Episode Details

Not every spiritual claim is true, but Christians do not need to respond with either gullibility or cynicism. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers can pursue an authentic relationship with Christ while carefully testing teachings, prophecies, and spiritual experiences by God’s Word.

God calls His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. As we remain open to the Holy Spirit’s work, examine every claim through Scripture, and hold firmly to what is good, we can avoid deception and continue following Jesus with wisdom and confidence.

(Pastor Chris Teien originally preached this replay message in Belle Plaine, MN, in 2018.)

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 LIVE AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE

Authentic faith is more than outward religion or simply going through Christian motions. God desires believers who worship Him sincerely, walk closely with Christ, and honestly seek His will in every area of life. (John 4:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24)

#2 TEST EVERY SPIRITUAL CLAIM BY SCRIPTURE

Believers should not automatically accept or reject every teaching, prophecy, or spiritual experience. God calls us to test everything carefully, compare every claim with Scripture, reject what is false, and hold firmly to what is good. (Acts 17:10-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; 1 John 4:1)

#3 FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT

The Holy Spirit leads, empowers, and equips believers to serve Jesus Christ, but His work will never contradict the Word He inspired. Biblical discernment helps us remain receptive to God’s leading while rejecting counterfeit experiences and teachings that do not glorify Christ. (1 Corinthians 14:1; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

Live an authentic Christian life by walking closely with Jesus, testing every spiritual claim through Scripture, and following the Holy Spirit with wisdom. Do not believe everything you hear, but do not become cynical about everything spiritual. Test all things and hold firmly to what is good.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Supporting passages: John 4:23-24; Acts 17:10-12; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 1:20-21

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335660

18.0218der Living for God with Authenticity and Discernment

I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at wellfaith24@gmail.com.