Don’t Be Led Astray:

Three Questions to Give Us Confidence in God’s Word

In Mark 13, Jesus warns his disciples twice that false messiahs will rise up to lead people astray. The same has been true in modern times. So, how do we know if someone has come in Jesus’ name or if they are an imposter? How do we know if someone is speaking God’s Word or their own? 

The Scriptures give us (at least) three criteria for testing this out by asking three questions:

1. Are they a RELIABLE source? God’s Word always fulfills its purpose thus Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says, 

And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.

2. Does it ACCORD with the Scriptures? If someone is teaching contrary to the Gospel and the Bible, then they are not speaking on behalf of God. 1 Timothy 6:3-4 puts it this way:

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing…

3. Which DIRECTION is it pulling you? Jesus warns his disciples in Mark 13:6, “Many will come in my name…and they will lead many astray”. Therefore, we must ask if the words spoken bring you closer to Jesus or drive you away from Jesus. Is it trying to increase our faith in Christ and his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins? Or is it trying to supplant Jesus and His redeeming work?

Want to know if someone is speaking in Christ’s name? Just ask these three questions: Is it Reliable? Does it Accord with Scripture? Which Direction is it driving you?

Pastor Nick