Testing the Spirits – Jennifer Woodley
‘Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.’ 1 John 4:1 (NRSV)
Our responsibility as Christians is to examine all claims and prophecies against God’s word. Like the Bereans, in Acts 17, we are to search the scriptures and verify whether all that we hear is true or not.
Is what we are being taught from the Holy Spirit? If so, it will draw us to Christ, His people, His Word and create in us a yearning to become more like Christ. The work of the Spirit causes people to be peaceful, joyful, humble, loving, sacrificial and take up their cross wherever God may lead them. A spirit-filled person hungers for Jesus and is convicted of their sin. Furthermore, the true work of the Holy Spirit exalts the Lord Jesus Christ and declares that Jesus has come in the flesh and is from God (verse 2).
On the contrary, false spirits, that is, teachers who are not from the Spirit of God, offer the world what they want; what feeds their worldly desires. These are teachers whose instruction satisfies listeners’ carnal wants, not their spiritual needs. Such a person speaks like the world, with ideologies of the world and that is why the world listens to them (verse 5). Such teachings satisfy people’s desire for more of the ‘best life now’ as they strive for health, prosperity, self-fulfillment and self-satisfaction.
The Spirit’s work leads us to love. Let’s not be deceived but ask God for the wisdom to discern truth from error and willingly obey His good, beautiful Spirit.
Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their journey with Christ through writing and mentoring. Contact