How can Rhema teaching be misused to justify subjective impressions over biblical truth, and what safeguards should believers and churches implement to prevent such misuse?
The concept of Rhema as a specific, personal word from God is widely taught in Charismatic and Pentecostal circles. While it encourages dynamic, Spirit-led Christian living, its misuse can lead to:
Doctrinal error.
Manipulation by leaders.
Confusion and spiritual harm among believers.
Understanding the potential dangers and biblical safeguards is vital for sound doctrine and healthy spiritual practice.
2. Nature of Rhema Teaching
2.1 Definition
Rhema (ῥῆμα)
Explanation
Greek meaning
A spoken word, utterance, or saying. Biblically used for speech, Scripture quotations, or gospel proclamation.
Charismatic understanding
A Spirit-given, specific word for guidance, prophecy, or encouragement in a particular situation.
3. Potential Misuses of Rhema Teaching
3.1 Elevating Rhema Above Scripture
Misuse
Explanation
Authoritative claim
Treating Rhema words as equal to or above Scripture, giving personal impressions binding authority without biblical testing.
Doctrinal addition
Using Rhema to introduce new teachings not grounded in the Bible, undermining the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
3.2 Justifying Personal Desires or Biases
Misuse
Explanation
Self-serving interpretations
Using “God told me…” to legitimise personal choices, desires, or biases without accountability.
Emotional projection
Mistaking strong feelings or wishes for divine instruction (Jeremiah 23:25–32 warns of prophets speaking from their own hearts).
3.3 Manipulative Leadership Practices
Misuse
Explanation
Controlling others
Leaders claiming exclusive Rhema words to demand obedience, money, or personal loyalty.
Spiritual intimidation
Threatening spiritual harm or loss of blessing if Rhema instructions are questioned, suppressing critical discernment.
3.4 Doctrinal and Ethical Errors
Misuse
Explanation
Contradicting Scripture
Acting on Rhema words that conflict with biblical teaching on morality, doctrine, or church practice.
Cultic tendencies
Groups elevating leader’s Rhema revelations as ultimate truth, leading to heretical or abusive communities.
4. Biblical and Theological Analysis
4.1 Testing All Words
Verse
Principle
1 Thessalonians 5:19–21
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
1 John 4:1
“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
Isaiah 8:20
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
All Rhema words are subject to Scriptural testing and discernment, not accepted uncritically.
4.2 Scripture as Final Authority
4.2.1 Sola Scriptura Principle
Doctrine
Explanation
Sufficiency of Scripture
The Bible contains all that is necessary for faith and practice; no further normative revelation is needed (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
4.3 The Role of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit never contradicts Scripture (John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
Rhema words are best understood as Spirit-applied insights or applications within the framework of God’s revealed Word.
5. Safeguards Against Misuse
5.1 Prioritise Scriptural Authority
Teach that Scripture is the final standard; Rhema words must align with it.
5.2 Cultivate Discernment and Testing
Application
Practice
Individual discernment
Test impressions for Scriptural consistency, godly fruit, and Christ-centredness.
Community evaluation
Prophetic Rhema words weighed by mature believers and church leadership (1 Corinthians 14:29).
5.3 Train Leaders in Humility and Accountability
Leaders should model humility, teachability, and submission to Scripture, never using Rhema claims for personal power or control.
5.4 Encourage Mature Spiritual Formation
Aspect
Focus
Bible literacy
Equips believers to discern true from false teachings.
