DISCERNING FALSE TESTIMONIES

01/16/2024

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

This year, there will be an avalanche of false testimonies. People will tell all kinds of tales about ministers of the gospel and make accusations that confound the imagination. Jesus said, "Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20). 

The Bible records that Jesus was put under scrutiny by the Jewish leadership of His day, several times, because they wanted to accuse Him. One time, Jesus entered a synagogue on the Sabbath and there was a man with a withered hand in that place. The Bible says, "So they [the Jewish religious establishment ] watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him" (Mark 3:2). Settle it that if Jesus could be so scrutinized, His disciples will not be any exception. 

That said, there is a way to discern the falsity of an accusation and the instrument for deciphering truth is found in Philippians 4:8. It says, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things arelovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

So when you hear a testimony about a man of God or ministry, you must ask eight questions without which further consideration of the testimony would be disastrous to your faith. These questions are: Is this true? Is this noble or honest? Is this just? Is this pure? Is this lovely? Is this good to report? Is this excellent? Is this praiseworthy? 

If there is a negative answer for just one of these questions, it is false testimony, not worthy of thinking about much less discussing among believers. Even, in a case where the accusations are criminal in nature, let the law take its course but never partake in broadcasting it because according to the Bible, it is false testimony. 

I know this may seem difficult to digest in certain cases but let God be true and every man a liar. Proverbs 19:5 says, "A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape."

As long as a statement fails one of the eight qualifiers of truth, it is false. So the next time you hear any bit of information, let these eight qualifiers guide how you handle it to avoid being deceived into partaking in another's error.

Let a word be enough for the wise. God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession

I discern false testimonies with the Word of God. Deceptive tactics to divide and conquer believers are easily decipherable to me as I put them through God's Word. I cannot be deceived or incited by false accusations or testimonies. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Day 15 of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Pray for GHC Pastors

▪ Thank God for GHC pastors and ministers (Call them by name in your prayers).

▪ Pray that God will increase His grace upon their lives this year.

▪ Pray that our pastors and ministers will have the boldness to speak the truth in love, and when they speak, they will speak as oracles of God.

▪ Pray that our pastors and ministers will live worthy of the gospel of Christ.

 One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 38-40; Matthew 12:22-50