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. – 1 John 4:1
Most children in America have headed back to school, or they soon will. There is excitement in the air as they look forward to different classrooms, teachers, and topics. In higher grades, students will often receive a syllabus and course outline, explaining not only the core content of what they will learn, but the schedule for testing—pop quizzes not included! Testing: now, that’s a quick way to throw water on the excitement.
The person who intentionally follows Christ is on a lifetime learning program. Tests are to be expected, and the occasional, out-of-the-blue, “pop quiz“ will challenge progress. Much of your learning is to enable you to know truth from error (1 John 4:6). This is especially important in the time of the last days, which some believe are upon us, as false teachers will seek to seduce even those who are well studied. Many will fall victim to their destructive ways (2 Peter 2:1-3). In today’s verse, John is calling on believers to be continually able to discern spiritual deception.
It is time for the Christian to be the test administrator. Pastor and author Ray Stedman writes, “It is important to note that there is here a very clear recognition of what the Bible teaches all the way through—that behind the false prophet or false teacher is an evil spirit. Men simply do not speak out of their own intellectual attainments. Quite unconscious to themselves as they are being guided—and misguided—by an evil spirit.” Bible commentary author David Guzik says, “True prophecy and true teaching will present the true Jesus.”
Spiritual discernment is needed daily in the United States because the devil and his forces seize every opportunity to deceive. Be wise, not gullible. Your course of study is God’s Word. Anything that conflicts with Scripture is not to be trusted. Pray for discernment for Christian students as false teachers also occupy some American classrooms.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 4:1
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Peter 2:1-3, 17-21
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
