Testing All Preachers And Teachers – Bible study

At one time or another, many of us have been exposed to self-promoting preachers and teachers who claim to have had a special “revelation” or “word” from God. If so, we need to be careful. Unless what a person proclaims as truth can be verified by the clear teaching of the Bible, it is personal opinion at best and heresy at worst not divine revelation.

The Scriptures warn us not to add to nor take away from what God has revealed to us in His written inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Deuteronomy 4:2 tells us:

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it.”

Similar warnings are found in Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:5-6, and Revelation 22:18.

If someone attempts to teach a doctrine not found in the Bible, beware no matter how polished and well-known the person is. Let’s be sure to test the preachers and teachers we hear by the standard of God’s Word (1 John 4:1-6; cf. Revelation 2:1-2). If someone talks of receiving an additional “revelation” from God, make sure they aren’t violating God’s clear warnings.