“Beloved, believe not every spirit.” (1 John 4:1) This was not an idle warning, because John knew that many deceiving spirits are in the world. In his day and more so in our day, for lack of studying and understanding the written word of God. We can know what the spirit of man is by comparing his words and his actions to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “but try the spirits whether they are of God.”
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
Seduce, “to tempt to wrongdoing; lead astray.” (Webster’s) “Because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) Doctrines of devils, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5) Notice, this speaks directly to church people, because it says, “Having a form of godliness.“ Form means, “arrangement, style, a customary way of behaving, ceremony, condition of mind or body.” (Webster’s)
Sinners do not have a form of godliness, religious people do. Many deny the power thereof. What is the power of godliness? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” (Romans 1:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the power of God. It is the only acceptable doctrine for all churches. It is for correction when an individual or group is confused in doctrine. Then why should religious denominations be offended if the written gospel of our Lord Jesus shows them their error?
“Many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Not will come but are already gone out. Then, we need to ask ourselves, where are they? Prophet, “A religious leader regarded as, or claiming to be, divinely inspired.” (Webster’s) As Jesus said to us, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5) False prophets, claiming to be sent from God, agreeing that Jesus is Christ, and shall deceive many. “Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
Therefore, the warning of the apostle John, “believe not every spirit” must be carefully considered, holding up all doctrine to the light of the gospel as written in the holy scriptures. The only true doctrine of Jesus is the power of God. It is for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Spirits of false prophets and deceived followers will not submit to correction. Instead, they become defensive and offended. If the light of the truth of Jesus Christ offends them, we need to find out why.
Jesus said of himself, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Walking without the truth of the gospel is walking in darkness. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)
False doctrine offered in the name of Christ is evil, and deceives those who are weak in the knowledge of the scriptures. Seducing spirits “lead astray” the unsuspecting hearers of false teachers, convincing them with emotional encounters. I have heard the remark many times, “I know it came from God; I can feel it way down inside.” But, please tell me, where did you ever read in the New Testament that truth is based on how you feel? Jesus said, “my sheep know my voice.” Nothing was said about my sheep will know it’s from me because they will have a good feeling. The voice of Jesus is the written word.
Are you depressed? The word of God remains the same. Are your feelings hurt? His word is still the same. Do you keep his word with all your strength, or do you break his commandments and know that you do? His word is the same. Are you filled with joy? His word never changes. The truth has nothing to do with what we feel. This is exactly how deceiving spirits work. Since they can’t stand close scrutiny of the doctrine they teach, they offer you a feel-good uplift. False religion is built on feelings, imagination, and assigning the word of God to a future time.
Running, jumping, rolling on the floor, yelling, or preaching a fiery sermon according to your interpretation of your denomination changes nothing. The word of God never changes; it is eternal. Why does the word of God offend religious people? It won’t unless they love darkness more than light.
False prophets, teachers, and followers have a form of godliness, as the scripture says. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) Satan, that spirit of deception, appears to be something he is not, an angel of light convincing the deceived that he is preaching the gospel. “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:15)
