Test the Spirits

1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”

I listen to several ministers on the radio but there is not one that I will not check out by the Bible. At times, ministers will embellish or make a scripture fit their subject matter, and I have heard world famous preachers tweak scriptures to work in their message.

How do we know if someone is using a scripture incorrectly? By reading for ourselves and putting each scripture in context. We can also use the Spirit of discernment. A work of the Holy Spirit that puts everything in proper perspective (another subject for another day).

Unfortunately I know a lot of people who are Christians who never read the Bible on their own. Reading the Bible, knowing the Bible shows that we love God. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) “Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” (John 14:24) If we want to know what is of God and what is not of God, we have to keep His word in our hearts and in our minds constantly.

Prayer:
Father, Your word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The only way I know right from wrong and good from evil is by Your word!