According to the Bible, how can we determine if something is from God or not?
In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus states, “By their fruit you will recognize them… Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
As we seek a deeper understanding of the Bible, it’s important to consider how we can discern whether something is from God or not. In today's world, many voices and influences compete for our attention, making it crucial to have a clear guideline for distinguishing what aligns with God’s will. The Bible provides us with key principles to determine the source of beliefs, teachings, and actions.
First and foremost, the Bible emphasizes the importance of aligning with God’s Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This underscores the significance of measuring all things against the teachings of the Bible. If a belief or teaching contradicts the clear principles outlined in God’s Word, it is not from God.
Additionally, the Bible instructs us to discern the fruit of a particular belief or action. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus states, “By their fruit you will recognize them… Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” This powerful analogy teaches us to evaluate the outcome and impact of a teaching or belief. If it leads to righteousness, love, and goodness, it is more likely to be from God. Conversely, if it leads to division, strife, or unrighteousness, it is not in alignment with God’s nature.
Furthermore, the Bible encourages believers to test the spirits. 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.” This serves as a reminder to critically assess the origin of spiritual teachings and influences. Through prayer, seeking wisdom, and comparing teachings with the truth of the Bible, we can discern whether something is from God or not.
Another crucial aspect outlined in the Bible is the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us. In John 16:13, Jesus promises, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” This underscores the importance of seeking the counsel of the Holy Spirit in discerning God’s will. Through prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can gain clarity and discernment regarding the source of different influences in our lives.