Discernment - Testing the Spirits

Discernment, as understood in biblical teaching, involves evaluating every spiritual claim, teaching, or influence by the standard of Jesus Christ. The core instruction is found in 1 John 4:1-3, which states, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God... every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God." This means that the ultimate measure for assessing spiritual truth is whether it faithfully acknowledges the reality of Jesus Christ's incarnation.
The Bible specifically calls God’s people to undertake this rigorous examination of teachings, spiritual influences, and those who claim to speak for God. This is not for the purpose of fostering generalized suspicion, but rather because not all claims about God genuinely confess the embodied Son. The Apostle John instructs us to test these "spirits" because many do not align with the truth, thereby requiring believers to carefully assess their veracity against the truth of Christ's physical manifestation.
For you as a believer, this instruction on discernment underscores the importance of critically evaluating all spiritual information and teachings you encounter. Your faith is strengthened when you actively engage in testing these claims, ensuring they align with the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ's coming in the flesh. This intentional evaluation protects you from error and firmly grounds your understanding in the foundational truth of the gospel.