All Christians Need To Distinguish Between the Spirit of Truth and The Spirit Of Error
Discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.
First Thessalonians 5:21teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: “Test all things and hold fast to that which is good.” The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, “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” (1 John 4:1). According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is crucial.
The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one’s ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living-a certain recipe for compromise.
Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God’s Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day. I believe it is an act of the will, and many have lost the will to discern.
Down With ODM?
There is a desire among some brethren for tabloid blogging. I have noticed some brethren seem almost bitter. Some brethren appear to be angry. I believe we should be so familiar enough with the truth that we should be able to spot a lie when it shows up.
Unfortunately, some brethren appear almost jealous. They seem to appear so cynical that yes, point out the errors that exist, but how about an exposition of the truth! Whatever happened to speaking the truth in love? Whatever happened the servant of the Lord not striving? Whatever happened to the gentleness, and respect aspect of 1 Peter 3:15?
I’m concerned about many of the brethren that won’t or don’t gather facts on a individual, ministry, or church but are quick to point out some supposed error. Soon many will not be able to distinguish much that doesn’t believe exactly like they do.
Let’s focus on apologetics the right way. Making a ready defense of the faith. Pointing out where the cults are in error. Let’s not embrace a brother’s doctrinal statement, call him orthodox based on that statement then backpeddle when the heat comes.
We need to do some in house cleaning. If there are oneness modalist out there let’s not defend them. If the Word Faith Movement teaches heresy let’s call it what it is.
But we need to lay out some biblical alternatives.
Like:
Proper hermeneutics, basic doctrine, eschatology and how we can apply these teaching in a practical way in our lives.
