Test the Spirits
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.
1 John 4:1 (NIV)
John orders: dear friends, believe not every spirit but test spirits whether from God. Love testing before swallowing. Gullibility is no faith but laziness. Many false prophets circulate with microphones and miracles. Love shields flocks with theological sieves. Examining is caring.
Whether from God: origin tests, never effects. Signs impress, fruits convince. False prophets work wonders; true ones confess incarnate Christ. Love measures messages by crosses, never charisma. Effects without doctrine deceive; doctrine with love builds. Apostolic sieves retain gold releasing chaff.
Because many have gone worldwide: plurality demands permanent vigilance. The false never rest; discerners never sleep. Love keeps sentinels awake at mind's doors. Every age manufactures deceits in new clothing. Unexamined generations get deceived. Always testing spares later weeping.
Today, examine what you consume: preachings, books, videos, prophecies. Does their Jesus confess Christ? Does promised holiness produce? Examining love rejects guiltless embracing fearless. Today's sieve guards tomorrow's heart. Test all, retain good.
And examine lovingly: faithful sieves guard flocks. Examine lovingly today. Faithful sieves guard. Prove all. Retain good. Reject false. Reject false and expose lies. Guard minds. Watch doors. Stay alert. Keep watch. Keep watch and pray always. Read Word. Heed Spirit.