1
Test All Things

• 1 Thessalonians 521

2
Test

• dokimazo
• discern, examine, prove (Strongs)
• Also used in 1 Cor. 313 the fire will test
  each ones work.
• We need to examine all thingstesting them to
  determine their worth or value, whether they be
  good or evil.

3
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 Lords work. Take
nothing for granted.
4
We need to Test All Things
To determine their worth or value
Test all things as fire tests gold
hold fast what is good. Abstain from every
form of evil.
5
Test What?

• In the context of 1 Thess. 521prophecies,
  teaching (vs. 20).
• Teachers, preachers, friends, family, etc.
• But all things also includes all things.
• All teaching (1 John 41).
• Our own understanding, faith, works (2 Cor.
  135 Gal. 64).
• Motivation (Matt. 1234-35).
• Examine on a personal level as well as a
  congregational level.

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Danger in Not Testing
King Saul 1 Sam. 151-3, 9, 13-15, 19-20
unwilling to utterly destroy themServe 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 bestto sacrifice to the
Lord.Justify actions by saying it is for the
Lord. If it gets the job done, how can it be
wrong?
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Danger in Not Testing
King Saul 1 Sam. 151-3, 9, 13-15, 19-20
The Lesson to be learned? Vs. 22 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)
8
Danger in Not Testing
Eve Genesis 31-7
God has said, You shall not eat itShe 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 herShe shared her sin with
another. Our sins will affect others around us.
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Danger in Not Testing
Eve Genesis 31-7
The lesson to be learned? Vs. 4, 6. Satan can
make that which is contrary to Gods commands
seem like a good thing. You will not surely
dieyour eyes will be opened
Just because it looks good, doesnt mean it is
right.
10
Danger in Not Testing
Today 2 Timothy 43-4

• Pre-catholic (200-300A.D.), In union is
  strengthi.e. need for ecclesiastical order for
  strong church.
• Christian church (1800s) instrumental music
  helpful--today they no longer resemble the New
  Testament church.
• Today dont need anything, except what makes
  me feel good.
• One misdirected good idea can lead to
  exponential departure from the Faith.

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Danger in Not Testing
Psalm 11989-- Forever, O LORD, Your word is
settled in heaven.
some will depart from the faith(1 Tim. 41)
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Conclusion

• Zeal can be misplaced (Rom. 102-4).
• Sincerity can be misguided (2 Thess. 210).
• As a congregation Learn from Saul. It may be the
  Lords work, but ask Is it the Lords 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.

13
Conclusion
True Joy comes from walking in the light of
Gods 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 8915-16