How can we Holy Spiritually discern whether religious leaders are truly serving God or themselves? First, we have to be indwelled by the Holy Spirit; without His guidance, it is impossible to discern. However, since many false teachers and prophets have gone out into the world, many are believing they are born-again and serving God when they are not.
So, how can we tell and move forward to baptize the remaining in the true Spirit of God? Well, we begin by relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will reveal the truth to us. —God indeed uses broken people
We can also examine the teachings and actions of religious leaders in light of God’s Word. In 1 John 4:1, it advises, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking the discernment of the Holy Spirit, we can identify true servants of God and move forward in baptizing others in the true Spirit of God.
So how can the sheep discern the truth when it’s easy to pretend to be kind, nice, loving, or a carrier of the fruit of the Spirit, how can you truly tell? The Bible says, “You will know them by their fruit.” That said, this article touches on things to look at in addition to the surface, because in today’s modern society, deception is lurking. Many people come into agreement with the enemy’s prosperity gospel and “all about me” religions.
One way is to examine their spiritual fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
That said, these fruits should be present in everything they do, not only when they’re standing on stages or filming or making appearances, but also in their lifestyle. Are they lovers of money? Are they immodest as women? Are they out of biblical order? Is their theology twisted?
How many in the church today are taking the words of God and forgiveness, and misunderstanding it by allowing the den of deceivers to teach them?
Another question is, do your spiritual leaders possess the authority of Christ to heal the sick and cast out demons? This is an important aspect of Christ’s ministry, as Jesus Himself said in Mark 16:17-18,
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
It is crucial to examine whether their claims of healing and deliverance are backed up by actual results and testimonies.
In James 5:14-15, it states, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
Therefore, it is essential to discern the authenticity of their ministry by seeking evidence of genuine healings and testimonies from individuals who have experienced healing through their prayers and ministry.
As Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Furthermore, do they demonstrate spiritual depth in their teachings and live a life without reproach? Or do they say the same things respectively over courses of decades, ask for money excessively, live sinfully, spend lavishly, make excuses, and teach that we are not to judge, when the Bible actually instructs us to judge righteously, not with condemnation?
As Jesus said in John 7:24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
It is important to recognize that a false teacher is actually judging with condemnation towards those who are living the truth, by teaching to judge according to Christ’s written word and principles. We do not judge the legitimacy of a teacher, Apostle or prophet according to money, homes, or anything material. Jesus says, “give away all your possessions to the poor and follow Me!”
In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus warns us, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.”
Therefore, it is crucial to discern the teachings and actions of spiritual leaders based on the principles and truths outlined in the Bible. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (The fruit they bear should always be pure and reflect Christ’s excellence.)
In Galatians 5:22-23, it is written, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
We should not blindly accept false teachings or practices.
In 1 John 4:1, it states, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Therefore, we are called to judge righteously and seek the truth in accordance with God’s Word, as it says in 2 Timothy 2:15,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Paul encourages Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
Or do they come across as self-centered, egotistical, self-consumed, overly elaborate, and showy? Do they often play music behind their “teachings” to promote a sense of a move of God, knowing that music can manipulate emotions?
Do they focus on their own authority and material wealth, boasting of all their good works to ask for more money under the guise of the tithe (10%) that ended in Ancient Israel and only belonged to the Levitical priests, paid in crops and cattle, never money? Do they use theatrics and scripture to smooth talk their way into your hearts and consciousness, manipulating emotions and enriching themselves?
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness in order to be seen by others, saying,
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Furthermore, in 1 Timothy 6:10, it states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
In Matthew 23:5-7, Jesus addresses the self-centeredness and showiness of some religious leaders, saying,
“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.”
Moreover, regarding the love of money and its potential to lead astray, it is evident in the extravagant displays of wealth such as jets, fancy clothing, luxurious homes, grand buildings, and the pursuit of personal kingdoms. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:10,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This scripture emphasizes the detrimental and spiritually hazardous consequences that arise when one’s focus shifts towards material wealth and worldly possessions, leading the congregations away from the true faith and causing great sorrow in their lives.
It is crucial to discern the motives and actions of spiritual leaders, seeking humility, sincerity, and a genuine focus on serving God and His people.
As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
“You cannot serve both God and money.”
In 1 Timothy 6:5, it warns against such individuals, saying, “and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
Beloved, it is important to discern the motives and actions of spiritual leaders. We must be seeking Christ, repentance, godliness, humility, sincerity, and a focus on glorifying God rather than self-promotion and personal gain. —A true chosen Christ-filled spiritual leader is unschooled and mirrors all the requirements made possible through Christ and a wilderness walk, just like Jesus. Therefore, if a person contradicts these requirements and lacks the fruit of the Spirit, it is wise to run the other way.
As it is written in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
We do not owe allegiance to demons, only Jesus Christ for false teachers and preachers function through demons and everything unclean. In 1 Timothy 4:1, it warns, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
Therefore, let us be discerning and seek leaders who align with the teachings of Christ and bear the fruits of the Spirit, as stated in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Jesus warned about such false prophets in Matthew 7:15, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Do their lives reflect the example of Jesus? In 1 Peter 2:21, we are reminded to follow in His footsteps, “To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Suffering is a telltale sign of the truth!
The spiritual community should also consider whether their words and actions resemble those of Jesus, characterized by humility, accountability, and a commitment to truth. —at all costs!
Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to have the same attitude as Christ, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Another indication to take into account is their craving for power and their tendency to employ excessive wealth in order to position themselves as the ultimate authority, not only in religious matters but also in various worldly arenas such as politics, ministry, wealth, pro-life advocacy, and philanthropy. —It is worth noting that sometimes they may exploit these platforms to solicit additional funds, all while teaching that any form of judgment or criticism directed towards their actions is influenced by Satan.
In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Moreover, biblically we are to judge with wisdom, fairness, and a spirit of restoration rather than condemnation. While we are called to discern and address sin and unrighteousness and expose it within the church, doing so with tact and the understanding that ultimate judgment rests with God.
Take a look:
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
John 7:24 – “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 – “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked person from among you.’”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
As part of the spiritual community, it is crucial to discern and evaluate the actions and teachings of religious leaders in light of biblical principles.
1 John 4:1 advises, do not believe every spirit, but test them to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Carefully consider the words I am presenting and bring them before God. He is the ultimate source of truth, power, and sovereignty, and His people reflect the opposite of what I present to you today.
Remember:
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Respectfully,
Sister Christine
C. Beach ©️