Tuesday, 30th January 2024
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: CAREFULLY EXAMINE EVERY SPIRIT
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but carefully examine the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How does one test spirits to determine their source?
John Calvin observes: “When the Church is disturbed by discords and contentions, many, as it has been said, being frightened, depart from the Gospel.” The unsettling prevalence of false prophets raises significant concerns. The Christian landscape is riddled with a web of deceit and misleading teachings. These false teachers have built very strong personality cults, and many have become subservient to these cult leaders. In professing to be Christians, they talk about themselves and mysteries that seem only to enslave many and keep their followers groping in darkness. The consequences of such deception and false teachings cannot be overstated; they have left a bitter taste for many.
It is crucial for all to exercise caution and safeguard themselves against the influence of these prevalent false deceptions.
In our focus text, the apostle John, in his epistle, sent a word of caution to the Churches in Asia Minor, and by extension to us, to exercise caution with the prevalence of false prophets within the region. He says: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but carefully examine the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).” He admonishes them to exercise prudence and discretion in dealing with everyone who claims to speak on behalf of God. We should not hastily accept any message that professes to be from God, but instead exercise restraint. The importance of not believing every spirit cannot be overstated, as false teachers can occasionally appear to be right. The risk lies in readily accepting any message as true solely because it appears to be God's word.
He tells them to carefully examine or discern whether they are from God or not. This is crucial to our Christian growth and maturity.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, with the influx of so many claiming to have the sure word of God these days, one needs to be sensitive in exercising discernment so as to escape the entrapments of that which sounds like being from God. How can one examine the spirits to ascertain their origin? There is a need for every professing Christian to familiarise themselves very well with the word of God. Any time a believer becomes a stranger to his own Bible, he has set himself up as prey. Like the people of Berea, search the scriptures for yourself daily to determine whether those things received as God’s word are truly so (Acts 17:11). Further, there is the need to rely solely on the Holy Spirit through prayer and in exercising discernment. Let us all resolve to listen carefully, search personally, and prayerfully examine every spirit. Remain vigilant.
FURTHER READING – Galatians 1:6-7
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How are you concerned with ensuring that you are not a prey for the false prophets of our time?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, grant me grace by Your Holy Spirit to help discern false spirits from Yours in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 54; Psalm 55; Romans 7; Romans 8
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