Test every claim

John tells believers to test the spirits because false prophets have gone into the world. His test centers on confessing Jesus Christ come in the flesh and listening to the apostolic witness. Discernment does not mean rejecting every spiritual work; it means refusing to separate spiritual claims from the truth about Christ. Keep your heart open and your judgment anchored in Scripture.

Put the Word into practice

Examine one spiritual message you have heard: what does it teach about Jesus, and does it agree with apostolic Scripture?

Search the Scripture

What specific test does John give, beyond whether an experience seems extraordinary?

A prayerful response

Holy Spirit, give us discernment and courage to welcome truth and reject deception. Amen.