Discernment in Faith: Identifying True and False Teachings
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the critical importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in identifying and rejecting false prophets and teachings. We began by examining 1 John 4:1-8, where the Apostle John commands believers to "test the spirits" to determine whether they are from God. This testing is essential because Satan and his agents often disguise themselves as angels of light, spreading false doctrines and corrupting true religion. We explored how spiritual warfare is not about chasing Satan but about combating false ideologies and belief systems that imprison people's minds.
We also discussed the nature of true spiritual warfare as described in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, emphasizing that our weapons are not of the flesh but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses—these fortresses being false ideologies and belief systems. The sermon highlighted the importance of a true Christology, asserting that any spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh is not from God. This is a fundamental test to discern the true work of the Holy Spirit.
We examined the Charismatic Movement and its deviations from true Christian doctrine, particularly its focus on the Holy Spirit at the expense of exalting Christ. The true work of the Holy Spirit always points to Christ, His person, His work, and His gospel. We also touched on the dangers of embracing false gospels, such as the prosperity gospel, which preys on the poor and desperate by promising health and wealth in exchange for faith.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of love as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work. True love is sacrificial and seeks to serve and edify others, contrasting sharply with the self-centered focus often seen in false movements. We concluded with a call to be vigilant and discerning, using the tests provided in Scripture to measure all spiritual claims and teachings.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discernment is Essential: Believers are commanded to "test the spirits" to discern whether they are from God. This is crucial because Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light, spreading false doctrines that can lead believers astray. Discernment helps us identify and reject these false teachings, ensuring that we remain rooted in the truth of God's Word. [01:11]
2. True Spiritual Warfare: Spiritual warfare is not about chasing Satan but about combating false ideologies and belief systems that imprison people's minds. Our weapons are divinely powerful and aimed at destroying these fortresses of false beliefs, leading people to the truth of the gospel. This battle for the mind is critical in our spiritual journey. [06:21]
3. Christ-Centered Faith: The true work of the Holy Spirit always exalts Jesus Christ. Any spirit that does not confess Jesus as having come in the flesh is not from God. A correct understanding of Christ's nature and work is foundational to our faith, and any deviation from this truth is a sign of false teaching. [24:15]
4. Rejecting False Gospels: Movements that embrace false gospels, such as the prosperity gospel, are not from the Holy Spirit. These teachings prey on the poor and desperate, promising health and wealth in exchange for faith. True gospel preaching focuses on Christ and His redemptive work, not on material gain. [48:38]
5. Manifestation of True Love: The true work of the Holy Spirit is evident in the love believers show towards God and each other. This love is sacrificial and seeks to serve and edify others, contrasting sharply with the self-centered focus often seen in false movements. True love is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith. [59:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Testing the Spirits
[02:12] - The Importance of Discernment
[03:37] - Spiritual Warfare Explained
[04:32] - Misconceptions About Spiritual Warfare
[05:24] - Divinely Powerful Weapons
[06:21] - Destroying Fortresses of False Beliefs
[07:09] - The Battle for the Mind
[08:14] - Ideologies Against the Knowledge of God
[09:31] - Warnings About False Prophets
[10:44] - The Last Word on Truth
[11:42] - Timeless Tests for Spiritual Movements
[12:51] - Jonathan Edwards' Insights
[13:53] - Assurance Through the Holy Spirit
[14:55] - Misunderstandings in the Charismatic Movement
[15:35] - Evidences of the Holy Spirit's Work
[17:19] - Visible Effects of the Holy Spirit
[18:24] - The Holy Spirit's Work in Believers
[19:32] - The Long War on Truth
[20:42] - The Irony in the Charismatic Movement
[22:09] - Command to Test the Spirits
[23:21] - The Christological Test
[24:15] - Importance of True Christology
[25:21] - Early Church Heresies
[26:06] - False Religions and Aberrant Christology
[27:08] - The Holy Spirit's Accurate View of Christ
[28:30] - Misrepresentations of the Gospel
[30:03] - The True Work of the Holy Spirit
[31:23] - False Images of the Holy Spirit
[32:35] - Paul's Prayer for Believers
[33:41] - Bizarre Visions of Jesus
[34:52] - Heresies in the Charismatic Movement
[35:48] - Blasphemous Teachings
[36:45] - Questioning the Deity of Christ
[37:47] - Arrogance and Falsehood
[38:53] - Misrepresentations of the Gospel
[39:58] - Embracing False Gospels
[40:50] - Catholic Charismatic Renewal
[41:42] - Ecumenical Movements
[42:45] - Oneness Pentecostalism
[43:45] - Modalism and Its Heresies
[44:32] - The Nature of God
[45:38] - Universalism in the Church
[46:25] - Mormonism and Charismatic Phenomena
[47:26] - Prosperity Gospel's False Promises
[48:38] - Preying on the Poor
[49:54] - The Majority in the Movement
[51:01] - Worldly Promises
[52:07] - Overcoming the World
