Testing The Spirits

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.—1 John 4:1 NASB

Millions of people today live in spiritual confusion. Fostered by an intense media barrage, society is overwhelmed with messages about the occult. More than two-thirds of Americans believe in the paranormal.

According to a recent study, interest in the paranormal is particularly high among those people “with more liberal views of the Bible” and those who don’t regularly attend church. These people are particularly vulnerable because they are not solidly grounded. In contrast, there is a major difference between people who regularly attend church and believe in the Bible.

The Bible warns that deceptive spirits are at work in the world. This is why we need discernment to know the truth. We are warned not to “believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” Realize that only the spirit that “confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” is from God. We also are warned about a “spirit of antichrist,” a spirit that denies that Jesus is Lord (vs. 2–3).

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would “testify about Me” (John 15:26). This is why we need to be led by and filled with the Spirit. Commit to Jesus as your Lord.

Be alert for deception. Pray about any questionable issues. Fill your mind with the Bible, and make it the basis of your beliefs. Test the spirits. Be sure God’s Spirit is leading you.

Reflection Question: How can you cultivate a spirit of discernment?