Walking With Christ

1 John 4:1  (1)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.(ESV)

We live in a time where everyone claims to “hear from God,” but few seem to test what they’re hearing.  I’m not saying God doesn’t still speak—He absolutely does.  But He has already spoken clearly in His Word, and anything else we hear must submit to that truth.  If it contradicts Scripture, it’s not divine.  It’s dangerous.

Some people are chasing every dream, vision, “word,” or emotional moment as if that’s how faith is sustained.  But Scripture doesn’t say to follow feelings.  It says to test everything.

Galatians 1:8  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.(ESV)

Let that sink in—even an angel can’t override the truth of Scripture.

So how do you test what you think you’ve been shown?

Ask:

1. Does it align with Scripture?
2. Does it glorify Christ, not me?
3. Does it lead to obedience, not indulgence?
4. Does it bear fruit: truth, love, humility?
5. Does wise counsel confirm it?

If it doesn’t pass those, it’s not from God.  Simple as that.

There’s a reason we’re told to test the spirits—not just because some are false, but because some are clever.  Not all deception feels like darkness.  Sometimes it shows up cloaked in comfort, affirmation, or even “new revelation.”  God’s voice doesn’t just affirm—it corrects, convicts, and transforms.  So don’t fear testing what you’ve heard.  God is not afraid of scrutiny.  In fact, He invites it—because His truth holds up under pressure.  You don’t need new words when you haven’t obeyed the ones He already gave.

The real test of hearing from God isn’t how spiritual it sounds.  It’s whether it leads you closer to the cross.