Handling THE TRUTH!

Handling THE TRUTH!

"Don't believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God;

test it first to see if it really is!"

1 John 4:1 (LB)

When we get an idea in our mind, how do you know if it’s from God? How do you know it’s not your own desire or even a lie from Satan? The answer is given in the scripture itself - "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. 1Jn 4:1"

So how can I tell if something is from God or not?

• The first test - “Does it agree with the Bible?” God’s truth is consistent. He is not going to tell you one thing in the Bible and then tell you something different somewhere else. This is where we must be careful, because of several things:
• First - 2 Co 11:13,14 "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." We must be aware that even though the scripture is God's word, there are men that will wrest and twist the scripture to their own devices (2 Pet.3:16). Satan himself, quotes scripture in the tempting of people (Mt.4:1-10).
• Second, it is MY responsibility to make sure that what is being said is in agreement with God's word (Acts.17:11). Just because someone quotes the Bible or says that the Bible says or teaches something does not mean that it does. It is up to me to search it out and make sure that it does.
• Second - Pro 12:19 "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment." Truth stands the test of time. At the time that Jesus spoke it, more than 2000+ years or more had passed from the time of creation to that point. Yet, Jesus points out that what was true in the beginning of creation regarding marriage, was true in His time and continues to be true today (Mt.19:8). TRUTH in God's word DOES NOT CHANGE! Mal 3:6 "For I the LORD do not change.."

If you want to know God’s voice, the only book you need to read is the Bible - PERIOD! You do not need priests, people, magazines, or anything else. All you need is God, His word, yourself and time - to know for certainty what God has said. You need to memorize the scripture, study it, and meditate on it. John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me..."

When you know God’s Word you will not be fooled by lies (Heb.4:12). But you will always get into trouble when you doubt the Bible.Paul reminded the Galatians as well as us, Galatians 1:8 "Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed" (NLT). So if anyone ever comes up to you and says you need the Bible plus another book to find truth, they are wrong. Rom. 3:4 "No, indeed! God tells the truth, even if everyone else is a liar. The Scriptures say about God, "Your words will be proven true, and in court you will win your case."

Jim