RTW 2023

Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles,
Deuteronomy 13:1

“Godly discernment will always carefully examine the message of a spiritual leader, instead of the spiritual experiences which may surround him or her.“- David Guzik

Spiritual Discernment: ability to separate good from evil, truth from falsehood, wisdom from foolishness.

• But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
  Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)

• Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
  1 John 4:1 (ESV)

Discernment isn’t a spiritual gift, it is a discipline that must be developed in the life in every Believer… especially in these days. We can’t rely on our feelings. Feelings lie.

• Ask for wisdom, which starts with fear of the Lord.
  Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
  Proverbs 9:10

• Know truth, so you can recognize lies.
  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
  John 8:31-32 (ESV)

• Test what doesn’t sound right
  But test everything; hold fast what is good.
  1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)

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So, while physical death isn’t permittable, figurative death/separation to all people that lead us away from Christ and holiness is expected.

The false prophets or visionaries who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the LORD your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt. Since they try to lead you astray from the way the LORD your God commanded you to live, you must put them to death. In this way you will purge the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 13:5

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Don’t trust my feelings. When it comes to spiritual matters, trust truth… God’s truth.