DISCERN THE SOURCE
📖 “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan…” (Matthew 16:23).
Not everything that sounds right is from God. Not every thought, idea, or opinion that comes nicely is inspired by the Spirit. You must learn to discern. In Matthew 16, for example, the Lord Jesus asked His disciples, “…whom say ye that I am?”(Matthew 16:15).
Peter answered, “…Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” Then the Lord said to Peter, “… Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).
But shortly afterwards, when the Lord Jesus began to speak about His death, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “…Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee”(Matthew 16:22). Notice what happens next: immediately, the Lord “… turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23).
This was the same Peter: one moment, he was speaking by revelation from God, the next moment, Satan is speaking through him. But the Lord Jesus discerned the source of the words Peter spoke. He didn’t address Peter as a person; He addressed the source and said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”
That means you must discern the source of every word, inspiration and action. When you speak, it should always be from God. Your thoughts should always be inspired by the Holy Spirit so that your words will synchronise with God’s perfect will.
Peter spoke from personal desire. He wanted an earthly kingdom. He wanted a position. He wanted a system that favoured him. What sounded like concern was actually self-interest. So, don’t judge things by how they sound; you’re to discern them by the Spirit.
Not every good-sounding word or emotional reaction is spiritual. That’s why you must stay filled with the Spirit and let the Word of God dwell in you richly. 1 John 4:1 declares, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God….” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 tells us not to despise the Word (prophecies) but to test everything and hold fast to that which is good and edifies. In other words, discern the source.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for granting me spiritual discernment. I’m not led by appearances or emotions; I’m led by your Spirit. I recognise the source of thoughts and words, and I walk in alignment with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every word you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation, we have a gift for you. First, kindly click this link so we can connect with you and help you grow in Christ.
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Message by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Dsc. Dsc. DD.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 16:16-23 || “[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [20] Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus Christ. [21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. [22] Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. [23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” ||
1 Corinthians 2:14-15 || “[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them,] because they are spiritually discerned. [15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” ||
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 || “[20] Despise not prophesyings. [21]the Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” ||
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 2:8-17 & Songs Of Solomon 3-4
