How To Read And Listen With Discernment7 min read

Be A Berean!

      You must be of the same mindset as the Bereans, mentioned in Acts 17:10-12. It is said of these people from Berea: "these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (italics added). These people didn't just take Paul or Silas' word for it concerning Jesus, the Messiah. No, they searched and studied the Scriptures for themselves to validate the Apostle's teachings. You must also do the same—even with the teachings presented by us at TruthInformed (we make mistakes, too).

    Spiritual discernment, therefore, starts with knowing your Bible well. Like the forensic counterfeit money expert who can distinguish a fake bill because he has a thorough and hands-on knowledge of a legitimate bill, you cannot know how to spot false teachings without reading and studying the Bible seriously, and keeping it in your heart. Of course, you have the added guidance of the Holy Spirit teaching you as you read His Word. And remember, the Scriptures are the measure and highest authority of any teaching concerning it, and knowing your Bible to the best of your ability will be your best bet at properly discerning false teachings, and refuting them. 

Common Tactics Used To Deceive

     There are a few common tactics that false teachers utilize in order to manipulate and/or deceive their unperceiving listeners—and yes, Satan is sometimes behind their ploys. Below is a list of their strategies; some methods being more obvious than others. It is a good idea to memorize all of these so that you know what to look for when reading or listening to a particular teaching.

• Using mostly Old/New Testament texts: False teachers know that parts of the Old Testament are difficult to understand and require much study, so they use this to their advantage when twisting the Scriptures. Be wary of any teacher who mainly uses O.T. verses to prove their point—but also of anyone who uses only New Testament passages.
• Using verses out of context: When someone proves their point with one verse without looking into that verse's context, watch out! Of course, some verses do teach a universal truth and, therefore, can be used in isolation; but if a teacher makes this practice a habit, this is cause for concern. Go back and read each verse presented in its entire context, and determine the soundness of the speaker's teachings.
• Using obscure verses: If a teacher uses some obscure or unclear verse(s) in order to make their point and teach a doctrine not elsewhere taught in the Bible, chances are they are wrong. Doctrines should be developed with the weight of clear verses, easily understood by most people. Certainly, this is not always possible, but in most cases, the major doctrines of the faith are supported by clear passages in the Bible. Consult those clear ones first!
• Prescribing the descriptive: The Bible is full of verses that prescribe (command) something for us to do or not do. But it also has a lot of passages that simply describe things, which may or may not be meant for us to follow (such as the O.T. ceremonial laws, or tithing). When false teachers use descriptive verses to command others to do something, many things can go wrong! Be careful that what you are being told God has commanded you to do is actually commanded by Him, and not someone trying to enslave you or cause you to stumble.
• Describing the prescriptive: Conversely, much of the Bible is full of passages describing something (like Genesis, or the book of Acts). But many verses are commands for us to follow, and we should really pay attention to those. When a false teacher makes light of a prescriptive verse that commands and simply describes it without exhorting you to do what the verse says, he or she is giving you an easy, watered-down version of Christianity that can cause you to become complacent and ineffective in God's Kingdom.
• Changing definitions: Some teachers make use of confusing their listeners by performing extensive word studies and changing definitions left and right, not taking into account the best (or most plausible) definition that aligns with the text's context. Word studies can be highly beneficial in bringing out various nuances in a passage...but only when done properly, and without the intent to twist the Scriptures.
• Trusting in the scholars: When you hear a teacher constantly appeal to and rely on other teachers and scholars (usually of the same theological camp), that is a red flag you should be aware of. While it is good to learn from those who have gone before, or those who seem to have deep spiritual insight (and some people do), the relentless quoting and praising of other scholars by any teacher, over and instead of the Bible, is questionable. 
• Trusting in themselves: On the other hand, the other extreme isn't good either. A teacher who thinks he knows it all and is the ultimate authority (and wants you to think likewise) should be avoided. Someone who does not listen to the wisdom of others (or the wisdom of God's Word) is doomed to fail and lead many astray. Extreme self-reliance is dangerous in any teacher, and most false teachers are guilty of this pride.
• Relying on emotions: Many false teachers, especially those belonging to the camps found in our article "How To Discern False Teachers," rely on, and want others to rely on their emotions concerning any biblical teaching. While emotions are a gift from God and have their place in our worship of Jesus, they should not be the standard nor filter we use to discern what is true or not—God's true Word should be our guide.
• Proclaiming a "revelation": Surely, you've heard many speakers and teachers use the phrase, "I've received a word from the Lord...a new revelation!" and then proceed to proclaim "His" special message to the masses. These are false teachers. The only ones who received the Word from the Lord to give to us—being Inspired by God's Holy Spirit—were the writers of the Old and New Testaments. That's it. So, stop listening to these charlatans who "speak for God"...but really, for themselves.

Learn Simple Interpretive Strategies

     Below is a subscription form that, once you submit it, will grant you access to our Truth Informed Bible Study Bookmark for FREE! This digital bookmark—that you can use straight from your phone—should help you interpret Scripture, which, in turn, will help you to distinguish falsity from the truth. But remember, praying for wisdom and discernment is better than any other step you could take, so start there (James 1:5).

Stand On God's Word Of Truth!

     We can always learn something from someone, even from a false teacher—but we cannot always learn something good from another. Learning what is good and true should be a top priority in your life, as if your life depended on it...because it does. Know your Bible inside and out; have the Sword of the Spirit and His Word guiding you in every instance where you are being taught. Listen intently, with a meticulously critical mind, and weigh each claim before you adhere to it. 

     Who is the One you can learn most from? Jesus. Remember, when Satan tempted Jesus–even by mixing truths with lies–Jesus was able to refute Him because He is God, yes, but also because He knew His Word. With every deceitful word that Satan spewed out, Jesus rebuked Satan with the true and perfect Word of God (Luke 4:1-13), until another opportune time—so always be ready!