Test the Spirits
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. - 1 John 4:1
Never just accept a prophetic word regardless how gifted or important that person may be.
Not every voice we hear is from the Spirit of God. Satan has the ability to counterfeit spiritual gifts in order to bring confusion and allow us to take the wrong course. His ability to counterfeit includes the gift of prophecy.
Too often we forget that we live in a spiritual war zone. Remember, the devil will try to mislead you and will portray himself as the truth. Our spiritual battle is with the devil and his evil forces. But we who are Spirit-filled have the ability to expose his lies and wicked assignments.
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. - 2 Corinthian 11:14-15
In order to be effective in discerning spirits, we need to be filled with the Spirit. The anointing of God can only be manifest in our lives if we have been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. - 1 Corinthians 2:14
In order to be able to discern whether something is of the Spirit of God or not, we need to have the Spirit of God because in the natural we are not able to discern spiritual matters. It is only by receiving God's Spirit and being transformed by His Word that we are able to discern whether spirits are of God or not.
The Word of God
If we study the Word and are mature in the Scriptures, we can test the spirits and know what is right or wrong. The first test will always be whether anyone or anything contradicts Scripture.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
It is important to weigh up what a person does and says in the light of Scripture.
The testimony of Jesus
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. - Revelation 19:10
If a prophecy does not sound as if Jesus would have said it and you feel uneasy in your spirit, then it has probably come from another source and not from the Spirit of God.
Jesus has come in the flesh
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, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. - 1 John 4:2-3
Make sure the person or spirit acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.
Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. - 2 John 7
Jesus is God
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe they shudder. - James 2:19
The devil and his followers acknowledge Jesus but do not confess Him as Lord. The evil spirits in Jesus’ day recognized Him during His ministry on earth. They acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God and acknowledged His ministry.
But they will not acknowledge Him as Lord and Messiah. The litmus test for every religion or religious group in the world is to check what they say about Jesus.
Many false religions today can be easily and quickly exposed by asking them what they believe about Jesus. They will mention Him by name and say they believe in Him. They will even believe that He is the Son of God. That is why so many people follow after false religions and cults.
The difference is that although they believe Jesus is the Son of God, they do not necessarily accept that He is equally God with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit and an equal member of the Godhead.
These are some of the questions that you should ask that will enable you to tell whether a person or spirit is true or false:
* Do you believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ?
* Do you believe that Jesus died upon the cross, was buried, and rose again physically after three days?
* Do you believe that Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven after His resurrection?
* Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and salvation?
* Do you believe that Jesus is a member of the Godhead and that He is God the Son?
* Do you believe that Jesus Christ always existed and that He is the Creator of the universe?
Love the name of Jesus
No evil spirit will invite people to accept Jesus into their lives because they hate the name of Jesus. That is why the devil rebelled against Him. He wanted to be like Jesus, but could not be like Him, because he was not made in the image of God. That is why he is intent on destroying the lives of people, because they are made in the image of God.
Worship Jesus
Every spirit sent from God will glorify God and worship God. True messengers of God do not receive worship for themselves.
At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” - Revelation 19:10
Fruit
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. - Matthew 7:16-20
Test the lives of those pretending to be sent by God. Test whether there are inconsistencies in their lives. Test to see if they are relying on God only for direction or whether they are basing their teachings on writings from men. Any inconsistencies like these will reveal to you if they are from God or not.
Spirit of mockery
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. - 2 Peter 3:3
Today there are many Christians who mock other Christians and ministries. This is motivated by a spirit of pride and they tend to despise and badmouth other servants of the Lord.
The devil is the accuser of the brethren. Anyone who criticizes and constantly accuses other believers is operating from a demonic spirit. The Spirit of God is motivated by love and respect for others.
Spirit of the dead
If the spirit of a dead relative or friend appears to you, it is not an angel from God. God's angels do not inhabit human bodies or join themselves to human spirits. God's angels do not draw attention to other beings other than Jesus and the Father.
Against your will
Anyone who forces you to do something against your will is not from God. God's Spirit in you will lead and guide you into all truth. You will have an inner peace with what you are prompted to do and you will know that it is from God.
The Spirit of Truth
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. - John 16:13
Remember, only God's Holy Spirit will lead you to the truth. The devil will lead you to a mixture of truths and lies.
