January 13, 2021 Spirit Meat Devotional : Topic – HOW TO DISCERN FALSE LEADINGS (2) – 1 John 4:1-3
Read previous Devotionals here
Today, we will continue to review how to test spirits to know whether they are from God before you submit to their leading:
3.Confession of Jesus Christ
“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.” (1 John 4:3)
4.Follow the fruits and not signs
Be aware that the devil sometimes appears to be an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). That is why Jesus DID NOT say, “By their SIGNS you will know them”. He said, “By their FRUITS…”. “Fruits” is more of a leader than signs. The fact that people are rushing to a place where miracles are happening does not mean the truth is there. Don’t promote signs above the Word; don’t promote miracles above the Word. Don’t even promote the “Holy Ghost” above the Word.
5.Fruits of the Spirit
If the fruit of a person’s life does not conform to the fruit and character of the Holy Spirit as shown in the scriptures, don’t agree to be led by the spirit of such a person. It is not the spirit of God. The fruit of the spirit of God produces a character of righteousness. Galatians 5:22 lists other pieces of evidence of the spirit of God – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
6.Know the Holy Spirit
Walk with the Holy Spirit so well that you can sense wrong spirits. By praying, depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal the identity of every other spirit to you.
PRAYER: I receive the spirit of sensitivity and accuracy to judge and know whether any spirit I come across is from God and to follow the right spirit in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12