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JJ · 10-12-2018, 08:34 PM

Re testing spirits:

Evangelical postulated:
“The genuine anointing can be discerned by applying the test of spirits:

1 John 4:2-3, 1 Cor 12:3, 1 John 4:15

It is noteworthy that no where does Paul or John direct the believers to consult Scripture for discernment - discernment of spirits requires a spiritual, not theological, solution.

These are the tests that John and Paul gave to the early Christians to be able to discern the spirits and the genuine anointing - and remember at this time Christianity as we know it today did not exist, and paganism/false Christs were more rife then that it is in our "secular Christian culture" today.

Anyone who wants to use other or non-biblical methods to discern because they think they know better are almost sure to reach the wrong conclusions. The categorical "10 ways to tell...." methods that you can find on the internet for trying to discern a good marriage partner, a good job, or even whether a pastor or church is genuine, are also non-biblical approaches and do not work for spirits because they are not spiritual.”

Here are links to the cited verses in context:
https://biblehub.com/blb/1_john/4.htm
https://biblehub.com/blb/1_corinthians/12.htm

Indeed these are good verses to apply to “testing the spirits”. The lordship of Jesus Christ and whether we confess him as Lord or curse Him is key.

ZNPaaneah (ZNP) responded by citing Hebrews 4:12. Here it is in context: https://biblehub.com/blb/hebrews/4.htm. Evangelical responded “That is not offered as a test of spirits for other people, but for self-discernment (see the context of verse 11).

A simple practical example would suffice to show the inadequacy of God's Word for discerning the spirits.

It is impractical to test someone's spirit using God's Word.”

But the context of Hebrews 4 is Paul’s exhortation to be diligent to enter into God’s rest and not fall into disobedience to the good news that has been announced to us through God’s speaking in the Son. And, verse 13 applies “to all creatures” not just oneself. So, I don’t think it can be dismissed so easily as a test of others spirit.

ZNP also cited Proverbs. I found pertinent verses in Proverbs 2 https://biblehub.com/bsb/proverbs/2.htm and 4. https://biblehub.com/bsb/proverbs/4.htm. After reading these I wouldn’t be so quick to drop God’s word when testing a person’s speaking.

Unto Him and ZNP provided good biblical support that some could pass the outward test of saying the words “Lord Jesus” but not living in obedience to His lordship go on to deceive us.

After considering the posts on this thread I just don’t agree with Evangelicals opening post.

10-12-2018, 08:34 PM	#3
JJ Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 1,006	Re: Discernment of spirits Re testing spirits: Evangelical postulated: “The genuine anointing can be discerned by applying the test of spirits: 1 John 4:2-3, 1 Cor 12:3, 1 John 4:15 It is noteworthy that no where does Paul or John direct the believers to consult Scripture for discernment - discernment of spirits requires a spiritual, not theological, solution. These are the tests that John and Paul gave to the early Christians to be able to discern the spirits and the genuine anointing - and remember at this time Christianity as we know it today did not exist, and paganism/false Christs were more rife then that it is in our "secular Christian culture" today. Anyone who wants to use other or non-biblical methods to discern because they think they know better are almost sure to reach the wrong conclusions. The categorical "10 ways to tell...." methods that you can find on the internet for trying to discern a good marriage partner, a good job, or even whether a pastor or church is genuine, are also non-biblical approaches and do not work for spirits because they are not spiritual.” Here are links to the cited verses in context: https://biblehub.com/blb/1_john/4.htm https://biblehub.com/blb/1_corinthians/12.htm Indeed these are good verses to apply to “testing the spirits”. The lordship of Jesus Christ and whether we confess him as Lord or curse Him is key. ZNPaaneah (ZNP) responded by citing Hebrews 4:12. Here it is in context: https://biblehub.com/blb/hebrews/4.htm. Evangelical responded “That is not offered as a test of spirits for other people, but for self-discernment (see the context of verse 11). A simple practical example would suffice to show the inadequacy of God's Word for discerning the spirits. It is impractical to test someone's spirit using God's Word.” But the context of Hebrews 4 is Paul’s exhortation to be diligent to enter into God’s rest and not fall into disobedience to the good news that has been announced to us through God’s speaking in the Son. And, verse 13 applies “to all creatures” not just oneself. So, I don’t think it can be dismissed so easily as a test of others spirit. ZNP also cited Proverbs. I found pertinent verses in Proverbs 2 https://biblehub.com/bsb/proverbs/2.htm and 4. https://biblehub.com/bsb/proverbs/4.htm. After reading these I wouldn’t be so quick to drop God’s word when testing a person’s speaking. Unto Him and ZNP provided good biblical support that some could pass the outward test of saying the words “Lord Jesus” but not living in obedience to His lordship go on to deceive us. After considering the posts on this thread I just don’t agree with Evangelicals opening post. __________________ And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NASB)