The Need for Spiritual Discernment

If I was to tell you 4+4=10 you would either call me a liar or dumb. But if I was to get enough people to actually begin to consider that just maybe the mathematical equations we have learned for thousands of years could be wrong, then would you believe me? NO of course not, but that is exactly how false doctrines get started. How do you think scientology has gotten as big as it has or how about the LDS or the hundreds of other cults.

That is also how this doctrine of relative truth has gained so much traction. You know the crowd that says that if you believe it to be true then its true. What maybe false to you maybe true to me. Thats how society thinks now.

We all remember that children's song:

Be carful little ears what you hear

Be carful little eyes what you see

be carful little lips what you say

Now I know that song is teaching children to live a pure life but I believe it is also teaching them and us not to believe everything we see and hear and not to speak lies.

It is foolish to believe everything we are told and much of what we see.

Lies and deception were used to tempt Adam and Eve and the enemy and his associates have not changed their tactics.

Our world is filled with false doctrine and deception.

Such deception has existed for centuries, since the fall of man.

In recent centriures we have had false prophets that have gotten national headlines.

Some of you remember Jim Jones leading more than 900 people to commit suicide in Guyana in 1978, how about David Koresh and the Branch Davidians of Waco Texas, Warren Jeffs of the FLDS and many others.

These were all false teachers who led people astray under the cover of spirituality.

The plain truth is We must know what the Bible teaches, what we believe, and why we believe it.

There is no shortage of false prophets in our day, and it will continue until the Lord returns.

John urges us and his readers to develop spiritual discernment and guard against deception and the spirit of antichrist.

In these six verses, the phrase “of God” is written seven times. John makes it a point to tells us that before believing anything spiritual it must be tried to see if it is of God.

Let’s examine the insights of the text as we consider: The Need for Spiritual Discernment.

I. The Believer’s Diligence

(1) – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Our discernment requires due diligence if we are to overcome the spiritual attacks we face.

Consider:

A. The Appeal

(1a) – Beloved, believe not every spirit.

John offers a simple yet profound appeal.

We cannot believe everything we hear or experience in this life.

He simply challenges the believer against being gullible.

It does not matter if it is inside a Baptist church or out on the street, do not believe something just because some man with so called authority tells you to believe it.

Acts 17:11 KJV 1900

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Be like the Bereaians.

Have you ever known a time when we were bombarded with more new age doctrine and modern philosophy than today?

Society and culture have adopted their own set of rules.

We are challenged by many who are against a literal interpretation of Scripture.

Many argue the Bible doesn’t hold the same weight today as when it was written.

They claim it was given for others, but no longer applies today.

Many false prophets appear sincere and maybe believable, but we must examine every aspect of their lives with Scripture.

B. The Approach

(1b) – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:

When we are offered a philosophy or view from others, always approach it from a biblical perspective.

Here is two important questions you need to ask,

Is it consistent with the teaching of Scripture?

What does the Bible have to say about this particular doctrine or behavior?

Try the spirits and teachings of others.

We are expected to examine the motives and teaching of others, seeking to determine their merit based on the Word of God

Have you ever heard someone say, “I know what the Bible says, but…?”

We can rest assured God will never lead us contrary to His Word.

If the motives, teaching, or behavior of others contradicts Scripture, we can know for sure it isn’t of God.

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, there is a pretty good indication that it is a duck!

C. The Aggression

(1c) – because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Bear in mind, they were only a few decades removed from Christ’s ascension and yet John proclaims there were already many false prophets among the world.

With the first of humanity, Satan sought to defile men and lead them astray.

I am convinced he plants counterfeits among the world in an attempt to hinder the Gospel message.

Man is a spiritual creature with an inward desire to worship something, even if it is himself.

All of humanity will either worship the true and living God or gods of their imagination.

The doctrines and religions of our day continue to diversify and grow.

Man wants some sort of worship that is consistent with his personal desires.

Satan will provide a teacher and doctrine to accommodate man’s wishes.

We are surrounded by false prophets, many of whom seek to spew their poison under the banner of Christ.

2 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1–3 John—Fellowship in God’s Family (Test the Teaching (v. 1))

[In our day of watered-down doctrine, some believe we should not get hung up on doctrine. “Doctrine divides,” they say. We just all need to love everybody and get along. Let’s have an Oprah group hug and all sing “Kumbaya” around the ecumenical campfire. Why, you don’t want to be intolerant and judgmental of people who don’t agree with you, do you? ]

That sounds altruistic and appealing, does it not?

The fact of the matter is, true Christianity is doctrinally intolerant.

Jesus said, “I am the way.” There is no other way.

Either he is right or wrong.

Either John 14:6 is true or false.

Christianity is by definition a God-revealed religion whereby God says this is truth and this is error.

God gets to make the rules.

It is his world.

it is His Word

We need to remember that Satan is out for the destruction of truth, and where he cannot succeed in that, he is interested in truth corruption.

Satan knows that if he comes directly to you and says that Jesus isn’t really God in human flesh, most Christians will see through the lie.

So what does he do?

He sends someone into the church who is wishy-washy on some doctrines, someone who is willing to compromise on some truths.

Satan can sound so educated and so reasonable. He dilutes and distorts until finally he destroys truth.

II. The Believer’s Discretion

(2-3) – We do not have to live in darkness. We can know the truth and abide in the light. John reveals the litmus test for truth.

Consider:

A. The Criteria

(2) – Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

There is a lot we could say about this statement, but in reality Jesus Christ is the defining factor regarding truth.

What one does with Jesus reveals their spiritual condition and standing with the Lord.

There are seven things about Christ that can be no debate.

If we affirm that Christ who is God, came in the flesh, born of a virgin, died for the sin of humanity as The sinless savior, who rose again victorious, that it is ONLY through faith in Him we are saved and that His return is eminent, then our doctrine is consistent with God and His inspired Word.

We may have differences of opinion, but at the end of the day this is the deciding factor and criteria for genuine faith.

Much of what we disagree on among the church will not have eternal significance, but what we do with Christ certainly will.

If our hearts and doctrine are right concerning Christ, it is evident we are pleasing to the Lord.

B. The Contradiction

(3a) – And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:

John reveals the attitude many possess contrary to God.

If one cannot confess Christ and His finished work, they are not of God.

Again, Christ is the essential element in faith and the determining factor in our standing with God.

This is where caution is needed in our day.

There are many religious groups that claim affiliation with Christ, but deny the Christ of the Bible.

They seek to detract from His deity and the work He accomplished.

They may mention Christ, but what do they actually believe concerning Him?

These following is a direct statement from the LDS Doctrinal Statement on there own website about the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ was the only one capable of making a perfect Atonement. His Atonement included His suffering for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, His death on the cross, and His Resurrection from the tomb. In addition to suffering for our sins, He also took upon Himself our pains, sicknesses, and infirmities (see Alma 7:11–13). Jesus Christ overcame physical and spiritual death. Because of His Atonement, everyone will be resurrected (see 1 Corinthians 15:20–22). Those who repent, obey the commandments, receive the saving ordinances, and keep their covenants will receive the gift of eternal life (see Articles of Faith 1:3).

Paul tells us how we are to handle those that preach another gospel.

Galatians 1:8–9 KJV 1900

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Simply, if one cannot embrace Christ as revealed in the Bible and the truth of the Gospel, they are not of God.

C. The Confusion

(3b) – and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

The spirit of rebellion and deception was already prevalent in John’s day through the spirit of antichrist.

Many in his day sought to discredit the Lord, denying His deity and finished work.

They were spreading lies and confusion.

This great evil continues in our day.

Take a moment to consider the doctrines being promoted and encouraged in America.

Chales Stanley’s son is now promoting gay marriage and that if homosexuals want to serve in the church we should let them.

We live in an “anything goes” society.

People are taught to be their own person.

Live as you please.

They are brought up to believe their accountability rests primarily in personal happiness.

Many believe Christians are weak, unable to think for themselves, and unrealistic.

Man continues to deny the existence of God and the means of salvation through Christ the Lord.

That is exactly what Satan desires.

If he can create doubt and confusion, resulting in unbelief, he has achieved his goal.

III. The Believer’s Distinction

(4-6) – John knew what it was to enjoy a personal relationship with Christ and the benefits associated with that.

He experienced something many in his day did not. This relationship set him apart from the world as it does us.

Consider:

A. Our Association

(4) – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Many were the struggles of John’s day and those struggles continue today, but we do not have to live in defeat.

We can overcome in Christ the Lord.

He dwells within us through His Spirit, and He is greater than our adversary.

The world says we are weak and ignorant, but we have strength and wisdom this world cannot give.

Life will continue to bring struggles, but we can overcome in Christ!

We have already won the war

These false prophets and false religions have no control over you because you have the Spirit of the living God in you if you have been truly born again.

B. Their Agenda

(5) – They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

The world doesn’t share our desires or possess the hope we enjoy.

They have an agenda that stands in sharp contrast to the lives we live.

They speak of the world, promoting its desires and philosophies.

They seek their own and are heard of those who share their beliefs.

We are in the world, but not of the world.

I don’t enjoy conflict or opposition, though my wife may tell you otherwise, but we cannot expect the world to embrace our faith or promote Christianity.

They seek the things of the world, the things that please the flesh.

2 Timothy 4:3 KJV 1900

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

But that is no reason to give up. If anything it should make us move forward and witness more, preaching the gospel to every creatur

C. Our Assurance

(6) – We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

The world doesn’t share our faith or support our cause, but the Lord stands with us.

He equips us to serve Him and accomplish His will.

We may feel alone, but we are not alone.

He is always there and He also has provided others of like faith to share the journey with us.

Aren’t you glad for fellow believers to walk this road of life with?

Aren’t you thankful for those you can lean on and draw strength from?

We close with a comforting thought.

Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Life is difficult and we are surrounded with adversity, but we are not without truth and guidance.

The Spirit will lead us as long as we seek the Lord.

It is possible to possess spiritual discernment in these difficult times.

We do not have to accept the world’s view regarding our faith.

We can rise above and experience victory in Christ our Lord.

John 16:13 KJV 1900

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Conclusion:

There are many voices vying for our attention these days.

Everyone believes something and many seek to influence us with their modern theology.

Likely more than ever, we need spiritual discernment.

We need to be settled in the truth of God’s Word.

We must know what we believe and why.

When we know truth we will not be lead astray with error.

Jesus is the source of truth. He is the way of salvation and eternal life. If there are needs in your life, seek Him. He is able and willing to provide!

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