How can we discern spirits performing "signs" in today's world? Setting the Scene “These are spirits of demons performing signs, who go out to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.” (Revelation 16:14) John foresees a future moment when demonic spirits unleash astonishing wonders to lure earth’s leaders into open rebellion. Their activity is spectacular but sinister—reminding us that miracles by themselves never prove divine origin. Why Discernment Matters Today • Counterfeit supernatural activity is already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10). • Deception grows more persuasive as society craves experience over truth. • Believers are called “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Four Scriptural Tests for Discerning Spirits 1. The Confession Test • “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2). • Spirits that diminish Christ’s deity, incarnation, or atoning work fail the test. 2. The Word Alignment Test • “The Bereans were more noble… they examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). • Signs that require twisting or ignoring clear biblical teaching are counterfeit. 3. The Fruit Test • “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). • Works of the flesh—pride, greed, sexual immorality—betray a false spirit, whereas the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:19–23). 4. The Lordship Test • “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). • True manifestations exalt Christ’s authority; false ones elevate a personality, movement, or self-gratification. Red Flags to Watch For • Exalting signs more than Scripture. • Pressuring people for money linked to miracles (see 2 Peter 2:3). • Isolating followers from sound local church oversight (Hebrews 13:17). • Promoting secret knowledge or elitism (Colossians 2:18). God’s Provision for Protection • The indwelling Holy Spirit “guides into all truth” (John 16:13). • The full armor of God—especially “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). • Mutual accountability inside the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–16). Putting Discernment into Practice • Stay saturated in Scripture daily; counterfeit currencies stand out to those who handle the genuine article. • Pray for wisdom—“if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). • Measure every impressive experience by the character of Jesus and the plain teaching of His word. • Remain humble; discernment flows from dependence on God, not intellectual superiority. Encouragement and Warning Revelation 16:14 shows that the enemy’s tactics climax in dazzling signs, yet the verse ends with “the great day of God the Almighty.” God remains sovereign. As deception multiplies, so does the assurance that Christ will judge every lying spirit and vindicate His truth. Until then, cling to the Word, walk in the Spirit, and let genuine miracles point unmistakably to the supremacy of Jesus. |
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