1 John 4:1-6 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world, and therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are of God, and whoever knows God listens to us. Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
This passage of scripture is a warning to Christians. BE ALERT! BE SOBER MINDED AND BE VIGILENT! The days in which we now live are evil. The enemy seeks whom He may devour.
“The thief cometh not, but to seal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10, NIV).
We are called to test (discern) the messages that many are proclaiming to be the Gospel of Christ.
The reason we are being commanded to “test the spirits” or “test all things” is that there are “many false prophets” or “wolves in sheep’s clothing” that is trying to lead Christians astray.
"CHECK THE BOOK!" For God's truth is only found in His Bible.
The battle is for our mind is real! Therefore, we must do as commanded in 2 Corinthians 10:5- casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Examine what you hear and read. Put it up against what the bible says. If it does not line up with scripture, it is not from God, regardless of how good it may sound or how good it may make you feel.
The "Gospel" is the Word of God and it will and have stood the test of all times. The "Bible" is the only Book that does not change. It is God's infallible Word and every Word of it spoken by God WILL come to pass.
Jesus declares these words -Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35, NLT).
People of God, WAKE UP!! Deception, false teaching, persecution and the spirit of divisiveness is running rampant in the world today. The time to pursue and live out God's Gospel truth is now!!!
If there ever was a time to use discernment from the Holy Spirit and seek truth through God's Word, the time is now!
GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN YOU THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD!
God bless.
Minister Aiken