“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1, KJV). Discernment is not suspicion for its own sake, but a Spirit-led testing against the life and teaching of Christ.
Questions for Discernment: Is This Truly Based on the Teachings of Christ?
1. Christ-Centered Doctrine
- Does this teaching clearly affirm that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
- Does it affirm that Christ came in the flesh? (1 John 4:2–3)
- Does it uphold Christ’s death, resurrection, and lordship?
- Is salvation presented as coming through Christ alone, not through works, systems, or men?
2. Authority of Scripture
- Is the Bible (rightly interpreted) the final authority?
- Are Scriptures used in context, or twisted to support an agenda?
- Does the teaching harmonize with the whole counsel of God, not just isolated verses?
3. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Does this produce love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance?
- Or does it stir up fear, hatred, division, pride, or anger?
4. Attitude Toward Sin
- Does it call sin what it is, according to Scripture?
- Does it promote repentance and transformation, not excuse or redefine sin?
- Does it distinguish between the sin nature and sinful actions, while pointing to victory in Christ?
5. Holiness and Obedience
- Does this teaching call believers to take up their cross and follow Christ? (Luke 9:23)
- Does it encourage a life of obedience, purity, and separation from the world?
- Or does it lower the standard of holiness?
6. View of Christ’s Character
- Does it reflect the true character of Jesus—holy, just, merciful, and truthful?
- Does it emphasize both grace AND truth? (John 1:14)
- Or does it distort Christ into something culturally acceptable but not biblical?
7. Motivation and Spirit Behind It
- Is the spirit behind the message humble and Christ-honoring?
- Or is it marked by pride, control, manipulation, or self-exaltation?
- Does it draw attention to Christ, or to a personality, movement, or ideology?
8. Gospel Clarity
- Is the Gospel clearly presented (repentance, faith, new birth)?
- Or is it replaced with:
- political ideology
- social activism alone
- prosperity or self-help teaching
9. Treatment of Others
- Does it teach us to love even our enemies? (Matthew 5:44)
- Does it encourage forgiveness and reconciliation?
- Or does it promote division, hostility, or dehumanization?
10. Consistency with the Early Church
- Does this align with what the apostles taught?
- Would this teaching be recognized by the early church as sound doctrine?
- Or is it a new or novel idea with no historical grounding?
11. Freedom vs. Bondage
- Does it lead to spiritual freedom in Christ?
- Or does it place people into fear, control, or legalistic systems?
12. The Cross at the Center
- Is the cross of Christ central, or merely mentioned?
- Does it emphasize dying to self?
- Or does it promote self-fulfillment without surrender?
13. The Role of the Holy Spirit
- Does it honor the work of the Holy Spirit in conviction, guidance, and sanctification?
- Or does it replace the Spirit’s work with human control or emotionalism?
14. End Result
- If followed, will this teaching produce people who:
- look more like Christ?
- live holy lives?
- love truth?
- Or will it produce:
- confusion?
- compromise?
- spiritual pride?
Closing Discernment Principle
At the end of the day, every teaching must pass this simple test:
Does this lead me closer to Jesus Christ, or further away from Him?
As Paul said:
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)
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