Daily Devotional – Wednesday, August 24, 2022
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.
1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
Before astronauts venture into space, they thoroughly test the rocket they intend to use. Only when they are satisfied that the space vehicle is sufficiently safe will they allow astronauts to use it.
Before a vaccine is used on human beings, it undergoes numerous clinical tests. Only when experts certify the vaccine as safe do they allow humans to be inoculated with it.
Do Not Believe Every Spirit
Before a learning institution allows a student to graduate, it subjects the learner to many tests along the academic journey. Only when the student has met all the set requirements does the institution issue pertinent certificates.
The same principle applies in the spiritual realm. Apostle John counsels, “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.” (1 John 4:1).
Tossed To and Fro
Unfortunately, many Christians do not heed this warning. We are “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…” (Ephesians 4:14).
Crafty preachers and false prophets exploit congregations using the so-called prosperity gospel, strange doctrines, and fake miracles. Instead of subjecting these individuals to the unfailing standard of the Word of God, we believe in their lies.
Test the Spirits
Testing the spirits means adopting the attitude of the Jews in Berea, of whom Luke wrote, “They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11).
Before we accept any teachings that seem to contradict fundamental Christian doctrine, let us search the scriptures to establish their veracity. Studied diligently and prayerfully, the Bible contains the criteria we need to test the spirits.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me how to test every spirit and doctrine using Your word.
Thanks brother.
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