1 JohnSample

In my Junior year of college, I took a class where most of my grade and my time was spent participating in discussions about the different viewpoints of the content we were studying. It seemed easy enough at the start of the semester, but what I found was that of all the classes I took in college, that was the one that stretched me the most. I remember the first time we met to have one of those discussions, my professor said, “If you are observing two people who are really good at debating and you really pay attention to what is being said, the first argument will always sound right, until you hear the second argument.”

In verse 1 of today’s passage, John says, “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the Spirit they have comes from God.” I don’t have to tell you this, but we live in a world with many competing thoughts. Everything from who you voted for to the question of toilet paper going over or under, there seems to be a surplus of arguments that we’re confronted with every single day. However, this isn’t just a mainstream culture thing; this is also a part of church culture. Even in the church, there are a lot of biblical interpretations, styles of worship, and just different viewpoints that every single follower of Jesus will have to think through at some point. So how do we know if something comes from God?

I am so thankful for God’s character because He loves us so much that He doesn’t leave us alone to figure all of this out. He has resourced us with the Holy Spirit and with His word. John 14:26 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit is our advocate and will give us the knowledge we need to discern what is actually from God and what is just opinion. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The Bible is not just a way for us to connect with God relationally. The Bible is also a tool to evaluate whether or not what is being said about God is true.

The more time you spend in God’s word and involve the Holy Spirit in your life, the more easily you can discern what is true.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear his voice.
• Ask for a deeper love and understanding of God’s word.