How can believers discern spirits as instructed in 1 John 4:3? Grounding Ourselves in 1 John 4:3 “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is already in the world.” Why Discernment Matters • Spirits—personalities behind teachings, influences, or movements—are active now. • Scripture commands believers to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Our spiritual health and witness hinge on obeying this command. Test #1: Confession of Christ • 1 John 4:3 focuses on whether a spirit “confesses Jesus.” • 1 Corinthians 12:3: “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” • Genuine confession affirms: – Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:1,14). – His virgin birth, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and promised return (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:11). • Any denial or distortion signals a false spirit (2 John 7). Test #2: Alignment with Scripture • Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” • Galatians 1:8: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” • The Bible is the final, sufficient authority. A teaching that contradicts or adds to Scripture is instantly disqualified. Test #3: Gospel Fruit • Matthew 7:20: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • False spirits foster pride, division, sensuality, or greed (2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 16-19). • Long-term character patterns reveal the true source behind any message. Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment 1. Stay rooted in daily Bible intake—Acts 17:11 models noble-minded examination. 2. Pray for wisdom; James 1:5 promises God will give it generously. 3. Compare every sermon, book, song, or podcast with clear passages of Scripture. 4. Keep Christ’s identity and work central in all doctrinal evaluations. 5. Cultivate fellowship with mature believers; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). 6. Guard your heart: Hebrews 5:14 says mature believers have their senses trained “to distinguish between good and evil.” 7. Respond promptly—reject error, embrace truth, and, when needed, warn others in love (Ephesians 4:15). Warning Signs of False Spirits • Diminishing Christ’s deity or humanity. • Elevating new “revelations” over the written Word. • Promoting salvation by works or self-improvement. • Producing fear, confusion, or bondage rather than freedom in Christ. • Seeking personal glory, wealth, or control. Encouraging Confidence in the Spirit • 1 John 4:4 reassures: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” • Depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture (John 16:13) and empower discernment. • Remain steadfast; the Lord equips His people to separate truth from error until He returns. |
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