[52:53] - The True Message of the Gospel
[54:18] - The Lie of the Prosperity Gospel
[55:18] - The Widow's Mite
[56:17] - The True Work of the Holy Spirit
[57:02] - Extra-Biblical Revelations
[57:59] - The Sufficiency of Scripture
[59:04] - Manifesting the Love of God
[01:00:10] - The Lack of True Love
[01:01:20] - Final Warning Against False Teachings
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 4:1-8
2. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 4:1, what are believers commanded to do regarding spirits? Why is this important? [01:11]
2. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, what are the "fortresses" that Paul refers to, and how are they to be destroyed? [06:21]
3. What does 1 John 4:2-3 say about the confession of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh? How does this serve as a test for true and false spirits? [24:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of true spiritual warfare? What are the weapons we use in this battle? [05:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it crucial for believers to "test the spirits" as mentioned in 1 John 4:1? How does this practice protect the church from false teachings? [01:11]
2. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 differ from common misconceptions about battling Satan and demons? [04:32]
3. What does it mean for a spirit to confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and why is this a fundamental test of true faith? [24:15]
4. How does the sermon critique the Charismatic Movement's focus on the Holy Spirit? What is the correct focus according to the sermon? [28:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching or movement that seemed questionable. How did you discern whether it was from God or not? What steps can you take to improve your discernment? [01:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual warfare is about combating false ideologies. Are there any belief systems or ideologies in your life that you need to confront with the truth of the gospel? How can you do this effectively? [06:21]
3. How can you ensure that your faith remains Christ-centered, especially in a culture that often promotes self-centered spirituality? What practical steps can you take to keep Jesus at the forefront of your faith? [24:15]
4. Have you ever been tempted by the promises of the prosperity gospel or similar teachings? How can you guard yourself and others against these false gospels? [48:38]
5. True love, as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work, is sacrificial and seeks to serve others. Can you identify a specific way you can show sacrificial love to someone in your life this week? [59:04]
6. The sermon calls for vigilance and discernment in measuring all spiritual claims and teachings. How can you cultivate a habit of testing the spirits in your daily walk with God? [01:11]
7. Think about a recent situation where you had to choose between following a popular but questionable teaching and adhering to biblical truth. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? [22:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Discernment
Description: Discernment is a critical aspect of the Christian faith, as believers are commanded to "test the spirits" to determine whether they are from God. This is crucial because Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light, spreading false doctrines that can lead believers astray. Discernment helps us identify and reject these false teachings, ensuring that we remain rooted in the truth of God's Word. The Apostle John, in 1 John 4:1-8, emphasizes the importance of this practice, urging believers to be vigilant and discerning in their spiritual journey. [01:11]
1 John 4:1-3 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already."
Reflection: Think of a recent teaching or doctrine you encountered. How did you test its validity against the truth of God's Word? What steps can you take to improve your discernment in the future?
Day 2: The True Nature of Spiritual Warfare
Description: Spiritual warfare is not about chasing Satan but about combating false ideologies and belief systems that imprison people's minds. Our weapons are divinely powerful and aimed at destroying these fortresses of false beliefs, leading people to the truth of the gospel. This battle for the mind is critical in our spiritual journey, as it helps us to remain steadfast in our faith and to bring others to the knowledge of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, describes the nature of this warfare and the divine power of our spiritual weapons. [06:21]
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV): "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: Identify a false ideology or belief system you have encountered. How can you use the divine power of God's Word to combat this falsehood and bring others to the truth of the gospel?
Day 3: Christ-Centered Faith
Description: The true work of the Holy Spirit always exalts Jesus Christ. Any spirit that does not confess Jesus as having come in the flesh is not from God. A correct understanding of Christ's nature and work is foundational to our faith, and any deviation from this truth is a sign of false teaching. This Christological test is essential for discerning the true work of the Holy Spirit and ensuring that our faith remains centered on Christ. The Apostle John, in 1 John 4:2-3, provides this test as a means of identifying true and false spirits. [24:15]
1 John 4:2-3 (ESV): "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of Christ's nature and work. Are there any areas where you need to deepen your knowledge or correct any misconceptions? How can you ensure that your faith remains Christ-centered?
