Test The Spirits

Testing the spirits, according to the Bible, involves evaluating the source and nature of spiritual influences to discern whether they align with God's truth.

Here's a general guide based on biblical principles:

Examining Doctrine: Compare teachings with the Bible. 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."

Acknowledging Christ: Spirits that confess Jesus as Lord are aligned with God. 1 John 4:2 - "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."

Fruit Inspection: Look for the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

Testing Against Scripture: Ensure alignment with the entire biblical context. Isaiah 8:20 - "Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn."

Prayerful Discernment: Seek guidance through prayer and rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

In essence, testing the spirits involves scrutinizing teachings, beliefs, and manifestations to ensure they are consistent with the core principles of Christianity, especially the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord and adherence to biblical truth. It encourages believers to exercise discernment and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to distinguish between genuine and deceptive spiritual influences.