Test the Spirits

DAILY READING

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.”

FIELD NOTES

Tom asked, “God, what do you want me to do today?” Without looking, Tom opened his Bible, pointed his finger at a verse, and read that Judas went out and hung himself. Tom reasoned that God did not want anyone to do that, so he closed his eyes, opened the Bible, and pointed again. This time his finger pointed to the verse that said, “Go and do likewise.”

Sometimes, we tempt God by playing games such as Bible roulette. Other times, we feel tempted to use the Bible to prove our point of view. For years, people used the scripture to justify slavery, the inferiority of women, and hatred towards certain people in the world. Sometimes people use scripture to manipulate others and justify their actions.

How might we use the scriptures, the Word of God, to speak to and guide us?

1. What? Ask the question, “What might God be saying to me?”
2. So what? Ask, “So what does this mean for my life?”
3. Now what? Ask, “Now, God, what do you want me to do with this insight?”

Whatever insights you get, it’s important to “test the spirits,” ensuring that your message is from God. How can you do this?

1. Pray that you listen for God’s guidance, not your wishes.
2. Use biblical commentaries and dictionaries, seeking scholarly, in-depth understanding.
3. Be part of a small group, Bible study group, or Sunday school class with whom you can bounce ideas.
4. Ask, “Does Jesus agree with this insight? Does Jesus want you to do that? Will Christ’s kingdom grow? Will the fruit of the Holy Spirit result from this insight/action?”

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Describe a time you knew without a doubt that God wanted you to do something. What was it? Did you do it?
• Describe a time you didn’t do what God wanted you to do. What was it? Why didn’t you do it?
• If you are not part of a Bible Study, consider one of the Sunday school classes or some other Bible study offered at the church.
• What does God want you to do today? Before you do it, test the spirits. 

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Discuss with your children what it is like to do what your parents want.
• Discuss what it’s like when children do not do what their parents want. 
• Discuss the feelings we have when we do what our parents want without their having to ask as compared to not doing what they want.
• Discuss how it feels to do what God wants, versus not doing what God wants.
• What is one thing God wants us to do today (tomorrow)?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear loving, gracious God, thank you for all of the many blessings you give us. Lord, please help me see clearly what you want me to do and what you don’t want me to do. Help me test the spirits, making sure what I do is in your will. In your gracious name, I ask. Amen!