How do I Know if My Pastor is Teaching the Truth?

 

In a world filled with diverse voices claiming to represent God's Word, discerning truth from error is essential for every believer. Scripture exhorts us to be like the Bereans, who "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). But how can you apply this principle practically? Here are three key ways to test the teaching you receive:

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1. Compare the Teaching with Scripture

The Bible is our ultimate standard of truth. Isaiah 8:20 reminds us, “Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them” (CSB). A faithful pastor’s message should align with the clear teachings of Scripture. Ask yourself:

• Is the passage being interpreted in its proper context? Look at the verses before and after to ensure the message isn’t being twisted to fit an agenda.
• Does this teaching align with the whole counsel of God’s Word? Scripture interprets Scripture, and any teaching that contradicts other parts of the Bible is a red flag.
• Is the teaching based on one passage of Scripture or does it jump around the Bible? The historical, cultural, and narrative context of a passage take time to unpack, but are crucial to understanding and applying the text to our modern times.

Since it is difficult to both listen to the teaching and read passages in context, it is good idea to read the passages for yourself after the sermon. You may even consider keeping a notebook to jot down key points and questions to study further.

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2. Examine the Fruits of the Teaching

Jesus said, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16a; CSB). Truthful teaching produces spiritual growth, godly character, and a deeper love for God and others. Here are some signs of good fruit:

• Does the teaching exalt Christ? Sound doctrine always points to Jesus, not the preacher’s charisma, personal opinions, or self-help philosophies.
• Does it lead to repentance and transformation? True biblical teaching challenges sin and encourages obedience to God’s commands.
• Does it promote unity and love in the body of Christ? If the teaching causes division or fosters pride, it may not be rooted in truth.

Also, beware of messages that emphasize your potential, avoid the reality and consequences of sin, or prioritize worldly success over spiritual maturity.

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3. Pray for Discernment and Listen to the Holy Spirit

Discernment is a gift from God, and the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). Before, during, and after a sermon, pray for clarity and wisdom. Ask the Lord to reveal anything that is out of line with His Word.

• Do you sense the Spirit’s affirmation or caution? Sometimes, you may feel unsettled or unsure about a message. Take those feelings to God in prayer and compare the teaching with Scripture.
• Seek wise counsel from mature believers. If you have concerns, discuss them with trusted Christians who are grounded in the Word.
• Use a good Study Bible or One Volume Commentary. There are many good study resources available to us, and some of the most accessible ones are the study notes found in Study Bibles.*

Remember, while no pastor is perfect, a faithful shepherd humbly welcomes questions and strives to teach God’s Word accurately.

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Final Thoughts

Testing your pastor’s teaching is not about being critical or suspicious but about being a responsible disciple. Paul urged Timothy to "correctly teach the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15), and we should expect the same diligence from our spiritual leaders. By comparing teachings with Scripture, examining their fruit, and praying for discernment, you can grow in confidence that you are being nourished with sound doctrine.

Let’s be Bereans together, faithfully testing all things and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Remember, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105)—and with it, we will not be led astray.

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What steps have you taken to discern the truth in teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments!

* I have found these Study Bibles useful: NLT Study Bible, NLT Life Application Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, CSB Study Bible, NIV Study Bible, and NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study BIble. 

A Silent Message

 

"Before and since Tolkien’s death there have been numerous articles and books on the meaning of his fiction. Kilby [one of his biographers] records Tolkien’s favorable reaction to an essay sent to him from Australia, concerned with the themes of kingship, priesthood, and prophecy in The Lord of the Rings. He [Tolkien] endorsed the spirit of the essay in finding Christian meaning in his work, even though, as he remarked, it displayed the tendency of such scholarly analysis to suggest that it was a conscious schema for him as he wrote. He [Tolkien] didn’t deliberately try to insert Christian meaning into his work—a point over which he disagreed with C.S. Lewis, in whose fantasy he felt the Christianity was too explicit."  

—Colin Duriez, The J.R.R. Tolkien Handbook

Our worldview—the underlying philosophy of life—shapes everything we do. It is formed out of our beliefs about God, humankind, and the world. Our worldview is created, not only by what we have learned through Scripture and Church, but also by other things such as what we learned at school, the family we grew up in, and the movies that we watch.

One of the things that have informed my worldview is J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece The Lord of the Rings. In this story I have discovered metaphors and illustrations for what it means to follow Jesus. 

As the above quote shows, Tolkien didn’t set out to write a theological work, but Christian themes naturally emerged nonetheless. His worldview, whether consciously or unconsciously, influenced his storytelling. This reality reminds us that our worldview always affects the work we do.

Since our worldview affects the things we do, then other people’s worldview will affect the things that they create. This is why it’s dangerous to consume stories, TV shows, music, and movies without a discerning eye. Even if creators don’t intentionally embed messages in their work, there’s always a message—something their worldview conveys. 

We need to be mindful of the subtle ways these messages shape how we see the world. As Christians, we should be particularly aware of how the stories we consume influence our thinking.

The effect of these stories can be so subtle that we might not even notice it happening. We may begin to adopt the worldview of the storyteller. For instance, if an author portrays the world as dark and hopeless, we might develop a similarly negative outlook. Or, if an author paints a picture of unrelenting optimism, we might develop an unrealistic expectation of life. Stories profoundly impact how we interpret the world around us.

So, how do we, as Christians, maintain a Christ-centered worldview? 

We maintain a Christian worldview by not allowing the world's narratives to have the primary influence over us. Instead, we need to immerse ourselves in the study of God’s Word and meditating on its truth. We must spend time in prayer, seeking His wisdom. 

It is also important to remember what Thomas à Kempis wisely wrote, “Why wish to see what you cannot have?” 

The stories we consume, along with the music and social media we engage with, often stir desires within us for lives we cannot or should not pursue. While all forms of media can awaken emotions that lead us closer to Christ the opposite can also be true. If taken without discernment, these things can lead us away from Jesus. That is why, as Christians, we must be careful about what we allow into our minds. The power of stories and songs lies in how easily they infiltrate our thinking without us realizing it.

I want to urge all of us to carefully examine the things we read, watch, and listen to, because they hold the power to shape our lives. More importantly, we need to make sure we are regularly filling our hearts and minds with God’s Word. Scripture should be our primary guide and influence.

As Philippians 4:8 (NLT) reminds us:  

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”