Abiding in Him: 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 4:1-3

1 John 4:1-3 (ESV)

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.

            The word “ test “ here is the Greek word " dokimazō. " It is a verb meaning to put to the test, examine, or prove, describing the quality of being approved or the act of testing or proving. When John speaks of testing the spirits, he refers to following the leading and discernment of the Holy Spirit. Not everyone who comes forth claiming to represent and speak for Jesus Christ is truly a servant of God. Paul even wrote about those who appeared as false apostles, resembling the devil who masquerades as an angel of light to deceive.

            Those who are false teachers are deceived themselves. They are influenced and empowered by lying, unclean spirits. As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we develop deep intimacy with the Holy Spirit. As our relationship with Him deepens, we will come to know His leading and His voice. The Holy Spirit will warn us when we hear false teaching or when we are in the presence of someone who is not a true servant of God but is instead masquerading and filled with darkness.

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

            It is only the Spirit of God that will lead a person to proclaim that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. To claim that Jesus is the Christ is to assert that He is the anointed one. He is the Messiah. He is God come in the flesh. When we look at Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1, both point to the Messiah being both human and divine. Jesus is fully God and fully man. Every demonic lie and deception will attack the truth that Jesus is Almighty God. To claim that Jesus is the Son of God without declaring Him to be God is a half-truth. A person is only saved when they believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord. The only way this is possible is through the work and person of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals all truth, and it is the Holy Spirit who empowers one to be a witness.

 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.[1]

The word “ confess " derives from the Greek word “ homologeō “ (vb.), meaning to confess or acknowledge. Verb Usage 1: to profess publicly — to proclaim in a manner accessible to or observable by the public.[2] When a person does not praise or publicly profess that Jesus is from God, that individual is not led and guided by the Spirit of God. They are under demonic deception and serve the devil, with their teachings and words to be avoided.

The spirit of the antichrist is that which stands against Jesus Christ. It embodies the enemy's work to oppose the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Jesus is Almighty God, and the only way for men and women to be saved is by coming to Jesus as Lord and Savior. The enemy will employ every tactic necessary to try to thwart the purposes of God. He will never prevail, so he will resist those who represent Him and those seeking salvation through Him.

            The work of the enemy is alive and well in the world today. Some wonder if we are living in the last days. We have been living in the last days since the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout the church age, the Lord has been bringing to pass His plans and purposes. He has been gathering the harvest. May our hearts and minds be guarded by the word of God. May we truly be disciples and students of the scriptures. May He be our obsession, aim, and priority.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your word. Thank you for leading, guiding, and protecting us. Father, help me to discern between what is true and what is a lie. Help me to know your heart and your voice. May my mind and heart be one with you. Jesus, thank you for saving me. Thank you for dying in my place. Thank you for your resurrection. May your will be done in my life, and may every part of my life glorify and honor you. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Jn 4:1–3.

[2] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).