Testing The Spirit

[ADiscipleofGod92]

Can anyone help me with testing the spirit? I’d like some help understanding this according to the Bible. If it’s Bible I want it but if it’s not the Word Of God I don’t need it. Also back it up with cross reference scripture and examples ?

 

[Garee]

Can anyone help me with testing the spirit? I’d like some help understanding this according to the Bible. If it’s Bible I want it but if it’s not the Word Of God I don’t need it. Also back it up with cross reference scripture and examples ?

Hi I would offer.

We test the spirits to see of men, earthly inspired, or our heavenly father, coming down like rain

The testing of the spirits the unseen things of God things of faith (unseen power)

Doing the will of the father as it is written (sola scriptura) .not adding or subtracting after the oral traditons of dying mankind.

In that way believers are lovingly commanded to study to learn how to seek the approval of Him not seen Comparing the spiritual hidden undestanding to the same .faith to faith the gospel

In the end learn how to rightly divide the parables they are designed teach us how to walk or understand the hidden things of Christ's faith a labor his love. Yoked with him take the easy ones twice

 

[B-A-C]

1Jn 4:1; 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.
1Jn 4:2; By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
1Jn 4:3; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

 

[Rhema]

1Jn 4:2; By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;

I'm not sure it's that simple, @B-A-C. The Mormons profess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. As do the major branches of the Catholic Church, and most all Protestant denominations. The epistle of 1st John was most likely written to confront the Gnostic Christians who said that Jesus only appeared to have flesh since the physical world (and flesh) was too corrupt for someone as "holy" as Jesus.

Maybe passages on the gift of discernment?

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:​

(1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV)

Rhema

 

[ADiscipleofGod92]

Thank you all for your help. So according to the Bible what are ways to discern things?

 

[joestue]

Thank you all for your help. So according to the Bible what are ways to discern things?

in my experience, when you actually have a conversation with Jesus or the Holy Spirit..

because they know what you're asking before you speak the words, you'll hear your answer to your intended test, instantly. where as with demons, there is a time delay.

in my experience, demons cannot repeat all 9 words to you in order with no funny business:

I confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.

is come is the the tricky parts. its a greek concept of past present and future tense.


they will confess jesus is come in the flesh, but won't confess he is the christ. they will confess christ is come in the flesh, but he isn't jesus.
they will confess jesus christ came in the flesh, but only in the past tense. or future, or present..etc.

most of the time they will just mock you for asking the question.

it doesn't take long, once you recognize Jesus voice, because the words are so self evident.. and impactful.. etc, you'll know who you're hearing from.

and there is absolutely a difference between Jesus and the Holy Spirit and people's angels, or human spirits. ask for the gift of discernment, but i will warn you that gift comes with responsibility, which requires action.

 

[Garee]

I'm not sure it's that simple, @B-A-C. The Mormons profess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. As do the major branches of the Catholic Church, and most all Protestant denominations. The epistle of 1st John was most likely written to confront the Gnostic Christians who said that Jesus only appeared to have flesh since the physical world (and flesh) was too corrupt for someone as "holy" as Jesus.

Maybe passages on the gift of discernment?

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:​

(1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV)

Rhema

Both Mormons and Catholics have a understanding of faith that comes by hearing there puffed up leaders private interpretation and not that of Christ as it is written (sola scriptural).

A hierarchy of venerable dying mankind .as oral traditons

Like the Nicolaitans a denomination name after its founder. . . Nicodemus ,leaving the first love therefore God giving dying mankind ears to hear his Spirit and power to perform it to His good pleasure calling them to repent. . do the first works empowered by God . . . .believe God not the dying leaders

Revelation 2:1-7 2Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:;And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.;Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.;(beleive God) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; (Believe God) or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.;He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; (Not what the churches say about his invisible Spirit )To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

 

[Dylan569]

Can anyone help me with testing the spirit? I’d like some help understanding this according to the Bible. If it’s Bible I want it but if it’s not the Word Of God I don’t need it. Also back it up with cross reference scripture and examples ?