Day 4: Rejecting False Gospels
Description: Movements that embrace false gospels, such as the prosperity gospel, are not from the Holy Spirit. These teachings prey on the poor and desperate, promising health and wealth in exchange for faith. True gospel preaching focuses on Christ and His redemptive work, not on material gain. It is essential to reject these false gospels and to remain steadfast in the true message of the gospel, which is centered on Christ's sacrifice and our salvation through Him. The Apostle Paul warns against such false teachings in his letters, urging believers to hold fast to the true gospel. [48:38]
Galatians 1:6-9 (ESV): "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."
Reflection: Consider the messages you hear from various Christian teachings. Are there any that focus more on material gain than on Christ's redemptive work? How can you guard yourself against these false gospels and remain rooted in the true message of the gospel?
Day 5: Manifestation of True Love
Description: The true work of the Holy Spirit is evident in the love believers show towards God and each other. This love is sacrificial and seeks to serve and edify others, contrasting sharply with the self-centered focus often seen in false movements. True love is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith and is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. The Apostle John, in 1 John 4:7-8, emphasizes the importance of love as a sign of our relationship with God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [59:04]
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience God's love through you. How can you show sacrificial love to this person today? What specific actions can you take to serve and edify them in a way that reflects the true work of the Holy Spirit?
Quotes
1. "We cannot fight this war. We cannot fight this war with human weapons. It takes a lot more than that. They have to be, according to verse 4, divinely powerful. They have to be divinely powerful. We're engaged in a spiritual war which cannot be fought with human weapons, no matter how noble and well-conceived and well-crafted we might think they are." [05:24] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Ours is a war for the mind. Why? Because the world is imprisoned in belief systems. They are fortified there in the sense that they are impregnable in their ideologies. Those fortifications in which they live become their prisons and end up their tombs. And the architect... The architect of all of these fortifications is none other than Satan himself. He is the father of lies. He is the arch deceiver. He is the ultimate angel of light." [07:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our responsibility is to smash these ideologies, to crush these fortifications, and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. This is a battle for how people think. Again, Satan is the architect, the designer, the engineer, and the builder of these ideologies. People are fortified in them and ultimately doomed by them to eternal hell. And it all seems so wonderful because it is operated by the ultimate angel of light." [08:14] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our assurance, let me say it again, our confidence, the affirmation of the reality of our salvation is based upon the working of the Holy Spirit. I know the Holy Spirit is invisible. The Holy Spirit works in a supernatural and divine and imperceptible way within us. However, while the working of the Holy Spirit is invisible. The results are visible. While we do not experience or feel the Holy Spirit, the manifestation of His work, we do experience." [13:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "People say to me, how do you know when you're a believer? It's not your perfection, it's your direction. It's what you love and what you hate and what you long for. We're all in Romans 7, aren't we? We don't do what we ought to do, we don't do what we want to do. We do what we don't want to do and ought not to do. And we hate that about us and that's the evidence of the Holy Spirit in us." [16:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The true work of the Holy Spirit exalts the Lord Jesus Christ. The true work of the Holy Spirit exalts the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 2, by this you know the Spirit of God. Here's how you know. Here's how you know. Every spirit that confesses. The Jesus Christ. The Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the anti-Christ of which you have heard that it is coming and now it is already in the world." [23:21] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Show me a person obsessed with the Holy Spirit, and I'll show you a person not filled with the Holy Spirit. Show me a person obsessed with the Lord Jesus Christ, never tiring of learning and loving Him, entranced by His magnificent glory and seeking to obey Him and be like Him, and I'll show you a Spirit-filled person." [32:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The true work of the Holy Spirit points people to the Bible. We heard that from Conrad last night, didn't we? The true work of the Holy Spirit points people to the Bible. Go to verse 6. We are from God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not from God doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. How do we know the spirit of truth from the spirit of error? Because the spirit of truth runs to what? To Scripture, to the Bible, to the Bible. That's how we know." [57:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "True work of the Holy Spirit is manifesting the love of God. Love toward God, love toward God's people. True work of the Holy Spirit elevates love, biblical love. That love shows up toward God in pure, true, holy worship. And it shows up toward others in humble, sacrificial desire to serve and edify." [59:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So we don't need to speculate. We really don't. We have the tests. Just look at the tests, measure the movement, be discerning like the noble Bereans, and it should be clear to us. I want to close by reading 2 John 7, for many deceivers have gone out into the world. Those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, this is the deceiver and the anti-Christ." [01:00:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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