December 11
Guard Against
Deception
1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Daily Steps
Having been commanded to continue in the Word (Day 346)—the ultimate source of truth—the new believer must also receive a sharp warning: the world is full of deception. This verse provides a critical tool for spiritual survival: the active command to test the spirits and exercise spiritual discernment against the constant threat of false teaching.
The peace in this principle is found in sharp discernment:
The Threat of Falsehood: John is realistic: do not believe every spirit and many false prophets have gone out into the world. This reminds us that spiritual opposition is constant (The Conflict, Day 242), and the attacks often come through people claiming spiritual authority (Day 273) or religious knowledge. This threat requires watchful living (Day 344).
The Mandate to Test: The counter-command is active: test the spirits to see whether they are from God. We are given the ability (by the indwelling Holy Spirit, Day 320) and the responsibility to examine all teaching against the standard of the Holy Scriptures (Day 346). We must never assume a message is true just because it sounds inspiring or popular.
The Standard of Truth: The ultimate test is always Christology—what does the teaching say about Jesus Christ, His redemption (Day 225), and His supremacy (Day 322)? Only the truth that aligns with the message of Christ (Day 327) can be trusted. This active, sharp discernment is essential for maintaining integrity (Day 294) and unity (Day 323).
Your peace is secured by sharp discernment. Embrace The Final Commands today by cultivating a habit of testing the spirits. Never let your personal feelings or a captivating speaker override the clear, steady truth found in the Word of God. Be a believer who is knowledgeable and not easily deceived.
Reflective Question
When you hear spiritual teaching or a powerful sermon, what is your first reaction—to immediately accept it or to test the spirits by checking the claims against the Holy Scriptures? What is one specific, new piece of spiritual advice or news that you can test today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my vulnerability to appealing but false messages. I thank You for the command to test the spirits to see whether they are from God and the gift of Your infallible Word. I pray for sharp discernment and the wisdom (Day 291) to recognize and reject every false prophet and deceptive spirit. Secure my peace today in Your ultimate truth, and help me to continue in what I have learned. Amen.
