Day 4: Spiritual Discernment – How to Test the Spirits

Scripture:
1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, 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.”
Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”
James 1:5 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Thought:
In a world filled with so many voices—both good and bad—it's essential for believers to develop spiritual discernment. This ability to recognize truth from error is a key part of growing in maturity as a Christian. Spiritual discernment isn’t something we are born with; it is developed through practice and seeking God’s wisdom.

• 1 John 4:1 reminds us to test the spirits. There are many voices, teachings, and influences in the world, but not all of them come from God. As believers, we must be vigilant and evaluate whether something aligns with Scripture and God's character.
• Hebrews 5:14 speaks of maturity and how we grow in discernment over time. Just as we practice a skill, we must practice discerning good from evil, truth from lies. Spiritual maturity comes as we consistently seek God's guidance and follow His lead.
• James 1:5 encourages us to ask for wisdom. God gives wisdom generously to those who seek it, and when we ask Him for understanding, He will guide us in discerning truth and recognizing the voice of deception.

Challenge:
Take some time today to reflect on areas where you may need spiritual discernment—whether it's in relationships, teachings, or decisions. Ask God for wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern truth from error. Test the spirits around you by comparing them to God's Word. Trust that, as you grow in maturity and seek His wisdom, you will be able to recognize His voice clearly and make decisions in alignment with His will.