Walking by Faith: Discernment in Troubling Times
Summary
Heaven is not a place of endless monotony, but the eternal unfolding of God’s infinite greatness—a journey of discovery that will never grow dull. Yet, while we await that day, life on earth is filled with suffering, questions, and pain. Some among us are enduring illness, loss, or family struggles, while others are celebrating new life. In all of this, God remains good, and our faith is what sustains us when answers are elusive. We are called to walk by faith, trusting that one day our sight will be made perfect when we see Christ face to face.
In the meantime, we must be vigilant, for there are dangers that threaten the church from within and without. Since the earliest days, false teachers have twisted the truth of Scripture for their own gain, leading many astray. The spirit of antichrist is not just a future figure, but a present reality—anything that opposes the person and work of Jesus Christ. The church’s responsibility is to know sound doctrine, to recognize and resist error, and to protect the flock from deception.
To do this, we must not rely on private interpretations of Scripture, but let the Word speak in its context, guided by the intention of its authors and the witness of the apostles. The historic faith, handed down from the beginning, is our anchor. We do not need new revelations or novel doctrines; we need to abide in the truth that has been entrusted to us.
Six tests help us discern true from false teachers: the faithfulness test (do they remain steadfast and committed?), the lordship test (do they exalt Christ as the only Savior and Lord?), the doctrine test (do they teach what accords with apostolic truth?), the fruitfulness test (do their lives and ministries bear lasting spiritual fruit?), the submission test (do they submit to the authority of Scripture and godly leadership?), and the gospel test (do they proclaim salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone?). Even the most gifted or influential leaders can fall into error, as Peter did, so we must all abide in Christ and His Word, humbly guarding the gospel from distortion.
Key Takeaways
- The eternal unfolding of God’s greatness in heaven is a promise that gives hope amid earthly suffering. Our present trials are not meaningless; they are set in the context of a future where every question will be answered and every pain healed. Faith is our lifeline now, and it will one day give way to perfect sight in the presence of Christ. [02:11]
- Private interpretation of Scripture is a dangerous path that leads to doctrinal error and confusion. The Bible must be read in its context, with humility and a willingness to be shaped by its original meaning, not our preferences or circumstances. This protects us from twisting truth to fit our desires and keeps us anchored in the faith once delivered to the saints. [04:41]
- The presence of false teachers is a perennial threat to the church, often arising from within and cloaked in familiarity. Discernment requires more than surface-level observation; it demands deep grounding in Scripture and a commitment to the historic apostolic faith. Only then can we recognize wolves in sheep’s clothing and guard the flock from harm. [19:00]
- The gospel is always “Christ plus nothing.” Any teaching that adds human effort, allegiance, or works to the finished work of Jesus is a distortion, no matter how persuasive or popular. Our allegiance, devotion, and obedience flow from the cross, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a grateful response to grace. [36:47]
- Submission to the authority of Scripture and godly leadership is essential for spiritual health and protection. The whole Bible, Old and New Testaments, is inspired and authoritative, and the elders of the church are accountable to God for the souls in their care. True humility is shown in a willingness to be taught, corrected, and led according to God’s Word. [33:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Recognizing Suffering and God’s Goodness
[02:11] - Walking by Faith Amid Questions
[02:50] - The Danger of Twisting Scripture
[04:41] - The Need for Contextual Interpretation
[05:58] - Resisting False Teaching
[07:24] - The Spirit of Antichrist in the Last Hour
[09:41] - Christ’s Coming and Creation’s Groaning
[11:05] - The Faithfulness Test: Who Are “They”?
