Applying the Test of Biblical Accuracy
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of scriptural accuracy and moral goodness in spiritual leaders, warning of the severe consequences of following false guides.
Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35832 delves into the origins and meanings of 'pharmakeia', primarily signifying the use of medicine, drugs, spells, and sorcery. The practice of magic and sorcery involved the use of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness for supernatural purposes. The Bible warns against sorcery, idolatry, and witchcraft, emphasizing the dangers of seeking supernatural powers apart from God. The prevalence of sorcery and drug use is prophesied to increase in the end times, leading to deception and spiritual bondage.
Text
The tests for spiritual genuineness are two: First, the leader must be a good man and full of the Holy Ghost. Christianity is nothing if not moral. . . . But the test of moral goodness is not enough. Every man must submit his work to the scriptural test. It is not enough that he be able to quote from the Bible at great length or that he claim for himself great and startling experiences with God. Go back to the law and to the testimony. If he speak not according to the Word it is because there is no light in him.
We who are invited to follow him have every right, as well as a solemn obligation, to test his work according to the Word of God.
We must demand that every claimant for our confidence present a clean bill of health from the Holy Scriptures; that he do more than weave in a text occasionally, or hold up the Bible dramatically before the eyes of his hearers. His doctrines must be those of the Scriptures. The Bible must dominate his preaching. He must preach according to the Word of God. The price of following a false guide on the desert may be death. The price of heeding wrong advice in business may be bankruptcy. The price of trusting to a quack doctor may be permanent loss of health. The price of putting confidence in a pseudo-prophet may be moral and spiritual tragedy.
Let us take heed that no man deceive us.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Moral Goodness
- The Need for Scriptural Accuracy
- The Consequences of False Guidance
- Following a false guide can lead to spiritual tragedy
- Heeding wrong advice can have severe consequences
Key Quotes
“If he speak not according to the Word it is because there is no light in him.” — A.W. Tozer
“The price of following a false guide on the desert may be death.” — A.W. Tozer
“Let us take heed that no man deceive us.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Demand that spiritual leaders present a clean bill of health from the Holy Scriptures.
- Ensure that a leader's doctrines align with God's Word.
- Be cautious of following leaders who do not preach according to the Word of God.