The Bible tells us that we should not believe every spiritual claim we hear, but instead, we must “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Because we live in a world filled with competing voices—including our own emotions, cultural trends, and even spiritual deception—discernment is a vital skill for every follower of Jesus. Testing the spirits simply means comparing every thought, teaching, or “prophetic word” against the unchanging truth of God’s Word to see if it truly originates from Him.
The Standard of Holy Scripture
The most important rule for discernment is that God will never contradict Himself. Since the Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant Word, it serves as the ultimate “plumb line” for truth. If a thought enters your mind or a teacher gives you a “word from the Lord” that goes against the moral commands or theological truths of the Bible, you can immediately reject it. God does not change His mind about sin, salvation, or His character.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
When you feel a “nudge” to do something, ask yourself: “Does the Bible support this?” For example, if you feel “led” to be harsh with someone, you can know that isn’t from the Holy Spirit, because the Bible commands us to speak the truth in love. The more you know the Bible, the faster you will recognize a counterfeit voice.
The Jesus Test
A major red flag in spiritual discernment is any teaching or “revelation” that pulls focus away from Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit’s primary job is to glorify Jesus and point people toward His sacrifice on the cross. If a spiritual experience makes a human leader look like a superstar, or if it focuses entirely on material wealth and personal gain rather than the Gospel, it is likely not from God.
1 John 4:2-3 This is how we know if it is the Spirit of God: If a person acknowledging that Jesus Christ became a human being, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone does not acknowledge Jesus, that person is not from God.
Testing the spirits involves looking at the “Christ-centeredness” of the message. Does this word lead you to worship Jesus more deeply? Does it align with the character of Christ shown in the Gospels? True spiritual guidance will always lead to greater humility, repentance, and a deeper reliance on the finished work of Jesus rather than our own efforts or mystical experiences.
Looking at the Fruit
Jesus gave us a very practical way to discern spiritual leaders and internal impulses: “You can identify them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). Discernment isn’t just about analyzing words; it’s about observing results. If a particular teaching or “word” leads to chaos, pride, division, or fear, it’s probably not from the Lord. God is a God of peace, not confusion.
The “fruit of the Spirit” provides a perfect checklist for testing our own hearts. If a thought or direction is truly from God, it will eventually produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. On the other hand, “spirits” that are not from God often produce anxiety, a sense of urgency that bypasses wisdom, or a “legalistic” spirit that crushes people under heavy burdens.
The Role of Godly Counsel
We were never meant to discern God’s voice in total isolation. One of the best ways to test a spirit is to bring it into the light of a healthy Christian community. If you think God is telling you to make a major life change or move in a specific direction, talk to mature believers who know you and know the Bible. Often, God uses the body of Christ to confirm His direction or to warn us when we are drifting off course.
Proverbs 11:14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
If you are afraid to tell your small group or your pastor about a “word” you think you received, that’s usually a sign that something is wrong. Truth doesn’t fear the light. Honest, biblical conversation with other Christians acts as a safety net, helping us distinguish between the voice of the Shepherd and the noise of our own imaginations.
The Takeaway
Testing the spirits is not about being cynical or closed-off to God’s leading; it is about being biblically wise. By comparing every message to Scripture, ensuring it honors Jesus, checking for spiritual fruit, and seeking godly counsel, you can walk with confidence. God wants you to hear His voice, and He has given you the tools to ensure you are following the right path.
