Pastor Kevin reminds believers referencing 1 John 4:1-6, that not every voice, teaching, or spirit should be trusted. John tells the church to “test the spirits” because false prophets and deception are real. The good news is that God has given His people truth, discernment, and the Holy Spirit. Believers do not have to live in fear because the Spirit of truth is greater than the spirit of error. Through Christ, the battle has already been won.
The Spirits
Spirits fall into two categories: the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
• Spirit of Truth: Comes from God. God’s Word is truth, the Holy Spirit leads in truth, and Jesus Christ is truth.
• Spirit of Error: Comes from Satan, who is the father of lies. Satan and his demons work through deception, confusion, temptation, and false teaching.
• False Teachings: There are false teachings that Jesus warns about (Matthew 7:21-23) (Galatians 1:8-9)
Not everyone who speaks is speaking truth. Some people may try to lead others away from God for their own personal gain. That is why believers must ask for discernment and compare every teaching with the Word of God.
Ask God for discernment. Is it from God? Does it match what the Bible says?
The Test
A true follower and believer who is in Christ should be able to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He came in the flesh (1 John 4:2-3). Jesus is fully God and fully man. If someone denies Jesus, rejects His identity, or teaches something that goes against the gospel, that teaching does not come from God.
This is why believers must know Scripture for themselves. Bringing a Bible to church, reading along, and testing what is being taught matters. If something does not line up with God’s Word, warning bells should go off.
Satan brings lies, deception, confusion, and destruction.
Pastor Kevin also reminds believers that spiritual warfare is real. When life feels chaotic, confusing, or divided, it may be time to pause and pray. God is not a God of confusion. He gives truth, peace, wisdom, and direction.
The Promise
Pastor Kevin reminds Christians that believers do not have to live in fear. The Holy Spirit lives within every follower of Christ. Because of that, Christians have already overcome the spirit of error, deception, and fear.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Satan wants people to be afraid, confused, and discouraged, but God gives strength and truth. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Claim the Promise
When life gets difficult, when spiritual battles come, and when deception feels strong, Christians can hold tightly to this truth:
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4
Pastor Kevin encouraged us to memorize 1 John 4:4 and claim that promise. That promise should give believers confidence, not pride. We still need discernment. We still need God’s Word. We still need prayer. But we do not face the spirit of error alone.
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