When we first become a Christian, we are so excited to learn everything possible about living for Jesus! Most find a church to attend regularly, becoming involved and finding Christian fellowship. We are often seeking out sermons on the internet and reading all the inspirational literature we can get their hands on. While there is a Biblical basis for all of these things, there are some things not regularly taught. Such as 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Here God is giving us one of the most important commands we can ever follow. Everything depends on it. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Jesus' words in Matthew 7:15-20, Mark 7:14-16 and Luke 12:57 tell us the same thing along with many other verses in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Prove everything that you are taught!
Prove is to test, discern, and examine. Here, Paul is talking about not despising or ignoring, prophesying. Don't suppose that you do not need continual instruction to persevere the Christian life. Don't think you are already wise enough or have heard enough as they who are generally vain, empty, self-conceited and exceedingly superficial people are likely to despise instruction. Be sure what you are taught is from the Word of God. Test and discern whether the teaching is in line with the Word of God by examining the Bible. Get to know it. Saturate yourself in it. Don't assume it means what you always thought it did or what other people say it does. Prove it! Ask question, and if you do not receive answers based on scripture that is clear, then seek guidance from God to find good, solid, Biblical teaching. There are many translations of the Bible available, find one that has taken the least liberty to put things into easier language because much gets lost in that paraphrasing. Begin with good study tools. You can find them online or purchase them. Use a Concordance, Bible dictionary, and if possible Interlinear Bible too. Remember that Bible doctrine is the same now as it was from the beginning as God never changes!
Then, and only then, are we able to hold fast to what is sound by Bible doctrine. By doing so we will increase our faith, love, holiness and usefulness. Remember that there have always been prophets or teachers who profess to be of God and yet are not. We can not choose to allow ourselves to be deceived! Our eternal life depends on it.
In John 14:23, Jesus said that “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” If we become too comfortable with where we are in any area of our life, we cease to grow. We must make sure we do not become complacent, for the enemy does not give up easily, but will come to try to woo us away from the Lord. Be serious and watch carefully because your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour! Resist him firmly and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. But the God of all grace, who has called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while will restore, support, and strengthen you, placing you on a firm foundation (1 Peter chapter 5). We do not struggle alone, but He is with us to help us through the growing pains.
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