3 Ways to Know If a Religious Leader is Teaching the Truth
I sometimes wonder how often we trust the teachings of liars. We know that mixed messages are everywhere even in the church.
How in the world are we supposed to know the truth?
Jesus gave those who were willing to listen, 3 simple things to look for to determine if a religious leader is teaching the truth.
My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies.
John 7:16–18
- Their words agree with and do not contradict Scripture.
- Their words point to God and His will.
- Their words and actions seek to glorify God rather than themselves.
That sounds good but it’s harder than it seems, isn’t it? The problem is we like teachers who are entertaining, engaging, and who tell us what we want to hear.
But that’s exactly how a group of religious leaders could get a crowd of people to shout “crucify Him” rejecting the Living Word of God Himself.
So, what are you and I to do to so we can know if someone is teaching the truth?
First, we must be a SEEKer. We need to prayerfully read and study God’s Word so we know whether a teaching contradicts Scripture.
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
Psalm 105:4
They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
Acts 17:11b
Then we must pray for wisdom and discernment with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.
Psalm 119:17
And finally, all of us, leaders and followers, must do our best to live for God’s glory.
Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
Romans 1:5
A Prayer to SEEK and KNOW the Truth
Father, I pray that You will give me a heart that SEEKs after You. I want to know the truth of Your will and with the help of Your Spirit, I want to trust and obey it. Please give me a hunger and thirst to prayerfully read and study Your Word. Please give me everything I need to understand it. And please give me wisdom and discernment to know the difference between Your truth and the enemy’s lies.
Father, I also ask that You will give me all I need to live each day for Your glory. May I like John the Baptist say faithfully, “He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30) May I always be humble and obedient. May I be loving and kind that those who know me might want to know You because of the difference You have made in my life. I love You, Lord.
Friend, it’s important that you and I know whether or not we can believe what we are being taught by our religious leaders. It’s important that we test what we are being taught against these 3 tests.
And it’s most important for those of us who teach from God’s Word. It’s important that we prayerfully SEEK to KNOW the TRUTH of God’s Word, that what we share with others is the TRUTH from His Word, and that what we say and do glorifies God not ourselves.
On today’s note write:
With God’s help I will prayerfully SEEK to KNOW the TRUTH of God’s Word.
May God bless you today with wisdom and understanding as you SEEK His TRUTH.
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Have a wonderful day
Jesus did warn us about false teachers, those who would twist God’s Word to their own advantage. May God give us the wisdom and discernment to avoid such people at all cost.
Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! I’m so very thankful for the blessing of His Word. Have a wonderful weekend!
Good morning my sister, I’ve been following you for some time now and I thank you for your wisdom and prayers. If I may, can you please pray for me. I had non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018, and finished my chemo and stem cell transplant but I am so very weak with lots of palpitations. I am a baptized Christian but I need prayer. I pray every day for some relief to the Holy Trinity asking for their help….. I thank you so much.
Your sister in Christ,
Laura ????♀️
I pray for you. Jesus help and make my dear sister strong. In Jesus name. Thanks.
I am praying for you, Laurs . . . asking God to continue to heal your body, give you strength, and fill you with peace. May He be with you as bless you!
The Bible tell us the truth. Jesus give us love to read Gods word. We can pray for bible teachers that they preach Gods word . Holy Spirit help us everyone 🙂 Read the bible every day 🙂 I too ????
Amen! Thanks for visiting and for your kindness. God bless you!
Deb, Thank you for this critical reminder that we need to be discerning about the teaching we read and listen to. I love the practical things you list for us to use in determining truth versus lies that are straight from God’s Word.
Thank you, Patti! I am truly blessed by your encouragement. He has given us the truth to guide us . . . my prayer is that more and more of us will become SEEKers of His way and His will for us. God bless you!
Dear Laura,
I’m asking God to give you His strength to overcome the weakness. He knows all you’ve been through. Our Lord God and saviour, will sustain you. Whatever He allows in our lives, is something He is going to use for our good and is close to all who suffer. I hope you’ll be feeling better soon! May God bless you. Your friend in Jesus.
And Deb, thank you for this powerful post today. We have to weigh up everything that is being preached, against the word of God. Jesus said to be aware of false prophets, who come to speak in His name. We know it is from God, when what is being said is the ‘truth’. Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear with and eyes to see with and a heart and mind filled with your wisdom, in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Blessings to you Deb.
Angela – Ireland
Thank you so much for your prayer….May God’s blessings be upon you every day of your life.
Your sister in Christ,
Laurs
Thank you Laura. ????
May His blessings be upon you everyday of your life too!
Your sister in Jesus.
Angela
It’s not only those who are trying to deceive, but those who have been persuaded. (Deceived) themselves. Unpalatable truths are explained away, people need to study the Bible themselves before the modern views take hold.
That is always my prayer, Angela . . . for people to fall in love with the Word of God. Blessings!
Thank You For Sharing Deb????????♥️SO Many People JUST Want Their EARS Tickled? I Notice HOW Many PREACHERS WONT talk about HELL in their Services ( BC of Sin And IT a Real Place) Bc They Might Offend Someone. . THEY NEED To Look IT Up????????????????There IS NEW Christian Group Called NAAR? A Whole group of Evangelical Ministers WHO ARE Using Same Words .. SUPERNATURAL, Bring Fire Down Etc.. .. ????ITs words out of the Bible BUT, ITs LIKE they Are Doing Something weird. G-d♥️Bless
I had not heard of NAR but looked it up after I saw your comment. It is so important for us to read and study the Bible for ourselves so we can discern what others are preaching and teaching . . . besides being guided to know His will and strengthened by His promises. God bless you!