“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 (NASB95)
We live in a time of increasing spiritual confusion. Messages claiming to be from God come from all directions—through teachers, preachers, books, and social media. But not every message is from Him. The apostle John warns us to test the spirits to determine whether they are truly from God. This practice is not optional; it is a necessity for every believer who wants to remain faithful in the last days.
The Command to Test the Spirits
John’s instruction is clear: do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits. Why? Because deception is real. False prophets and counterfeit teachings infiltrate the church, distorting the truth of the gospel. Jesus Himself warned about this:
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” – Matthew 24:24 (NASB95)
Deception is often subtle. It can sound biblical, feel right, and even include partial truths. That is why we must measure everything against God’s unchanging Word. If a teaching contradicts Scripture or distorts the gospel, it is not from God.
How to Test the Spirits
Testing the spirits requires spiritual discernment, which comes from knowing God’s Word, being led by the Holy Spirit, and examining the fruit of a teaching or movement.
1. Compare Everything to Scripture
The Bible is our ultimate standard. It is the unchanging, infallible truth against which all spiritual claims must be tested. False teachings often mix truth with error, but if we are deeply rooted in Scripture, we will recognize when something is off.
Paul commended the Bereans for testing his teachings against Scripture:
“Now these people were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” – Acts 17:11 (NASB95)
Like the Bereans, we must weigh every sermon, prophecy, and spiritual claim against God’s Word. If it does not align, we must reject it.
2. Follow the Leading of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide believers into truth:
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” – John 16:13 (NASB95)
The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to recognize deception. But to hear His voice clearly, we must walk in obedience, pray for wisdom, and remain sensitive to His guidance. A believer who ignores the Spirit’s leading becomes vulnerable to spiritual deception.
3. Examine the Fruit
Jesus gave us a simple test:
“So then, you will recognize them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:20 (NASB95)
What kind of fruit does a teaching, movement, or leader produce? The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). If a person’s teaching leads to division, pride, immorality, or spiritual bondage, it is not from God.
False teachers often exalt themselves rather than Christ. They twist Scripture to serve their own agendas. A true servant of God points people to Jesus, not to themselves.
4. Seek Godly Counsel
We are not meant to test the spirits alone. God places us in a community of believers for support and accountability. Proverbs reminds us:
“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 (NASB95)
Seeking wisdom from mature, biblically grounded Christians helps guard against deception. If a teaching feels questionable, seek the insight of trusted believers. A strong, Bible-centered church community provides protection and clarity.
Why Testing the Spirits Matters
Many people today are led astray by emotional experiences, persuasive speakers, and so-called “new revelations.” Without discernment, believers can fall into error, drifting from the truth of the gospel.
Testing the spirits is not about being critical or fearful. It is about protecting our faith and glorifying God. We do not test the spirits out of skepticism, but out of a desire to walk in truth.
John reassures us that as God’s children, we are not defenseless:
“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.” – 1 John 4:4 (NASB95)
We have the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the support of fellow believers. When we faithfully test the spirits, we stand firm in truth and avoid the snares of deception.
Final Encouragement
As we navigate these last days, we must remain vigilant. False teachings will increase, but so will God’s grace and wisdom for those who seek Him.
Let us commit to:
- Testing every teaching against Scripture
- Relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit
- Examining the fruit of a message or movement
- Seeking accountability in the body of Christ
By doing so, we will walk in truth, discern deception, and glorify God in all we do. Test the spirits, stand firm in the faith, and trust that the Lord will lead you in His truth.
Additional Resources
Dangers Christians Face in the World
Spiritial Warfare
How do you discern truth – Love Worth Finding
