MAIN SCRIPTURE: 1 JOHN 4:1-6
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
MAIN IDEA: - In a world full of voices, we must discern truth from deception by relying on God’s Word and Holy Spirit.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. - 1 John 4:1
- We are to be quicker to test everything than we are to believe everything.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. - Matthew 7:15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
How do we know we tell the difference?
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. - 1 John 4:2-3 ESV
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Any teaching that changes who Jesus really is is not from God.
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To deny some of Jesus is to deny all of Jesus.
How do we discern the truth?
1. Abide in God's word.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32
2. Rely on the Holy Spirit.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. - John 16:13 ESV
3. Listen to the Truth.
5 DAY BIBLE READING PLAN
Day 1: The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Proverbs 2:1-6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Reflection: God promises to give wisdom and discernment to those who seek Him. Are you actively pursuing His truth in your daily life?
Day 2: Recognizing False Teachers
2 Peter 2:1-3 – “There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies.”
Reflection: False teachers don’t always look dangerous—sometimes, they seem kind and persuasive. How can you guard yourself against deceptive teachings?
Day 3: Knowing the True Jesus
Colossians 1:15-20 – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
Reflection: Many people create their own version of Jesus. How does this passage help you understand who Jesus truly is and why that matters?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Truth
John 14:16-17, 26 – “The Spirit of truth… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”
Reflection: The Holy Spirit helps believers recognize truth. Are you relying on Him to guide your understanding of God’s Word and guard you against deception?
Day 5: Standing Firm in God’s Truth
2 Timothy 3:12-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
Reflection: The Bible is our ultimate source of truth. Are you spending enough time in Scripture to recognize false teaching when you hear it?