Spiritual discernment is something that increases as you grow in the faith of Jesus Christ. Below are some thoughts from scripture and commentary for you to consider -

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits." Mat 7:15-20 NRSVue

"For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him, but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” They were convinced by him," Act 5:36-39 NRSVue

"From whence we may learn, that our Lord expecteth from his people such a knowledge of the Scriptures, as that they may be able to discern truth from falsehood; and such a diligence, as to search the Scriptures, whether those things which their teachers deliver to them be according to them or not, Act_17:11; not taking divine truths upon trust, nor believing any thing because dictated by teachers, using their teachers not as dictators, but only as helpers of their faith." Matthew Poole on Matt.7:20

"These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so." Act 17:11 NRSVue


"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good] Some of the best ancient authorities read, But prove all things. In any case, this exhortation, while capable of the widest application, arises out of the subject of the last. “Instead of accepting or rejecting wholesale what is addressed to you as prophecy, use your judgement; learn to discriminate; sift the wheat from the chaff.” So needful was it to distinguish between true and false revelations, that a special endowment was bestowed on some persons for this end—the “discernment of spirits” (1Co_12:10). And St Paul gives a criterion for the purpose in 1Co_12:3. Comp. 1Jn_4:1-3, “Beloved, believe not every spirit; but try the spirits, whether they are of God.” 1 Thess. 5:21 Cambridge Bible Commentary

 

[Curtis]

1Jn 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.
1Jn 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
1Jn 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

Confessing that Jesus Christ has come in the "flesh" refers to God himself taking on human flesh and becoming a man.

Deceiving spirits will confess Jesus may have become "a god", and that he was the son of God, but will never confess Jesus to be God in the flesh!!

1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

 

[backNforth]

[demons] will confess jesus is come in the flesh, but won't confess he is the christ. they will confess christ is come in the flesh, but he isn't jesus.
they will confess jesus christ came in the flesh, but only in the past tense. or future, or present..etc.

most of the time they will just mock you for asking the question.

This is our 9-to-5 for those of us in a deliverance ministry. Indeed, the entire exchange is one big mocking interrogation! They do love to play word games, as words are how we express/effect our spirituality (or lack thereof). What many folks miss is that the one spouting the words is actually the one being scrutinized (rather than the demonized one in need of deliverance). Demons are checking for righteousness i.e. how sanctified in this guy? Is he wielding his sword effectively, or is he just another bag of religious wind? ala 'Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?' (Acts 19:15).

Words are an indicator of a believer's (or unbeliever's!) spiritual effectiveness, yet the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor. 4:20). Most folks have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (1 Tim. 3:5). And so, the demons have their way.

 

[Garee]

Spiritual discernment is something that increases as you grow in the faith of Jesus Christ. Below are some thoughts from scripture and commentary for you to consider -

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits." Mat 7:15-20 NRSVue

Thanks I would offer.

Spiritual discernment mysteries of the gospel I would think it is why Christ the teaching Holy Spirit declared without parables Christ spoke not. purposely hiding the unseen eternal understandings of faith from the faithless ones who walk by sight the temporal seen .

Gospel Mysteries revealed through parables .Parable are designed teach mankind how to look the unseen inward work of Christ labor of love yoked with believers.

Many today it would seem to shy away from prohecy as parables and seek after another from of mysteries

Lying signs to wonder after by Satan. King of lying signs to wonder after. .as if true prophecy .His false. I had a dream, I saw a vison, I heard voice, a out of body experience. I heard it through the dying fathers grape vine, my hand itched $$$$$

 

[backNforth]

So according to the Bible what are ways to discern things?

It all starts with prayer. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5).

Many today it would seem to shy away from prohecy as parables and seek after another from of mysteries

Ain't that the truth, brother! They be walking by sight and not by faith. It's always been that way.

