Spiritual Discernment in a World of Deception
FOCUS TEXT: 1 John 4:1–6
This morning at Anchor Church, we stepped into week seven of our series, KNOW: You Can Be Sure, walking through 1 John. Each week, we’ve seen that confident faith is focused on Jesus, rooted in truth, and marked by love. Now, John shifts our attention to something critical: spiritual discernment. We live in a world full of voices—preachers, influencers, content creators—all claiming to speak truth. Many sound right, use Christian language, and even quote Scripture. But John is clear: not every spirit is from God. What’s behind the message matters. This is spiritual war, and we are called to walk in truth with vigilance.
Truth #1: Behind every falsehood is a demonic spirit — John opens with a warning: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Every message has a source—either empowered by the Holy Spirit or influenced by darkness. We can’t be passive consumers of content. Whether it’s a podcast, book, song, or social media post—we are being formed. And if we don’t actively test what we’re taking in, we risk being deceived. Paul said the same in 1 Timothy 4:1: some “will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” This isn’t fear—it’s biblical clarity. We are in a war for our minds and hearts.
Truth #2: Every spirit reveals what it believes about Jesus — John gives us the test: What does this spirit say about Jesus? False teachings rarely deny Jesus outright—they reshape Him. But the true gospel affirms that Jesus came in the flesh—fully God and fully man, crucified and risen for our salvation. Today, false versions of Jesus abound: Therapeutic Jesus, Affirming Jesus, Political Jesus, Prosperity Jesus. These distortions don’t save—they deceive. The real Jesus is Lord. He calls for repentance, offers grace, and transforms lives. Wherever the Holy Spirit is working, He points us to the true Christ.
Truth #3: Victory comes through the Spirit who lives in us — John reassures us: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” We’re not alone in this. The Spirit of God lives in us, empowering us to stand firm, say no to deception, and yes to truth. Our victory isn’t in our strength but in abiding in Jesus, depending on the Spirit, and walking in obedience.
Truth #4: God’s people recognize His voice and follow it — John draws a clear line: false teachers speak from the world, and the world listens. But those who belong to God listen to His Word. We discern His voice through Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.” True believers don’t just hear truth—they follow it.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Am I testing the messages I consume through Scripture?
Have I adopted a version of Jesus that isn’t biblical?
Am I staying close to God or drifting into worldly thinking?
PRAYER RESPONSE: “Father, thank You for Your Spirit who leads us into truth. Sharpen our discernment. Open our eyes and ears. Help us walk in truth, reject falsehood, and cling to Christ. May we be people marked by truth, grounded in Your Word, and full of Your Spirit. Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
