Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. [1John 4:1 ESV]
As we start our eighth and final week, I want us to look at the importance of being on our guard. We know the devil is a roaring lion, prowling around looking for someone to devour. Do not let that be you. Be on your guard. We must test every teaching we are given by our plumb line, the Word of God. The verse above says that many false prophets have gone out. This word for “have gone out” is described in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon as meaning: to come forth (from privacy) into the world, before the public (of those who by novelty of opinion attract attention). They attract attention by their “novel” opinion. How do we know if this is a correct opinion needed to be heard by the church or a false prophet when you are being taught with Scripture? You use other Scripture to test the interpretation of the Scripture given. God cannot contradict Himself, so His Word does not contradict. You judge man’s teaching of God’s Word by His Word.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” [2Ti 3:16-17 ESV]
1 John 4:1 says to not believe every spirit, but the NLT gives a little simpler version to understand. “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” [1Jo 4:1 NLT] It says we must make sure they speak by the Spirit, meaning the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that lives in each one of us as believers. “For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” [1Co 2:11-12 ESV] There are many who will teach things that sound good, but we must test them. Just because someone has an experience, we should not take that experience as truth. It must be tested. Does it align perfectly with God’s Word? If so, is there any benefit or need for the extra experience, because the truth is already in God’s Word? Scripture says there are many false prophets in the world, not coming, but here. We must be on our guard.
Just because men and women do “good,” “moral,” or “righteous” deeds does not mean they are of God. “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” [2Co 11:13-15 NASB] Remember, God looks at the heart, not the works or appearance of man. We must be on our guard and not trust someone and what they teach simply because of the righteous acts they perform. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. He is beautiful. He is cunning. Be careful.
We are in a battle and we must be prepared.
“Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” [Eph 6:11-13 NLT]
We are to put on God’s armor, not our own, so that we can stand firm and resist the enemy. Did you notice we aren’t fighting, but standing? The only offensive weapon we are given is His Word. Then after we are fully dressed in God’s armor, we pray. “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” [Eph 6:17-18 NLT] Be on your guard. Resist the devil. Stand your ground.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you test the teaching of each new Bible study you are in by other Scripture?
- If you are unsure of the teaching you are hearing, do you have a spiritual mentor or pastor you ask?
Do you pray for discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit before starting a new study or book?
Reflection Song:
