How can we discern the "spirit of truth" from the "spirit of falsehood"? Verse in focus “We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not of God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” — 1 John 4:6 Why discernment matters • Truth and error are personal spirits, not mere ideas (4:6). • A wrong spirit distorts the gospel, hinders fellowship, and endangers souls (Galatians 1:8). The baseline test: who listens to the apostles? • “We” refers to John and the other inspired witnesses of Christ. • To “listen” means to welcome, obey, and continue in their teaching (1 John 2:24). • The canon of Scripture now preserves that apostolic voice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). → Submission to Scripture is the primary dividing line between truth and falsehood. Markers of the Spirit of truth • Confesses Jesus Christ as God the Son come in the flesh (1 John 4:2; 1 Corinthians 12:3). • Aligns fully with the written Word (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). • Exalts Christ, not self (John 16:14). • Produces obedience and holiness (John 14:15-17; 1 John 3:24). • Bears the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Points people toward the gospel of grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Red flags of the Spirit of falsehood • Redefines or diminishes the person or work of Jesus (2 John 7). • Adds, subtracts, or overrides Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19). • Appeals primarily to feelings, novelty, or human authority (Colossians 2:8). • Excuses sin or severs obedience from faith (Jude 4). • Produces envy, division, or immorality (Galatians 5:19-21). • Refuses correction from the clear text of the Bible (Acts 17:11). Practical steps for daily discernment 1. Saturate your mind with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). 2. Test every message, vision, or impression by explicit Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). 3. Ask: Does this glorify Christ and promote likeness to Him? (2 Corinthians 3:18). 4. Observe the messenger’s life and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). 5. Depend on the indwelling Spirit to guide into all truth (John 16:13). 6. Stay in fellowship with grounded believers who hold each other accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4 |
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