1 John 4:1

Beloved, do not believe every Spirit (speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet); instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world.  

If the prophet doesn’t recognize that Jesus came in the flesh, they are not from God. Many speakers try to blend the word with new-age thinking and beliefs, and if a man is promoted above Jesus, they are not from God. God wants us to be wise to deception, keep our hearts safe and protected and let scripture be the armor.

1 John 5:12

He who has the Son (by accepting Him as Lord and Savior) has the life (that is eternal); he who does not have the Son of God (by personal faith) does not have the life.

There is only one way to God, and that is by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The world wants to deceive people into thinking the door to God is vast, and all faiths lead to salvation, but they do not. The believer doesn’t need to apologize for their faith or compromise the pure word of God. We are representatives of Jesus and the word, so we must stand firm.  

2 John 5:5

Now I ask you, lady, not as if I were writing to you a new commandment, but (simply reminding you of) the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.  

Love suffers long and is kind. We must grow in our walk with Jesus and learn to love each other despite our mistakes. We all make mistakes and fall short. Love is the powerful force that keeps us moving forward toward Jesus with the help of fellow believers. God meant us to help each other, not tear each other down. Love!

Jude 4:1

For certain people have crept in unnoticed. They are ungodly persons whose condemnation was predicted long ago, for the distort the grace of our God into decadence and immoral freedom and deny and disown our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.  

Our study of the bible is essential because it aids our power of discernment in biblical teaching. Suppose we get a check in our Spirit that something doesn’t line up with the word of God then research the word. We are responsible for keeping our hearts safe from false teachings and doctrines.

Jude 15:18-19

They used to say to you, “In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” These are the ones who are (agitators) causing divisions-worldly-minded (carnal, unspiritual, unsaved) devoid of Spirit.  

We have come into the time when we must prepare ourselves to be mocked and scorned for our faith and not lose heart. God will be our strength and teach us what to say because we know that God is in control. God planned us for this generation to help God complete His plan for the lost and unsaved.

Psalm 63

O God, You are my God; with deepest longing I will seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  

God is the water that satisfies your thirst for acceptance, love, kindness, and peace. God can refresh your soul and bring you into a good place. One word from God and everything changed in our lives, and we find direction if we are off course. God is more than enough God.  

Psalm 36

Transgression speaks (like and oracle) to the wicked (godless) (deep) within his heart; there is no fear (dread) of God before his eyes. For he flatters and deceives himself in his own eyes thinking that his sinfulness will not be discovered and hated (by God).

In many cases, a person who rejects God has become a God unto themselves. They rely on their wisdom and feelings to deal with a matter. The layers of sin have compiled until blindness has covered their eyes. They get to the point where they cannot see the gospel’s truth unless a shock happens or prayer breaks through to the heart. 

Psalm 25:9-10

He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.  

A teachable, humble spirit is the key to a strong relationship with God. When we realize how much we need and rely upon the leadership of God in our lives, we will remain humble and open to hearing Him. It gets harder to hear when we step away from the covenant and leadership. We react less in lovingkindness and goodness and draw strife to us. Strife leads only to a dead-end road.  

Ephesians 4:27

And do not give the devil opportunity (to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness).

We have the authority to say NO! There will be opportunities in this life to let the devil have a stronghold if we let him.  The cost of losing peace and being in resentment is too high because it blocks our blessings and it blocks our ability to hear from God.  The devil will hound the thinking and keep bringing it up, but it will stop once he knows you mean business.  Use your authority and say NO!

1 John 4:4

Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have (already) overcome them (the agents of the antichrist); because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world (of sinful mankind).

Jesus came to this world to redeem humanity, bringing salvation and authority for the believer.  We are to use our authority to rule and reign in our lives.  The Holy Spirit inside the born-again believer is our direct connection to the throne of God.  Just as we are to exercise our faith, we use our authority.