1 John 4:1–6 (NASB95)
1 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.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
5 They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
In the Christian journey, we are called to discern and test the spirits, as stated in 1 John 4:1-6. This passage provides us with valuable insights and guidance on how to navigate the spiritual realm with wisdom, discernment, and a firm foundation in Christ.
The apostle John warns believers not to believe every spirit but to test them to see whether they are from God. In the last days, deception and false teachings can abound, and it is crucial that we approach spiritual matters with discernment and a solid understanding of God’s truth.
To effectively test the spirits, we must first ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. The Bible is the ultimate standard against which we evaluate any teaching, experience, or claim. It is the unchanging and infallible revelation of God’s character, will, and redemptive plan. Regular study and meditation on Scripture allow us to become familiar with God’s truth, making it easier to identify anything that deviates from it.
Furthermore, testing the spirits requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). We can rely on the Spirit’s wisdom, discernment, and guidance as we navigate the complexities of the spiritual realm. Cultivating a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and surrender helps us develop sensitivity to His promptings and guidance.
Another important aspect of discerning the spirits is examining the fruit produced. Jesus said, “By their fruit, you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). False spirits will produce counterfeit fruit or behaviors inconsistent with the character of Christ. We must observe and evaluate the outcomes, actions, and effects of the teachings or experiences we encounter.
Additionally, testing the spirits involves seeking wise counsel and accountability within the body of Christ. We are not meant to navigate spiritual discernment in isolation but as a part of the community of believers. Sharing our concerns, questions, and experiences with mature and trusted fellow Christians can provide valuable perspectives and insights. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and together we can strengthen one another’s discernment.
Ultimately, the purpose of testing the spirits is to glorify God and safeguard our faith. It is not a pursuit of skepticism or fear but a means to ensure that we align ourselves with truth and avoid being led astray. God desires us to walk in the light of His truth, filled with His love, and empowered by His Spirit.
As we journey through the last days, let us heed the apostle John’s exhortation to test the spirits. Let us ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word, rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, examine the fruit produced, and seek the wisdom and accountability of fellow believers. By doing so, we can navigate the spiritual realm with discernment, grow in our knowledge of God, and live lives that honor Him.
