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By David Wright Finding someone who preaches the truth is like looking for an icicle in July. Most false teachers rattle on for 30 minutes or so but never open the Bible. Determining that they are merely expressing human opinion is fairly easy. Other false prophets, however, tell Bible stories and cite numerous scriptures. This style of preaching can be very deceptive. The frequent biblical references give an impression of authentic Gospel preaching. Jeremiah addressed this issue in his great prophetic book: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes; they speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, 'It shall be well with you'; and to every one who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No evil shall come upon you.' Behold, I am against the prophets, says the Lord, who use their tongues and say, 'Says the Lord'” (Jer. 23:16-17, 31). The false prophets known to Jeremiah invented dreams and visions from the Lord and then passed them off as genuine. “Says the Lord” was equivalent to the modern “the Bible says.” Quoting scripture is no guarantee of sound doctrine. But how is a person to distinguish between false teaching and the truth? Following the suggestions below will make you an expert at locating that midsummer icicle: Check It Out. The people of ancient Beroea compared Paul's preaching with the scriptures (Acts 17:11). When someone is preaching, follow along in your own Bible and do more reading at home. Look at Context. Even the devil quoted scripture (Matt. 4:6). But he twisted its meaning by ignoring context. Carefully read the passage before and after a verse to clarify meaning. Ask Questions. Jesus, the embodiment of truth, received questions from both friends and enemies. Beware of a preacher who is defensive when questioned about his doctrine. Watch for Humility. False teachers tend to have inflated opinions of themselves (2 Cor. 11:20-21). Their arrogance slips out in innumerable ways--bragging about personal possessions and position, self-promoting illustrations, degrading remarks about others, and so on. |