“Dear friends, 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 can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 1 John 4.1-3
To a non-believer, testing the spirits is a completely foreign idea. But to someone in whom the Spirit of God dwells, it is as natural as breathing.
What does it mean to test the spirits? It means to discern whether a person, influencer, situation, or “spirit” is from God. If the spirit is not from God, it is the spirit of the antichrist—the spirit of the devil. The way to tell if a spirit is of Jesus is whether they acknowledge Jesus as Lord (v. 3).
One strong piece of evidence proving this to be a valid method is the natural resistance to the name of Jesus. People either love Him or hate Him. His name is used in vain by many people. Jesus’ name is often used as a curse word! Imagine that. His is the name above all names! The very fact that people use the name in praise or abuse suggests that He exists and that He is real. Testing the spirits helps us recognize those who are for God and those who are against Him.
Do you know and love the person of Jesus? Do you love and acknowledge His name as Lord and Savior? Have you allowed Jesus to transform your life? Have you acknowledged that Jesus is real, that He came in the flesh, and that He is God?
Test the spirits today. Every circumstance, every situation, every movement of your life is surrounded by the Spirit of God and the spirits of this world. Lean into God. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to move in your life today and always.
“Come, Lord Jesus, fill me with Your power and love. Help us discern and test the spirits, seeking to live with Your Holy Spirit. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen