Test every spirit
Every valuable thing can and will be compromised. That is the nature of things. It is so because we have an enemy of our souls – the devil.
Truth is very valuable and therefore attempts will be made to compromise the truth. That is why the apostle John, after years of experience of walking in the truth, said this:
1 Jn 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.
Scripture commands us to test every spirit. It is a command, not a suggestion. Therefore, we must do it.
It is not just that there are a few false prophets. Many – not few, false prophets have gone out into the world.
Notice the word ‘every’ in ‘test every spirit’. We must test ‘every’ spirit. You may have great respect for your pastor; he may have been your friend for years – you still need to verify what he says, comparing it with Scripture, every time he opens his mouth.
A person who really, really values the truth will do this. Only if you are such a careful person can you protect yourself from the false prophets and come to knowledge of the truth.
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