TESTING SPIRITS

JUDGING RIGHTLY: TESTING SPIRITS

Thursday, July 16, 2020

2John [NLT] 1:5-11 I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement.  Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.

  Examining the above Scripture we learn several critical points in properly judging whether to trust men or not:

·         Vs. 5 & 6 emphasizes Christ’ example and teaching on loving one another; without godly love involving discipleship we can’t have true righteous discernment. Jn.14:13-15.

·         Vs. 7 tells us to beware, for there are many deceivers. Jer.14:14; Mt.7:15; 24:11, 24; Mk.13:22; Lk.6:26; 2Pt.2:1; 1Jn.4:1;Tit.1:10.

·         Vs. 7 presents the essential test to judge by; who and what do they say of Jesus? (Some Christian groups in world consider Him other than God-incarnate.) Jn1:1, 14; Heb.2:17; 1Jn.4:2.

·         Vs. 8 explains that we are primary responsible party to profile these deceivers. 2Tim.2:15-16.

·         Vs. 9 broadens basis to judge by; what did Lord Jesus Christ teach?

·         Vs. 10 orders the taking of action following judgment: We are not to endorse or support them in any way, shape, or form that will further their ministry. This is not to say however that we’re not to speak to them of Truth.

·         Vs. 11 is dire warning to those that support deceivers. This includes wishing them well in their efforts. Mt.10:14; Mk.6:11; Lk.9:5.

  In summation: If and when we are living The Way (Jn.14:6), as followers of Christ we are capable of and responsible to judge all things. (1Cor.2:9-16) Doing so takes work that is uncomfortable. Not fulfilling this responsibility is a serious infraction.

EBB4