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John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:

In your opinion, how does one 'try' the spirits ? and also, what are the spirits? is this a case of evil spirits as opposed to the Holy Spirit?

Or is the word spirit here used to refer to the spirit of man? as it is in reference to false prophets.

Or both?

What think ye?


GBU

Test the spirits to see if they are true.
If you say, "Spirit, do you believe that Jesus is our Savior raised from the dead?" You should be able to hear yes.
If you hear "no" then there is some cleaning that needs to be done.

If someone is preaching and they seem off, wait to hear if they mention Jesus. Someone being guided by an evil spirit will not claim Jesus's name.

Sorry not longer, tired this morning and don't have Bible here. Been doing a live feed conference for our church. Will be back Saturday night.

how do you get an opportunity to talk with a spirit to ask its name?

blossomsforever

I wouldn't suggest seeking out a spirit so to talk with it. It's not a game. It's a battle. Not saying anyone is. Just sharing those words for those that don't realize.

I think both Lizzie.

no i only meant in terms of what the scriptures say the verse that applies about testing the spirits? having discernment to know which spirit is operating

blossomsforever

Hello Blossomsforever, Lizzie, Deetu, Pine, All,


Blessings!

In my experience I would say you are most blessed not to have had to exercise your senses to discern good and evil. Ha! But where false prophets/teachers are concerned, as Deetu said, an alarm goes off inside your conscience.

Where evil spirits are concerned, can take some time to recognize them. One first has to grow the faith to test them. Young Christians sometimes are so hungry to hear from God, evil spirits get quite a bunch past them.

Have also seen evil spirits get quite a bit past greedy pastors.

Is best to develop a sense of discernment as much and as soon as possible.


Blessings!
L, ICJ, Saint701.

thanks for all your replies.

blossom im not sure sis as im thinkin the only spirit we should be conversing with is that of God's, so perhaps other ways of 'trying' them? This is the part im wondering about, what exactly the 'trying' process would entail besides obvious denials of Christ, which would def indicate they arent of God. Evil spirits and false prophets might be a lil more subtle in their deception.

As far as false prophets, Jesus did say that many of them would come in His Name, so im thinking that even if they claim to be 'of Jesus' we should be weary and make sure and check their fruits

Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

but it does say this

1 John 4:3
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

So that may be a sure fire way to tell, but not the only way im thinking.

blossomsforever wrote:no i only meant in terms of what the scriptures say the verse that applies about testing the spirits? having discernment to know which spirit is operating
blossomsforever

hi blossomsforever, you ever meet someone and the hair on the back of you neck stands up... they make you feel uncomfortable? When the Holy Spirit guides, you feel that in your gut. You know that you know that something isn't right.
That is why it is important to be filled with the Holy Spirit when you become a Christian.

Now how it applies to the others... I would think it is the same, if they say that Jesus Christ is their lord and savior come in the flesh, it's good. If they refuse or claim another as their God, then you know.
Evil spirits lie so you never want to talk to them... no need to.
((hug))

oh okay Deetu,
I starting to get it. I wonder if they stick around long enough for you to know or understand what is being said.

blossomsforever

I read what you said but didn't see that it was a question of sorts before.
Evil spirits don't want you to know they are around. They will do their evil, tell you lies and you end up thinking the thoughts are all your own.
Sometimes, they will know a person has a call on their life at a young age and will stick around to torment that person to keep them from their calling.
We all have free will to choose to follow God through Jesus or not.

Hello Lizzie, All,


Blessings!

Have had a prompting all day bring to the light the following scriptures. Seems someone needs to be reminded that what God has planted on the inside of us still has to struggle upward though the dirt of our flesh before reaching the light of the Lord.

That struggles may continue a long, long time. Indeed, after 30 years, more now so than ever, I find myself spending quite a bit of time each day exercising my ability to discern good and evil. Indeed, every day now I am bombarded by strands of thought each representing a different power or principality attempting to manipulate me. It is indeed wrestling.

But have also entered into a greater dimension of victory over such as never before, having learned to bind and then loose them from their assignments with corresponding results. It truly is taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Hang in there!

Heb.5

1. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Jas.1

[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

1Pet.1

1. [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:


Blessings!
Love, In Christ Jesus, Saint701.

Trying the spirits .

Most times we don't even have to "try" , ("The Kingdom is within you") , which means , to me , everything that is spoken to me - Through the Spirit (for the Kingdom should also be within them as well) - I WILL understand , it is when I start to scratch my head , is when I need to get a second opinion - from the SAME person , just to see if they'd be able to repeat it ! - hence , trying them . God is no author of confusion , and besides , The Spirit hears what the Spirit says ,("My sheep know my Voice") .

When our Lord was being tested , He was being given Scripture ... BY satan , so , even satan knows Scripture , but our Lord came back at him with Scripture as well , which leaves me with the thought that , it not Scripture that I need to question (for I should know it in the first place) , but rather by whom and what purpose it is being used .

Then again , what do I know


In Christ , our Lord