January 12, 2021 Spirit Meat Devotional : Topic – HOW TO DISCERN FALSE LEADINGS (1) – 1 John 4:1-3
Read previous STM Devotionals here
God recognizes the existence of false spiritual leading and has made clear provisions on how to identify them and avoid them – test spirits. Don’t just gullibly accept a prophet as a prophet because he prophesies. Don’t just believe a spirit is the Holy Spirit because it claims to be, or looks divine. Subject every spirit to the test of the word of God. Take note of the following critical points:
- Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Paul said to the Galatian church (Gal. 1:8) that if he himself or an angel from heaven returned to present any other gospel other than the gospel of Jesus Christ, they should consider that person accursed. Any spirit that refuses to recognise or refuses to confess the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ and proposes another way to God is a false spirit, no matter what form, shape or manner it appears.
- Acknowledging Jesus Christ
Nobody speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit can curse (dishonour) the person of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 12:3). It implies that if anyone dishonours the person and the name of Jesus Christ, such is a wrong spirit, no matter how innocent it appears. Resist such spirits.
PRAYER: Jesus, I acknowledge You as the son of God. You came as God and died for my sins. I reject every other position contrary to this truth in Jesus’ name. Amen.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10