[13:03] - Abiding in Apostolic Doctrine
[14:50] - Six Tests for Recognizing False Teachers
[19:00] - The Danger of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
[21:10] - The Lordship Test: Exalting Christ Alone
[24:59] - The Doctrine Test and the Value of Creeds
[27:46] - The Fruitfulness Test: Inspecting Spiritual Fruit
[30:16] - The Submission Test: Authority and Accountability
[34:49] - The Gospel Test: Guarding Grace Alone
[39:49] - Prayer for Discernment and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1 John 2:18-27 (ESV)
18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:19, what does it mean when someone “went out from us, but they were not of us”? How does this help us recognize false teachers? [11:05]
2. In verses 22-23, what is the key test John gives for recognizing the “antichrist” spirit? What does it mean to deny or confess the Son? [21:10]
3. The sermon mentions that false teachers often come from within the church and are not always easy to spot. What example from the Bible does the pastor use to illustrate this? [19:00]
4. What does John say is the promise for those who let the original apostolic teaching “abide” in them? (v. 25) [13:03]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think John emphasizes that the “antichrist” is not just a future figure, but a present reality? How does this affect the way we view spiritual dangers today? [07:24]
2. The pastor says, “We do not need new revelations or novel doctrines; we need to abide in the truth that has been entrusted to us.” Why is it tempting to look for something new, and what are the risks? [13:03]
3. The sermon lists six tests for recognizing false teachers. Which of these do you think is most often overlooked in churches today, and why? [14:50]
4. The pastor warns against “private interpretation” of Scripture. What does it look like when someone interprets the Bible privately, and why is this dangerous? [04:41]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that heaven is the “eternal unfolding of God’s greatness” and not a place of boredom. How does this view of heaven give you hope in the middle of your current struggles or suffering? [02:11]
2. Think about a time when you or someone you know was tempted to twist Scripture to fit a personal situation. What led to that, and how could it have been avoided by reading the Bible in context? [04:41]
3. The pastor talks about the “faithfulness test”—whether someone sticks with the church and the truth even when it’s hard. Are there areas in your faith or church life where you are tempted to give up or walk away? What would it look like to remain faithful? [19:56]
4. The “lordship test” asks if a teacher or leader exalts Christ alone as Savior and Lord. Are there teachings or influences in your life that subtly add something to Jesus’ finished work? How can you guard against this? [23:16]
5. The “fruitfulness test” is about lasting spiritual fruit, not just flashy results. Where do you see real, lasting fruit in your life or in the ministries you’re part of? Where do you see fruit that doesn’t last? [27:46]
6. The “submission test” challenges us to submit to Scripture and godly leadership. Is there an area where you struggle to submit to biblical teaching or church leadership? What is holding you back? [33:41]
7. The “gospel test” says the gospel is always “Christ plus nothing.” Are there ways you try to earn God’s favor or add to the gospel in your daily life? What would it look like to rest in grace alone this week? [36:47]
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Devotional
Day 1: Recognize and Resist False Teaching
Believers are called to be vigilant and discerning, understanding that false teachers and twisted truths have always threatened the church from within; it is our responsibility to know the Scriptures deeply so that we are not led astray by those who distort the gospel for their own gain. The danger is real and subtle—those who seek to deceive often come from among us, making it all the more vital to let the Word of God, not private interpretation or personal preference, be our guide. As we grow in maturity, we find peace and comfort in the unchanging truth of God’s Word, able to stand firm against every wind of doctrine and cultural fad. [07:40]
1 John 2:26 (ESV)
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be more discerning about the teachings or influences you are allowing in, and how can you intentionally seek out biblical truth this week to guard your heart and mind?
Day 2: The Faithfulness Test—True Teachers Persevere
A key mark of genuine faith and sound teaching is faithfulness: true teachers and true believers remain steadfast, enduring hardship and remaining committed to Christ and His church, while those who are false eventually depart, revealing their lack of genuine connection to the body and the truth. This perseverance is not about outward appearances or temporary enthusiasm, but about a deep-rooted commitment to the historic faith handed down by the apostles. As you examine those who influence your faith, look for those who “stick,” who pay the price, and who continue in the truth no matter the cost. [19:56]
1 John 2:19 (ESV)
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
Reflection: Who in your life has demonstrated steadfast faithfulness to Christ and His church, and how can you learn from their example or encourage them today?
Day 3: The Lordship Test—Confessing Christ Alone
At the very heart of the Christian faith is the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who died and rose again for our salvation; any teaching that denies His divinity, His atoning work, or seeks to add to His finished work is to be rejected as the spirit of antichrist. The gospel is not about our allegiance, effort, or works, but about the grace of God given through Christ alone. Let your faith rest in the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice, and let your devotion and allegiance flow from knowing Him crucified. [21:40]
1 John 2:22-23 (ESV)
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
Reflection: Is there any way you have been tempted to add your own works or efforts to the finished work of Christ for your assurance or acceptance before God? How can you rest more fully in His grace today?
Day 4: The Fruitfulness Test—Inspecting the Results
Jesus taught that you will recognize true and false teachers by their fruit: not just by talent, charisma, or outward success, but by the lasting, multiplying fruit of transformed lives and faithful discipleship. Healthy trees bear good fruit that remains and reproduces, while diseased trees bear bad fruit or none at all. As you evaluate spiritual influences, look beyond the surface to the enduring impact of their ministry—are lives being changed, disciples being made, and Christ being glorified? [28:25]
Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
Reflection: What kind of spiritual fruit is being produced in your life and in the lives of those you follow or learn from? Is it fruit that remains and multiplies, or is it fleeting and shallow?
Day 5: The Gospel Test—Grace Plus Nothing
The gospel is the good news that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone; any message that adds requirements, rituals, or human effort to the finished work of Jesus is a distortion and must be rejected. Even the most respected leaders can be led astray, as seen with Peter, so we must continually abide in Christ and the truth of His Word. Let your confidence rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, and defend the pure gospel with humility and courage. [36:47]
Galatians 1:6-8 (ESV)
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Reflection: Are there any subtle ways you have allowed “grace plus something” thinking to creep into your understanding of salvation? How can you reaffirm your trust in Christ’s finished work alone today?
Quotes
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