What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? It means that someone will act spiritual- that they are under the control of the Spirit and the fruit of God and his presence will show. They will go to Gods word for guidance and understanding for matters in their lives, not to an a so-called anointed teacher for the last say. Jn. 7:24: Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Here, Jesus tells us to judge. In the same chapter, he previously said the only way one can have a righteous judgment is to have it based on the word- not according to their own prejudices or feelings nor looking to the outward. We dont judge the heart or motives, or even the style, but their teaching (content) and actions. Jesus certainly did, and was quite strong against those who knew better, who claimed to be teachers of the law, and lead others astray. 1 Cor. 2:15-16: But he who is spiritual judges spiritual judges (appraises all things, yet he himself is judged by no man. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” True humility shows by ones dependence on something greater and is willing to yield to its instruction. 1 Cor. 14:29 says that a prophecy is to be judged by others who prophesy. The Greek word for “judge” is “diachronic” and means “to doubt, discriminate, or separate thoroughly.” This guideline stresses the importance of truth accepted and error rejected. It also stresses accountability, for what one says is to be judged, which reduces the margin for error. Acts 17:11 tells us that when Paul came to the Bereans, they reacted to his teachings by searching the Word of God to see if Paul was preaching the truth. Paul called them more noble than the Thessalonians because they were concerned with discerning Truth, using Scripture as the standard. Paul did not discourage them from questioning his teaching even though he was an apostle. He approved of it. If those who are teaching would preach the Word in purity, they would not have to be concerned or afraid of their listeners or others checking their teachings with the Word of God, because they would be on target and accurately conveying the Truth of the Bible. Only those who know they are off-course will cry, “Dont discern or judge!” A full examination of what is being said is the safest course for every believer in Christ. All supernatural events must be tested before they can be embraced as truth. Dont be intimidated by big names saying not too. Its your spiritual right, even your obligation, for your own protection. To sum it all up...The spiritual man can discern all things. This shows maturity as Heb.5:13-14 says. II Jn 9 speaks to us about deceivers and tells us the only way to know is by doctrine: “Whoever transgresses (goes beyond the boundaries set forth and already established) and does not abide (live in, trust, stay in remain in) the doctrine of Christ does not have God.” Heb. 5:11-14 says that we are to discern the good from the evil in a persons life and behavior. This applies to teachings inside the body of Christ and outside. 1 Cor. 2:15 says: “But he that is spiritual (or a spiritual man) judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no man.” Why does the spiritual man discern or judge all things? Verse 16 says because he has “the mind of Christ.” The word “judge” used in 1 Cor. 2:14-15 means that one is to use discernment to see a things true value or to examine something (Gr. Anakrino). In Mt. 7:1, the word “judge” means to determine or call into question (Greek Krino). Training ourselves to hear the Shepherds voice, his word keeps us from harm. When the Bereans heard what seemed like new truth from Paul, they went directly to the word. God wants to protect his people. There is even a supernatural gift of testing the Spirits that goes beyond the normal way of discerning by the word. This is one gift that is not be sought after in the Church. In 1 Cor. 12:10, there is mentioned the gift of discerning spirits. One is to distinguish, judge, or discriminate whether a spirit is from God or some other source--possibly evil (Gr. Diakrisis). Most importantly, the Word of God is available to everyone, and, “ is quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). So we are to use it for ourselves and others to discriminate concerning a teaching or what exactly is transpiring in a supernatural service. The Word must have its correct interpretation or one finds himself wandering from the original intent of the author which would put them outside the truthfulness of the Scriptures. They would then be believing in a false concept of the Word which God never intended. This is something the Holy Spirit cannot honor, validate, or communicate. God does still speak today, but it certainly is not new doctrine. If you had a child who came home from school and said he was taught 2+2 = 5 would you correct him? Would you go to his teacher to find out why he is being taught this? Would you being doing this because you are judgmental or out of love? If you didnt do any of this could you say you are a good parent! If we judge things which are non spiritual, how much more important are the things pertaining to eternal verities. Rom.16:17-18: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 22:40:12 +0000
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