How does 1 Corinthians 12:3 guide us in discerning true spiritual influences? Our Key Verse “Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3) The Essential Principle: Two Clear Indicators • Negative indicator: Any spirit or person that demeans, dismisses, or curses Jesus is not from God. • Positive indicator: A genuine, heartfelt confession that Jesus is Lord arises only through the Holy Spirit’s work. What “Jesus be cursed” Signals • Rejects Christ’s deity, work, and authority. • Aligns with the spirit of antichrist (1 John 2:22). • Comes from darkness, not the light of God (John 8:44). • Immediate red flag—no further spiritual credentials override this denial. What “Jesus is Lord” Affirms • Acknowledges His full deity and rightful rule (Philippians 2:9-11). • Embraces His saving work on the cross (Romans 10:9-10). • Demonstrates the Spirit’s inner renewal (Titus 3:5-6). • Leads to obedience, not mere lip service (Luke 6:46). Practical Discernment Steps Today 1. Listen to the message’s treatment of Jesus—honor or dishonor? 2. Compare every teaching with Scripture (Acts 17:11). 3. Observe the fruit produced—does it mirror the Spirit’s character? (Galatians 5:22-23). 4. Remember that eloquence, miracles, or popularity never override the central confession about Christ (Matthew 7:22-23). 5. Stay dependent on the Spirit through the Word; He never contradicts Himself (John 16:13). Supporting Passages That Echo the Test • 1 John 4:1-3 — “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.” • Matthew 12:30-32 — Honoring or blaspheming Jesus reveals the heart’s allegiance. • 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 — Beware of “another Jesus” preached by false apostles. • John 15:26 — The Spirit testifies about Jesus, always spotlighting Him. The Fruit That Follows the Confession • Love for Christ and His people (1 John 4:7-8). • Humble submission to His Word (James 1:22). • Growing holiness, not lawlessness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • A desire to spread the good news of the true Lord (Acts 4:20). Summary Takeaway True spiritual influence exalts Jesus as Lord and never degrades Him. The Spirit-inspired confession, backed by obedient living and sound doctrine, remains the surest test for discerning voices in our lives today. |
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