“Test All Things” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

“Test” “dokimazo”: –“discern, examine, prove” (Strong’s) –Also used in 1 Cor. 3:13: “…the fire will test each one’s work.” We need to examine all things—testing them to determine their worth or value, whether they be good or evil.

We need to Test All Things To determine their worth or value Examine carefully the work that we are doing and new ideas for doing the Lord’s work. Take nothing for granted.

We need to Test All Things To determine their worth or value “…hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Test all things as fire tests gold

Test What? In the context of 1 Thess. 5:21—prophecies, teaching (vs. 20). –Teachers, preachers, friends, family, etc. But “all things” also includes “all things.” –All teaching (1 John 4:1). –Our own understanding, faith, works (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4). –Motivation (Matt. 12:34-35). Examine on a personal level as well as a congregational level.

Danger in Not Testing King Saul 1 Sam. 15:1-3, 9, 13-15, “unwilling to utterly destroy them” Serve the Lord but not obey ALL of His commandments. “I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” Satisfied with getting it PARTIALLY right or doing something SIMILAR to the command of the Lord. “Spared the best…to sacrifice to the Lord.” Justify actions by saying it is for the Lord. If it gets the job done, how can it be wrong?

Danger in Not Testing King Saul 1 Sam. 15:1-3, 9, 13-15, The Lesson to be learned? Vs. 22 to obey is better than sacrifice “Has God as great delight in burnt offerings and in sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” In other words… “The first question should be ‘Is it right?’ not ‘Will it work?’” (Colin Williamson)

Danger in Not Testing Eve Genesis 3:1-7 “God has said, ‘You shall not eat it…’” She knew the word of God “…the woman saw that the tree was good...” She was deceived into thinking that just because it looked good, it was good. She acted upon emotion, not truth. “She also gave to her husband with her…” She shared her sin with another. Our sins will affect others around us.

Danger in Not Testing Eve Genesis 3:1-7 The lesson to be learned? Vs. 4, 6. Satan can make that which is contrary to God’s commands seem like a good thing. “You will not surely die…your eyes will be opened…” Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it is right.

Danger in Not Testing Pre-catholic ( A.D.), “In union is strength”—i.e. need for ecclesiastical order for strong church. Christian church: (1800’s) instrumental music helpful--today they no longer resemble the New Testament church. Today: don’t “need” anything, except what makes me feel good. One misdirected “good idea” can lead to exponential departure from the Faith. Today 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Danger in Not Testing “…some will depart from the faith…” (1 Tim. 4:1) Psalm 119:89-- “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”

Conclusion Zeal can be misplaced (Rom. 10:2-4). Sincerity can be misguided (2 Thess. 2:10). As a congregation: Learn from Saul. It may be the Lord’s work, but ask “Is it the Lord’s way?” As individuals: Learn from Eve. It may look good and it may feel good, but is it according the command of the Lord? Test ALL things. Consider the consequences.

Conclusion True Joy comes from walking in the light of God’s word “Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted.” Psalm 89:15-16