The bible tells us to "test the spirits" to determine false doctrine from pure doctrine...

The bible tells us to "test the spirits" to determine false doctrine from pure doctrine. So how should we react when we hear our pastor or leader preaching something that may seem false? Should we disrupt him during the sermon and point out his error in front of everyone? or approach him after the service? Would it be wrong if we stop him while he is preaching to tell him what he is preaching is not accurate?

Mike
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Dear Mike:

Yes Mike, we should indeed “test the spirits.” If you don’t mind, I’ll address your questions separately as you have asked four questions in one.

When you refer to “test the spirits,” you may be referencing 1 John 4ff, which states.

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. 4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

1 John 4:1-6.

Without getting too detailed, in this portion of scripture John may be addressing the Gnostics in the first century as well as those who do not believe Jesus is the Christ. This may not be the issues with your Pastor – teacher.

Judging from your questions, it appears that you may be questioning whether or not your pastor is correctly dividing the word of God. Acts informs us that the believers in Berea were quite noble as they heard the word, yet confirmed its veracity on a daily basis. We are to hear the word and then confirm.

11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12

However, if you feel that your leader is preaching a false doctrine, you may want to make an appointment to visit with him. There is a correct forum for us as a civilized society. Imagine if there were one hundred attendees from various churches, religions, sects, and cults in this upcoming Sunday service. Each one of these attendees has a difference of opinion on biblical interpretation. What would happen if each of these attendees would selectively interrupt the Pastor/teacher in his monologue? That would not be such a pretty sight for a preaching service. Not only so, but what if the teacher is trying to make a point, yet he/she keeps being interrupted by nay-sayers. Paul speaks about this in Corinthians.

However, I have listed below a few scripture verses where some folk(s) believed that they were correct in rebuking our Lord, only to find out that they were incorrect:

22 And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You." 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matt 16:22-23.

39 And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" Luke 19:39-40.

Now, imagine that you decided that you were going to interrupt the teacher, and you go ahead and interrupt… only to find out that you were incorrect. That would not be such a pretty sight. Perhaps, you may want to discuss the issue with your teacher in person - one on one in a private appointment. Many inconsistencies are usually worked out in this fashion.

Finally, please be aware that ‘systematic – biblical theology’ covers a variant of doctrines and beliefs and your particular belief may not be the same as the church, pastor, or teacher. Therefore, work out your faith and doctrinal statements in accordance with God’s word and remember that there may be more that one academic doctrine behind any one portion of scripture. In other words, you and I will have to keep doing our homework on God’s word.

In hopes of continual growth in the Lord. (Hebrews 5:12- 6:1).
Thanks for your question Mike.

Blessings.

Dean