Don’t believe your preacher until you have tested what he says by the Scripture!
Just because a man stands in a pulpit… uses the Bible in a speech (Sermon)… and is persuasive in his presentation does NOT mean that what he says is necessarily right or sound doctrinally. Listen with a ready and teachable spirit, but do NOT suck down everything he says or teaches UNTIL you have confirmed it with Scripture.
Acts 17:10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
1 John 4:1 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 Thess 5:20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Throughout the New Testament there are multiple warnings against being fooled into believing false doctrine. Those who deceive are called wolves in sheep’s clothing. In fact, some of them come from within the fellowship of beleivers! Regardless of age… education… reputation… or any other factor, be a discerning listener every time anyone speaks about the oracles of God.
It doesn’t matter how big their following is… how many people say they are right in what they say… or that what they say makes logical sense, what matters is whether or not the person is faithful to God’s Word and presents it ACCURATELY. And the way this happens is found in 1 John 2:27…
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.
This anointing isn’t just a “gut feeling,” nor is it what a person “thinks” is right. No… it is the result of studying the Scripture diligently (Acts 17:11) and asking God to give you understanding through the Spirit. So as you listen Sunday… test what the person speaking or teaching says by Scripture. If there is deviation, stick with God’s Word… not a man.