As we saw in the previous test, the focus and who is
interested wasan important indicator whether a thing is directed by the Holy Spirit. This next one is similar. I John 4:6 says, “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” Here, John is speaking specifically of
hearing what the apostles and Prophets said.
II Peter 3:1-2 makes the same point of paying attention to the Apostles and
prophets. “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I
stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words
which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the
apostles of the Lord and Saviour.”
II Peter 1:19-21 declares, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that
ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn,
and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The apostles and prophets spoke as they
were directed by the Holy Spirit, and no one has the right to make up thri own
doctrine or interpret what they said to satisfy their own agenda. If a person will not accept what the
scriptures teach it is a clear proof that he is not led by the spirit that
directed writing them. Spirit led people, on the other hand will be focused on what the scriptures say.
II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Many theologians and preachers have taught
that only part of the scriptures are from God or is relevant today. Such a belief clearly indicates they are not
inspired by the Holy Spirit, regardless how many degrees they may have or how
popular their teachings may be.
I John 4:7-8 gives the final test. “Beloved,
let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born
of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth
not knoweth not God; for God is love.” The
word translated ‘love’ is άγαπαω (agapao). It refers
to a deliberate choice to care deeply for a person, as compared to a mere
emotional feeling toward them. It is the
kind of love God demonstrated as Romans
5:8-10 describes. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we
shall be saved by his life.” Even
though we were his enemies, Christ died for our sins because he loved us.
Such love is not dependent on people doing what the person wants,
and is not selfish or manipulative. It
is willing to sacrifice its own convenience or pleasure for those who are
loved. The evangelist who demands that people give
him all their money or the preacher who spends all his time attacking those who
do not do things as he thinks they should clearly indicates they are not being
led by the Holy Spirit. They are only
concerned with themselves.
Satan is a liar and his followers are deceptive. They may be able to fool us in some areas,
but by applying all the tests we can tell whether they are of God or not. We are responsible to obey God, and so it is
important we check out those who purport to tell us what God commands. I Corinthians 14:29 commands, “Let the prophets speak two or three, and
let the other judge.” Acts 17:11
tells us the Bereans were greater Christians because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Don’t just blindly accept what people tell
you.
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