Testing the Spirits: Guarding the Truth in Our Day
Our base text today, a foundational truth for every believer, comes from 1 John 4:1: "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."
In this crucial exhortation, the apostle John presents us with a command that is absolutely essential for every disciple of Christ in every generation, and certainly in ours: not everyone who presents themselves as a teacher or a messenger of God is trustworthy.
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The term "spirits" in this text, as we understand it, refers to people who claim to speak or act in the name of God, who present themselves as having a divine message, but who, in reality, may be false teachers, false prophets, or individuals promoting doctrines that are contrary to the truth of God’s Word.
This teaching, my friends, is not merely an academic exercise; it is vital, for the very truth of doctrine, the purity of the Gospel, and the spiritual well-being of the church are at stake. In a world inundated with voices, claims, and spiritual experiences, the ability to discern truth from error is paramount.
Today, we will delve into this command by considering three key questions that will help us apply this essential principle in our lives and in our church:
Why should spirits be tested?
How should they be tested?
Who should test them?
May God grant us wisdom and discernment as we open His Word together.
I. WHY SHOULD WE TEST THE SPIRITS?
John’s opening words in 1 John 4:1 are tender, yet firm: "Beloved, 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."
A. John begins tenderly: “Beloved,” (also seen in verses 7 and 11 of this chapter). This term of endearment, "Beloved," reveals the deep concern of the apostle John for the spiritual well-being of the believers. He isn't issuing a harsh command, but a loving warning, like a father protecting his children. He knows the dangers lurking outside the sheepfold of truth.
B. He exhorts us not to believe every spirit, but to test those who teach. The instruction is clear: implicit trust is dangerous. We are called to exercise discernment. Just as a goldsmith tests metals, applying heat or acid to determine their purity and value, we too must test every teaching, every spiritual claim, with the "acid" of biblical truth. We cannot simply accept what is presented to us at face value, no matter how charismatic the presenter, or how appealing the message may sound.
C. Jesus Himself warned of the grave danger of false teachers. In Matthew 7:15, our Lord cautioned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." And again, in Matthew 24:11 and 24, He reiterated, "and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people... For false Messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." The warning from our Lord is sober and persistent. False teachers are not always obvious; they often appear righteous, even miraculous.
D. The Bible provides numerous examples of false leaders who threatened the purity of the faith:
We see Theudas and Judas of Galilee in Acts 5:36-37, stirring up rebellion, whose movements ultimately came to nothing.
There's Simon Magus in Acts 8:9-11, who captivated a city with his sorcery and sought to buy the power of the Holy Spirit for personal gain.
And the false prophet Bar-Jesus in Acts 13:6, who opposed Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn people away from the faith.
These are not isolated incidents but patterns of deception throughout history.
E. John himself concludes this opening thought with a powerful statement: “because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1). This is not a future possibility; it is a present reality. As 2 Peter 2:1 warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you." Yet, we also have positive examples. The church at Ephesus, commendably, was able to discern these false teachers. In Revelation 2:2, Jesus commends them, saying, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." Let us imitate the discernment of the Ephesian church! We test the spirits because our spiritual lives, the purity of the Gospel, and the health of the church depend on it.
II. HOW SHOULD THESE SPIRITS BE TESTED?
Having established the critical why, let us now turn to the how. If we are to test, what is our standard?
A. We should not test by human recommendations or personal impressions. The greatest orator, the most charismatic personality, the most emotionally moving experience – none of these are the ultimate measure of truth. Nor should we rely solely on how something "feels" to us. Our subjective experiences, while real, can be easily swayed and are not infallible.
B. The measure for testing truth is unequivocally Scripture, the Word of God. Just as the goldsmith uses an assay stone, we use the Bible. The noble Bereans in Acts 17:11 provide the perfect example: "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." They didn't just listen; they diligently checked Paul's teaching against the established Word of God.
Consider how God tested Abraham in Genesis 22:1, not to see if Abraham would fail, but to reveal the depth of his faith.
The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon in 1 Kings 10:1, seeking to confirm the truth of his wisdom.
Job, in his suffering, trusted that his faith would be tested, as he declared in Job 23:10: "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
These examples, though different in context, illustrate the principle of testing for authenticity and truth.
C. The testing must be biblical, profound, and unafraid to examine doctrine. This means we must be diligent in our own study of the Bible. We cannot truly test if we do not know the standard. This requires careful, prayerful engagement with God's inspired Word, not just skimming a few verses. It requires a willingness to dig deep into what is taught and compare it meticulously with the whole counsel of God.
D. If someone does not bring sound doctrine, they should not be received. John is uncompromising on this point in 2 John 10-11: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work." To receive a false teacher, to give them a platform, to financially support their ministry, or to simply tolerate their error within the church, is to participate in their deception. It is to become complicit in their wicked work of leading others astray. This is a severe warning, brothers and sisters, that we must take to heart in our increasingly open and connected world.
III. WHO SHOULD TEST THEM?
Finally, having understood the why and the how, let us consider the who. Who bears this crucial responsibility?
A. This is not the exclusive task of pastors or preachers. While pastors and elders have a primary responsibility to guard the flock and sound doctrine (Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9), the command in 1 John 4:1 is given to “dear friends,” to all believers. Every Christian has this responsibility, not just the leadership. We cannot delegate our spiritual discernment to others.
B. Every believer must be prepared to present a defense and contend earnestly for the faith.
1 Peter 3:15 charges each of us: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." To give an answer, we must know what we believe and why.
Furthermore, Jude 3 calls us to "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people." This means being ready to defend the truth, to call out error, and to stand firm on biblical principles, even when it is unpopular or difficult.
C. The entire church has the duty to protect itself from error and to guard doctrine. This is a corporate responsibility. We are to watch out for one another, to encourage one another in the truth, and to collectively reject anything that deviates from the pure teaching of God’s Word. This requires a spiritually mature and biblically literate congregation, one that is not easily swayed by every new wind of doctrine.
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Conclusion
In closing, beloved, let us internalize the profound and urgent call of the Apostle John:
A. We must test the spirits to see if they are from God; that is, if their teaching is truly based on sound, biblical doctrine. This is our duty and our defense against deception.
B. We must not receive those who bring false doctrines, lest we be carried away by error ourselves and, worse, become complicit in their destructive work. May we have the courage to stand firm, even if it means being perceived as exclusive or unwelcoming by a world that often values tolerance above truth.
C. All of us, without exception – from the newest convert to the most seasoned saint – are responsible for this vital task. Doctrinal error is not a minor issue; it is a dangerous poison that can corrupt the entire church if not confronted firmly, truthfully, and with unwavering commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and His infallible Word.
May God grant us the discernment, the courage, and the unwavering commitment to test every spirit, to cling to the truth, and to uphold the pure doctrine of Christ for His glory and the preservation of His church. Amen.
