The Importance of Testing the Spirit

The Bible never instructs believers to accept every message or every minister at face value. Instead God commands His people to test spiritual teachings. This is not an act of unbelief but an act of obedience. John writes in 1 John 4 verse 1 Beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world. The rise of false teachers is not an accident. Scripture declares that this would increase as the last days approach.

Testing the spirit means comparing every teaching to the Word of God. If a sermon contradicts Scripture or leads believers away from holiness it must be rejected. Acts 17 verse 11 praises the Berean believers because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received. God never asked His people to check sermons by emotion or charisma. He asks them to check by Scripture.

Many believers confuse discernment with judgmentalism. However discernment protects the flock while judgment condemns it. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 2 verse 15 that the spiritual person judges all things. This means the mature believer has the ability to evaluate doctrine teachers and motives without becoming bitter or prideful.

Satan does not deceive by looking obvious. He mimics the voice of truth. Paul warns that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light and that his ministers disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 11 verses 13 through 15. Without discernment falsehood appears holy. Scripture and the Holy Spirit reveal what the eyes cannot.

Testing the spirit is not optional for the end time church. It is a command rooted in love for the truth and protection of the soul.