Scriptural Admonishment
In the Bible, Acts 17:11b states the believers of Berea, "... received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so".
The "whether those
things were so" is the process of discernment. Discernment is perceiving the difference between two things;
biblical truth and error. The Bible commands believers to discern
differences between what they are taught, via a preacher, teacher, a ministry or an author, to the scriptures.
Then we are commanded by "the Lord
Jesus Christ to "judge righteous judgment" John 7:24. He told a man, "Thou hast rightly judged" Luke 7:43.
To others, our Lord asked, "Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" Luke 12:57. The Apostle Paul
wrote, "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say" 1 Corin 10:15. Again, Paul declared, "He that is spiritual
judgeth all things" 1 Corin 2:15. It is our positive duty to judge."1
Through proper biblical judgment, God protects believers from false
teachings since Satan has three goals in leading people to:
DOUBT God's Word... "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"
Gen 3:1
DENY God's Word... "Ye shall not surely die:" Gen 3:4
DEIFY Man... "Ye shall be as gods," Gen 3:5
Satan is using the same lies,
as he used with Eve, to deceive people today; unbelievers and believers alike.
We are
to "prove all things" 1 Thes 5:21. When there are differences, we are to reprove, rebuke and exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine, 2 Timothy 4:2 in order to share truth to be heeded bringing about repentance and restoration.
Our
loving God commands believers to expose error in order to protect the flock. Doctrine is clearly laid out
in the scriptures and every contrary doctrine is to be exposed. The apostle Paul wrote to the preacher Timothy warning
about compromises and false teachers by name 10 different times in 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:17; 3:8; 4:12,
14.
The
Bible states we are to take heed as to how we build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Only the works done
according to the Word of God will abide or last, 1 Corinthians 3:8-20 while all else will be burned up.
To avoid losing rewards at the judgment seat of Christ, believers are not to pick and choose which commands
and principles to obey based on our own personal preference as we grow in grace. God is specific regarding the
ways we are to worship, serve and share His gospel, despite what people within popular ministries may be saying and doing.
Will all of God's preserved Words be your final authority or what people say?
May we not be like Saul who stated he obeyed the voice of the Lord yet finally admitted he transgressed the commandment
of the Lord and His words because he feared the people choosing to obey their voice. 1 Samuel 15:22-25.
May we believe and obey all of the scriptures so we may do His will and not our own. Christine
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence
to write unto you of the common
salvation,
it was needful for me to write unto you,
and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the
faith
which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3
1.
Excerpt from IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? by David W. Cloud, 12/27/04; See IS LOVE CONTRARY TO JUDGING? by David W. Cloud, 1/13/05
