The Discerning Listener

Since the beginning of time, Satan has sought to shrewdly and subtly twist God’s Word in order to lead people astray from the truth. It all started in the Garden when he disguised himself as a serpent and craftily contradicted what God had told Adam and Eve.  Eve listened to Satan’s word rather than God’s Word and plunged the human race into sin. The Apostle Paul provided the best commentary of Satan’s original deception in one of his letters to the church in Corinth where he said, “But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). He went on to warn the Corinthian believers about “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Like their evil master, Satan, the appearance of false teachers is deceiving. We must be able to recognize them since they are disguised as Christian preachers and teachers and authors and singers and counselors who are being used by Satan to deceive and devour Christ’s flock. Typically, false teachers weave just enough truth into their teaching to make them sound credible. But a careful evaluation of their teaching ultimately exposes them for who they really are. In this passage, Paul provided FOUR WAYS to discern if a Christian preacher, teacher, author, singer, or counselor is biblical or heretical.

1. EVALUATE THEIR SOURCE (vv. 3-4a)
2. EVALUATE THEIR PRODUCT (vv. 4b-5)
3. EVALUATE THEIR FOCUS (vv. 6-7)
4. EVALUATE THEIR GOSPEL (vv. 8-11)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. Read Matthew 7:15, John 10:2-5, and 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-15. Based on these verses, what is discernment and why it is so important to you as a lover and follower of Christ?
2. Read 1 Timothy 1:3, 10, 4:6, 6:3, 2 Timothy 1:13, 4:3 and Titus 1:9, 2:1. What is the difference between “sound doctrine” and “strange doctrine” and why is the ability to differentiate between the two critical to your spiritual health and growth?
3. What are some present-day examples of integrating worldly ideas with Scripture or going beyond what Scripture says or focusing on secondary issues or speculating about things which the Bible is not clear or harping on things that only serve to confuse and cause conflict?
4. Compare 1 Timothy 1:5 with 1 Tim. 4:2, 6:3-5, 2 Tim. 2:16-17, 3:2-5, and Titus 1:12-16. What are the differences between what sound doctrine and false doctrine produces in a person’s life?   
5. Read Acts 20:33, 1 Corinthians 9:14-18, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 11:7, 1 Thessalonians 2:5, and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-11. How did Paul keep people from questioning his motives for ministry?
6. How does the law and grace fit together in the gospel message? What is the main heresy to look out for in regards to how a person presents the gospel (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9)?
7. Ask God to help you develop the habit of carefully evaluating every preacher/teacher you hear or author you read by asking the four simple questions mentioned at the end of the sermon:

• Is there teaching based on the Word of God? Is it consistent with what the Bible says?

• Does their teaching produce growth in godliness? Is it unifying and edifying to the body of Christ?

• Do they humbly seek to honor God and help others? Is it free of charge and free from financial appeal?

• Do they explain the gospel message clearly and correctly? Is it works-based or God-glorifying grace?