#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1 (NIV)
Have you ever listened to someone who sounded super spiritual, only to later wonder if what they said was actually true? It’s easy to get confused when so many voices claim to have the answers. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t leave us guessing. He gives us tools to spot the difference between truth and deception.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
As Hank Hanegraaff often emphasizes, “Scripture is the ultimate authority for discerning truth from error.” This echoes the wisdom of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who didn’t just take someone’s word for it—they checked everything against God’s Word. False teachers and prophets often twist the truth, whether by denying Jesus’ divinity or promoting ideas that go against Scripture, like legalism or immorality. The Bible warns us to test every claim (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and gives clear signs to watch for, like predictions that don’t come true (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) or teachings that lead us away from the one true God (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). By holding every message up to the light of Scripture, we can stand firm against deception.
Today’s verse from 1 John 4:1 reminds us to “test the spirits.” It’s a call to be active, not passive, in our faith. God equips us with His Word as the ultimate standard to measure what we hear, ensuring we’re not led astray by false teachings.
Encouragement & Application:
Don’t be afraid to question what you hear, even if it comes from someone who seems trustworthy. Doubts and questions are a healthy part of growing in faith when they drive you to seek God’s truth. Make a habit of digging into the Bible daily, and don’t hesitate to talk through tough teachings with a trusted mentor or pastor. Like the Bereans, let Scripture be your guide—it’s the surest way to stay on the right path.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you make testing teachings against Scripture a regular part of your life?
- Are there any ideas or voices you’ve heard recently that you need to examine more closely?
- What’s one way you can grow in understanding God’s Word to better spot truth from error?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word as a light to guide us through a world full of confusion. Help me to test every message I hear against the truth of Scripture. Give me wisdom to recognize false teachings and the courage to stand firm in Your truth. Draw me closer to You as I seek to know You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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