Bible Text: 1 John 4:1–3

Dear friends, 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. ² 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, ³ 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.

Memory Verse: John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Discernment is the spiritual ability to recognize the true source of any spiritual communication. Not every voice, impression, dream, prophecy, or experience comes from God. Therefore, every spiritual communication must be tested carefully. Testing protects you from deception and ensures alignment with God’s truth and will.

God does not expect believers to accept spiritual experiences blindly. Instead, He provides clear standards for evaluating whether a message originates from Him. Discernment operates through the Scripture, the Holy Spirit, spiritual maturity, and wise counsel. When you test the source, you avoid deception and walk in spiritual safety and clarity.

Tests for Discernment Include:

1. Does it align with the Scripture? God never contradicts His written Word. Any message that opposes the Scripture cannot originate from God.
2. Does it exalt Christ? True spiritual communication and messages honours and glorifies Jesus Christ as Lord. False communication and messages often shifts focus away from Him.
3. Does it produce righteousness? God’s communication leads to obedience, spiritual growth, and right living, not sin, confusion, or compromise.
4. Does it bring peace or bondage? God’s voice brings peace, clarity, and freedom. Deceptive communication and messages brings fear, confusion, pressure, or spiritual oppression.
5. Is it confirmed by godly counsel? God often confirms His communication through spiritually mature and trusted believers. Wise counsel provides protection and clarity.

Testing spiritual communication is like verifying the authenticity of an official document. Before accepting it, its source, accuracy, and authority must be confirmed to ensure it is genuine and trustworthy.

Action Plans:

• Test every spiritual message using Scripture.
• Seek confirmation through prayer and godly counsel.
• Follow only what aligns with God’s truth.

COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 29: SS&S 642: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
   What a glory he sheds on our way
   While we do his good will, he abides with us still
   And with all who will trust and obey
   
   Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
   To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

• Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
  But his smile quickly drives it away
  Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
  Can abide while we trust and obey

• Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share
  But our toil he doth richly repay
  Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross
  But is blest if we trust and obey

• But we never can prove the delights of his love
  Until all on the altar we lay
  For the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows
  Are for them who will trust and obey

• Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet
  Or we will walk by his side in the way
  What he says we will do, where he sends we will go
  Never fear, only trust and obey

Prayers:

1. Father, give me discernment to test and recognize every spiritual communication.
2. Lord, protect me from deception and false guidance.
3. Holy Spirit, help me walk confidently in Your truth always.