Do you really know 1 John 4:1-3

Saints:

I received the following from a brother in Christ who is one of the "watchmen" as well. He put together a little reminder for the times we're in.

Dear saints,

I wanted to send you a simple reminder regarding the need for spiritual vigilance. The spiritual realm is buzzing with increased activity. I have been noticing how quickly people are to open themselves up to whatever "ministry" happens to be drawing crowds at the moment. Along with this willingness for individuals to get involved is also the willingness for the same individuals to take back to their respective body of believers the spirits (so called anointing) that are behind these ministries. By doing this many can become "infected". You must be very selective and cautious about who lays hands on you as spirits are transferable. Allowing persons to lay hands on you may result in receiving something you did not expect and the ensuing battle to get free may be a fierce one.

The failure here to practice 1 John 4:1-3 is what concerns me. There is currently a ministry here in Florida that is specializing in "signs and wonders". I have been observing this ministry as it happens on live television. It is providing an excellent opportunity to apply 1 John 4:1-3. As a result I have observed enough error not to "put faith in every spirit".

We must apply 1 John 4: 1-3 whether we consider ourselves a mature Christian with experience in these matters or a new Christian easily impressed and persuaded by what is seen and heard.


1 John 4:1-3 (Amplified Bible)

1BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
2By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source];
3And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.



Seven ways to become spiritually deceived:



1. The frog in the kettle approach


This is the kind of spiritual deception that creeps up on you. Those doing the deception don't want you bring you in too fast and scare you. This approach seeks to blind you little by little before it can get you to swallow the whole hook. This approach has you cooked before you know what happened. This happens to people, groups and nations.


2. The false sign/miracle approach


This is a growing deception that seeks to use the supernatural to grip you and then point you in the wrong direction. If you can experience 'anything' supernatural then the message behind it must be true.


3. The demonic empowered seduction approach


The presence and power of the demons are real. They can come through people/spiritual teachers and impact the listeners. The presence/power in and behind the false words can be a very persuasive force. Some people may feel 'under a spell' or 'hypnotized' to the demonically energized speech.


4. The poisoned candy approach

This can be the worst type of spiritual deception. Remember Satan himself can 'morph' / masquerade as an 'angel of light'. The new age alternative spirituality can be 'presented' this way. Predators like to make their victims feel at ease before they kidnap, rape and kill them. Once you take the poison it could be too late.


5. The peer/fad, approach

Some jump into a cult or spiritual group because it becomes a fad. High profile people who join a cult can make it look like a positive 'upper class' thing to join.....like Scientology or use of the Kabala, like in Hollywood.


6. The remove you from your environment approach


This is the group that needs to get you away from anyone who may see through them. They want to move you to a place of total control. They want you to be under their total oversight, body, mind and soul..........control.


7. The spiritual deception as layers of paint approach


Some groups like the Masons need to darken your sight little by little. Each level you go through is a little deeper than before. Each levels ritual and oaths darken your spiritual perception and discernment. Soon you are so 'painted over' that nothing else can be seen but what they want you to see.