Lying signs to wonder after by Satan. King of lying signs to wonder after. .as if true prophecy .His false. I had a dream, I saw a vison, I heard voice, a out of body experience. I heard it through the dying fathers grape vine, my hand itched $$$$$

O how often we bear witness to those broken records.

 

[ADiscipleofGod92]

This is our 9-to-5 for those of us in a deliverance ministry. Indeed, the entire exchange is one big mocking interrogation! They do love to play word games, as words are how we express/effect our spirituality (or lack thereof). What many folks miss is that the one spouting the words is actually the one being scrutinized (rather than the demonized one in need of deliverance). Demons are checking for righteousness i.e. how sanctified in this guy? Is he wielding his sword effectively, or is he just another bag of religious wind? ala 'Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?' (Acts 19:15).

Words are an indicator of a believer's (or unbeliever's!) spiritual effectiveness, yet the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor. 4:20). Most folks have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (1 Tim. 3:5). And so, the demons have their way.

Thank you so much for clarifying that.

 

[Curtis]

Words are an indicator of a believer's (or unbeliever's!) spiritual effectiveness

Jas 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. (NKJV)

 

[Bill]

Can anyone help me with testing the spirit? I’d like some help understanding this according to the Bible. If it’s Bible I want it but if it’s not the Word Of God I don’t need it. Also back it up with cross reference scripture and examples ?

The Lord once told me that the most important thing was to learn to recognize God's peace in your heart.

This is called discernment.

This is a method that I have taught to a number of people in learning to recognize God's peace.

Write down three different routes that you want to do for that day. As an example : after getting out of bed you would have breakfast, say a daily devotional, get ready for work, have your day at work. Maybe do a devotional before lunch. Have your lunch. Go to the gym after work. Read a verse out of the Bible. Have dinner. Do something with your family.

Then another route would be for the day. After getting out of bed, say prayers morning devotional. Have your breakfast. Get ready for work. Say a prayer while driving to work. Be at work. Call your wife for groceries that she might need. Pray as you drive. Pick up the groceries go home pray with your family enjoy your family Etc

And then make out a third route for the day being a little bit different again.

Then pray over each of these routes. And you need to be sincere about it too don't just do it frivolously. In your sincerity of asking God which route do you want me to take you'll find that you'll experience a little bit of Peace over one particular route. That is the route that God wants you to take

In time you will recognize that peace in your heart.

And once you recognize that peace in your heart, you can read something in the paper and know whether it's false or truth just by experiencing the Peace of the Holy Spirit in your heart.

It is kind of unfortunate that people who Walk in the Spirit do not try to explain how they experience their Gifts.

Testing the spirit: once you experience how to recognize the peace of God. Then you'll be able to recognize if the spirit is of God or not.

There are a couple of ways of testing the spirit, or prophecies for that matter.

The first and foremost would be the movement of the Holy Spirit within you. What I've just described as recognizing the peace of God in your heart.

Another way is time. If someone gives you a prophecy, to see if that prophecy comes true.

If you're dealing with a demon, the first thing you want to do is have other believers with you. Do not do it by yourself unless God calls you to.

If you're dealing with a demon. Having two or three other believers with you. Be careful first of all, prayer is necessary and always ask for God's protection for yourselves. Put your faith in God ( Jesus )

Whatever you do when it comes to dealing with a demon do not think to yourself that I am a Christian and I can handle it by myself and then using the name of Jesus say out with you demon, because you might get throttled. And when dealing with a demon, do not engage a conversation with it. Because it will lie through its teeth and try to get you to think in a false manner.

 

[Foghorn]

Thank you all for your help. So according to the Bible what are ways to discern things?

by renewing your mind by the washing of the word, of course. prayer and spending time with God in his word.

 

[Foghorn]

Spiritual discernment is something that increases as you grow in the faith of Jesus Christ. Below are some thoughts from scripture and commentary for you to consider -

amen to that!