"Test the spirits"

One of the best characteristics a Christian can exhibit is the ability to stand for the truth and defend it at all costs. On the other hand, problems arise when individuals become what we would call wishy-washy and believe everything they hear. Paul speaks of those in Ephesians 4:14 when he says “who are carried to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” John says in 1 John 4:1, “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.” The phrase “test the spirits” means to prove someone’s belief or doctrine to be true. Paul also says in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “test all things.”

So how do we “test the spirits” to make sure someone is not a false teacher? We do it by the word of God! First Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Many other scriptures show that the word of God is the truth and the only truth (Psalm 119:142, 160; John 17:17; 1 John 5:6). The word of God is the only information that can put what people say to the test. Do not believe anyone without scripture, not even those in the pulpit!

Jonathan Glaesemann