Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22
God gives us a command in 1 Thessalonians 5:20 that we are not to despise spoken revelations from His Word. These spoken revelations can include words of instruction, exhortation or possibly words of warning. There are no new prophecies today because God’s Word is complete. God wants us to listen carefully to the preaching and teaching of His Word and then to make sure we obey His Word. But, even when God’s Word is taught or preached, we should never assume that all preachers or teachers are staying true to God’s Word. God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 that we must still examine what we have been taught, carefully making sure we hold tight to God’s Truth. We must remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture. Therefore, if we hear something taught or preached that seems contrary to something else in God’s Word, it is our responsibility to carefully examine what is been taught. If we find that the teaching or preaching we’ve heard is contrary to God’s Truth, then we must cast aside that teaching. Being careful who we listen to and trust is important. God tells us in Ephesians 4:14-15 that we must know His Word so we are no longer spiritually immature. God does not want us tossed about by the trickery of men, nor by deceitful teaching. God wants us to know Him and His Word so that we each speak His truth in love and that we mature in our walk with Him. Finally, God tells us to abstain from all evil.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about the preaching and teaching of His Word, about evil, and about what to hold on to?
2. How will you choose to examine more carefully what you are taught from preachers and teachers?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!