Test the Spirit

1 John 4:1 (NLT)

"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world."

As believers, we are not called to be suspicious of everyone, but we are called to be discerning in everything. God commands us to lovingly and carefully test every spiritual claim against the unchanging truth of His Word so that we remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

Never believe something simply because:

• It sounds spiritual.

• It is popular.

• It stirs your emotions.

• A famous preacher said it.

• It is accompanied by signs, wonders, or miracles.

Every truth claim, no matter who it comes from; must be measured by the Word of God.

If it does not pass the test of God's infallible Word, do not accept it, do not believe it, and certainly do not build your life upon it.

Every teaching carries an influence behind it. Unless you test every spirit, every influence behind every teaching or message, you become vulnerable to deception.

Be a believer who knows the Scriptures, seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and stands firmly on the truth of God's Word.

— Pastor Van D.