Testing the Spirits

Testing the Spirits

Acts 8:18 – 25

Wherever there is truth, falsehood also arises. The Bible warns that false teachers will rise up to counterfeit the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:1; 2 Corinthians 11:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9).  You should therefore not believe all who claim to speak for God. Also not all that is supposedly biblical is truth. The spirits of error manifest in numerous forms that include false teaching, cults, witchcraft, communication with dead, astrology, satanism, and a form of religion that denies the power of God. Every believer must be able to discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Peter through the gift of discernment of spirits (Acts 8:18-25) provides some helpful indicators of falsehood and truth. Simon the sorcerer despite having been baptized and actively following Phillip had a wrong spirit.

* Grace test. ‘Simon offered money for God’s gift v. 18-20’. Any teaching that requires a payment for God’s gift/salvation/blessings is false. The requirements come as good works, ‘dos and don’ts’/legalism, payment of money, own effort/sacrifices or animal sacrifices.  All God’s gifts are entirely by grace through faith. Jesus paid for it all (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 7). Any other requirement is fleshly and a sign of perishing. The fool says there is no God in thought or practice. The truth requires us to simply believe and receive what God has accomplished for us already.

* Love/motive test. ‘Your heart is not right. You have no part or share in this ministry (v. 21)’ The ministry of Christ flows out of genuine care and compassion for people (Mathew 9:39; John 3:6). Anything that claims to be of the Holy Spirit must be tested in terms of its attitude and value to people. Ask does it edify, exhort and comfort OR it leaves fear, distress, despair, condemnation, confusion and strife. The true Spirit is about meeting needs of people not just power display and self-benefit. Simon the Sorcerer did not seem to have received the Holy Spirit with others. He was fascinated about power and miracles not relationship with God and people.  He wanted the right things for wrong reasons.

* Fruit test. ‘You are full of bitterness. Repent’ v. 22-23 The fruit or character of the Spirit is love, joy, goodness, kindness, etc (Galatians 5:22-23). Pride, manipulation, mistreatment, etc towards/of people is a sign of a false spirit. Those who do not show godly serving character need to ‘repent from this wickedness’ (v. 23). You shall know them by their fruit (Mathew 7:16, 22, 23).The fruit should not only be what is modeled but the kind of people produced. In addition, the fruit of happening must confirm predictive prophecy. Unfulfilled prophecy is a sign of false prophecy.  Simon lacked a right heart and fruit of repentance.

* Access test ‘Pray to the Lord for me’ v. 24. Simon did not repent as called upon by Peter but asked for mediation. Ask - does this spirit/ministry teach personal access to God, or it teaches mediation? There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Any teaching that teaches that some have greater access to God than others do and that some need to approach God through others – leader, priest, a spirit etc is false (Hebrews 4:16; 7). Others only come alongside to encourage towards God not in between.

* Word/Confirmation test. Peter and John proclaimed the word v. 25a.  The Holy Spirit will not violate scripture.  The Holy Spirit will lead to all truth (John 16:13). Ask is it in line with scriptures (1 Timothy 6:20)? Is my interpretation of scripture confirmed by mature believers? Be cautious about any teaching that goes against mainstream sound teaching. Also, be concerned about any special church-group traditions and literature that displaces the bible as source of authority instead of directing attention to the bible. The Word and the Spirit work together (John 4:24). The Holy Spirit enforces God’s word. The word is the material/sword/tools the Holy Spirit uses to work in and for our lives as believers.  The Holy Spirit gives discernment. Specializing in knowing the truth equips us to discern untruths. The more we exercise ourselves in the Word of God, the more we increase our ability to discern good from evil and truth from error.

* Witness test. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages v. 25b. The true Spirit of God is tested by its evangelistic testimony and priority. By the passion for Christ and soul winning it demonstrates and produces. By the central place it gives to Jesus Christ in its message. Ask does this bring focus to Jesus, exalt him and clearly give him all the glory/credit (John 16:14; Acts 1:8; Galatians 1:8). OR it comes from and results in beliefs and practices that detract from and bring reproach to the person and cause of Christ (1 John 4:2).

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa