Testing the Spirits

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

I John 4:1

John write that Christians should be trying the spirits. That is, he is telling us that we need to double check that the things we're bring told by people are actually in accordance with what God says. In the following verses, he gives us some instruction in how to see if a person is teaching the truth or not.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world

I John 4:2-3

The way to see if truth is being taught is to see if it “confesseth.” That is, that if the teaching is in accordance with the things God says. Just as we are to confess Christ by living in such a way that Christ is seen in us, Christ should be seen in all the words being taught. If such a thing is not apparent, then the spirit is not from God. The teaching is not the teaching of Christ, and it is coming from a false teacher.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Acts 17:10-11

Here, it is recorded that the Bereans double checked what Paul was telling them. And for this, they are commended. Think about this: it was the apostle Paul who was teaching them. And they're commended for double checking him to make sure he was right!

How often do you “test the spirits.” Are you spending your days listening to someone teach or preach, and assuming that they're right? Or are you comparing everything being taught with your Bible, the word of God? It's the only way to know if the truth is being taught.

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

II Peter 2:1

Peter writes that false teachers will introduce heresies secretly. They won't proclaim from the roof tops that their teaching is contrary to Christ's teaching, but will bring it in secretly, claiming it is from Christ. The only way to see through their words is to compare it to the word of God.

Are you testing the spirits? When a preacher stands before you, do you compare what he says with the Bible? Do you compare Bible classes to scripture? Do you compare written books with the word of God? Do you test the spirits? Are you as noble as those in Berea?