The only thing we are to scrutinize is the content of the message. Is what is being taught based on sound scripture? Does it fall in line with scripture or does it run contrary to what we have already learned? If what is being taught runs contrary to the teachings of the Bible, then we are to not accept the message being taught. The apostle Peter understood this quite well and even warned, But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1). Paul warned about this in several of his writings, Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein (Hebrews 13:9), But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9), Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein (Hebrews 13:9), and And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:11).
The Bible is clear; lessons we learn from others will always follow what the Bible teaches and will always bring the Lord Jesus Christ honor and glory. It is by that standard alone we can prove and try what is being taught to us by others. It is also by this standard that we must hold ourselves accountable to what we teach others. There’s an old Chinese saying, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” May each of us be eager to learn from those that God brings into our life and be just as eager and ready to teach others when God calls upon us to do so.
