1st John 4:1. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” THE SPIRITS. It seems believable and it is so easy – No pressure, no pain, no personal changes and no cost. What could be better – to be holy and rich at the same time! To be a disciple and never ever have any physical problems – To live in an ungodly world and not be persecuted for being righteous – To be a follower of Christ and at the same time friend of everyone – Surely that seems like it would make the Gospel acceptable to all – Then all would be saved and happy and rich and – but that doesn’t sound right.
“Marvel not if the world hates you; it hated Me before it hated you.” “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” “Blessed are ye when… revile you…persecute you…say all manner of evil against you.” “Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.” “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” This sounds right because it comes from the lips of the Lord – test the teachings.
It is almost too wonderful to be true – You never have to be sick, or hungry, or alone. Pray in faith and you will overcome the demon of whatever sickness you have – Believe, have faith, if you can move mountains you can remove all difficulties – Your problem is yourself – you don’t claim what is yours – You are healed because Christ died so you would never be sick – It is up to you what happens to you – take hold of what is yours – No Christian should ever be sick – but that doesn’t sound right.
“Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” “If thou wouldest believe, thou should see the glory of God.” “Lest I should be exalted…there was given to me a throne in the flesh.” “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” “Gladly therefore will I…glory in my infirmities…power of Christ may rest upon me.” “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders… pray over him…anoint him…” “Confess you faults one to another, and pray for another that ye may be healed.” That sounds right because it comes from the Word of God – test the teachings.
“O God, may I never take anything for granted when people say that it is true without the standard of scripture. Give me the wisdom to try the teachings that I hear according to the Word of God. I know the Spirit of God also bears witness as to what is true when He bears witness with my spirit. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”