RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-12-09	Do Not Believe Every Spirit, But Test The Spirits (1Jn.4:1)
		1Jn 4:1  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. The Apostle John mentions the Holy Spirit in 1Jn.3:24 which prompts him to inform his readers that other spirits exist. These other spirits propagate false doctrine (1Tm.4:1-2) and are to be avoided (1Th.5:20-22; Ac.20:28-30). Christians are to have a healthy skepticism regarding any teaching of God's Word. Some of John's readers were too open-minded to anyone claiming a new teaching regarding the faith. Luke refers to Jewish believers of Berea who were students of the Word of God. They were determined to know truth from error (Ac.17:11-12). John juxtaposes “spirits” with “false prophets” to inform his readers that behind human teachers who propagate false doctrine are demons inspired by Satan. John is commanding believers to “test the spirits whether they are from God”. The reason for the admonition to “test the spirits” or “test all things” is that there are “many false prophets” or “wolves in sheep’s clothing” that try to lead Christians astray. Sadly, there are many people who claim to speak for God, but they leave people with false hope making it hard to know the true message. People who are deceived into thinking everything is fine will be more resistant to the truth. 2Co 11:13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 2Co 11:14  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 2Co 11:15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. So the reason to test the spirits is to see if the message is truly from God, or whether it is from Satan. Testing the spirits first implies knowing the Scriptures yourselves. Do not just accept every teaching. Discerning Christians diligently study the Scriptures. When we know what the Scriptures teach we can “test” the spirits ourselves. Scripture encourages us to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2Tm.2:15). Scripture describes itself as a lamp and a light (Ps.119:105). We must let the light of the Word shine on the teachings and doctrines. John also tells us the life-style of a false teacher is one who does not abide in Christ (1Jn.3:23-24). But the most important test of all, says John, is what they believe about Christ. Do they teach that Jesus is fully God and fully man? (1Jn.4:2-3). If not they are false. Because of our sinful nature, and quite frankly because of laziness, we easily accept what “feels” good to us. We like what makes us feel good. The false prophets of the Old Testament always had a message of good tidings, even though judgment was on its way (Je.14:14-16; 23:30-32; Zc.13:3). Jer 14:14  And the LORD said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart. Jer 14:15  Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, 'Sword and famine shall not be in this land'—'By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed! The world is full of voices claiming to speak for God, we must test if they are indeed speaking for Him. Truth too often is unwelcomed. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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