are not. Something that we should always be aware of is the possibility of a false prophet in our midst. Satan can use believers just as well as nonbelievers. This is why it is important for us all to be aware of what we are opening ourselves up to. We do not want to be used by Satan or deceived by someone else he is using.

    I want to point out something that we may tend to overlook in our Christian lifestyles. Someone may look like they are a good influence on us because they are speaking some known truths to us. They may say things we're familiar with from other church experiences which validates them in our minds. The problem is that once they've established that "credibility," they begin to talk about things that are not so familiar. This is where they've opened the door to speak into your life with lies.

    To avoid these things it is very important to always be aware of what is happening around you. Never listen to someone share (formally or informally) without testing for yourself whether it is truth or not. Our guide is scripture. If someone is "teaching" about something that is not supported by MULTIPLE verses in the Bible, it is not credible.

    The other warning we have for recognizing a false prophet is the Holy Spirit. We always get vibes when things are off if we just listen for them. If you have a weird feeling about someone, even if it looks like everyone else is trusting of it, pray about it and do some research in the word to find the truth for yourself.

    Always be on your guard before trusting any kind of spiritual instruction from anyone. Satan is sly and loves using "half-truths." Do not agree with something that is not fully backed up in the word of God, lest you fall into the hands of the enemy.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (ESV)

 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (ESV)

 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (ESV)

 1 Thessalonians 5:21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. (HCSB)

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (NIV)

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