Testing the Spirits in a Culture of Charisma
The LORD, He is God Series – part III
Text Foundation: 1 John 4:1; Deuteronomy 13:1–3; Matthew 7:15–20; 1 Kings 18:24
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1
Introduction: Fire Has a Counterfeit
Not all fire is from heaven. In an age when charisma is often mistaken for anointing, and viral influence is mistaken for divine authority, the Church must recover its discernment. Elijah stood on Mount Carmel not just to call down fire—but to demonstrate the difference between true fire from God and false fire from man. Today, the lines have blurred again.
This blog will unpack how we distinguish God’s prophetic voices from deceptive or flesh-driven ones. Not by style, volume, or popularity—but by truth, fruit, humility, and alignment with the Word.
Addressing a Modern Denial:
Do Prophets and Apostles Still Exist?
Many today, often from well-meaning denominational or traditional backgrounds, assert that apostles and prophets no longer exist. This claim, while widespread, is not biblical. Nowhere in Scripture does God declare the end of these callings. In fact, Scripture consistently affirms their continued role in God’s unfolding work:
“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” — Amos 3:7
“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry…” — Ephesians 4:11–12
The very purpose of apostles and prophets—to equip, build up, and reveal—is still critically needed, especially in this generation. The idea that these roles have ceased is not found in Scripture, but rather arises from human reasoning and reactionary doctrines. To claim their end (apostles and prophets) is itself a false teaching, inadvertently denying the full function of Christ’s Body.
The proper response is not to reject these offices, but to test the spirit of those who claim them. A true prophet or apostle will always:
- Exalt Christ over self
- Speak truth consistent with Scripture
- Demonstrate spiritual fruit and integrity
It’s no different than theur saying that there are pastors, evangelists, and teachers. Those three are part of the five gifts to the church. To deny one means that you are to deny them all. Can’t have your religious cake and force everyone to eat it!
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29
So, let us correct the error not with harshness, but with Scripture and Spirit-empowered clarity. The fire still falls—and so do the callings of God.
I. The Biblical Mandate to Test Prophets
From Old to New Testament, God commands His people to test prophetic voices:
- Deuteronomy 13:1–3 – Even if signs and wonders occur, if the message leads you away from obedience to God, it is false.
“If prophets or those who divine by dreams appear among you and show you omens or portents, and the omens or the portents declared by them take place, and they say, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (whom you have not known) ‘and let us serve them,’ you must not heed the words of those prophets or those who divine by dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” - Matthew 7:15–20 – Jesus warns about wolves in sheep’s clothing. Fruit—not gifts—is the test.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 – “Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good.”
Biblical discernment is not optional—it is essential.
II. Characteristics of True Fire (True Prophetic Voices)
1. True Fire Aligns with God’s Word – PERIOD!
God never contradicts Himself. No revelation supersedes the written Word of God. The Holy Spirit confirms truth, not novelty.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
2. True Fire Produces Repentance and Renewal
True prophetic fire convicts, corrects, and calls people back to God. It does not merely entertain or flatter.
“Then the fire of the LORD fell… and when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, ‘The LORD indeed is God.'” — 1 Kings 18:38–39
3. True Fire is Marked by Humility and Holiness
Elijah didn’t seek attention—he sought truth. A true prophet exalts God, not themselves.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30
III. Warning Signs of False Fire
- Spectacle Without Substance – Loud claims but no biblical foundation.
- Manipulation Over Revelation – Using fear or emotionalism to control people.
- Self-Exaltation – The prophet becomes the center instead of Christ.
- Message Without Fruit – No transformation, no holiness, no love.
“If a prophet or those who divine by dreams appears among you and promises you a sign or a wonder… but says, ‘Let us follow other gods’… you must not heed the words of that prophet.” — Deuteronomy 13:1–3
False fire may draw crowds, but it does not draw hearts to God.
IV. Discerning in the Spirit: Practical Steps
- Know the Word Deeply – Discernment grows in the soil of Scripture.
- Watch the Fruit, Not Just the Fire – What does the message produce in people?
- Pray for the Spirit of Discernment – God equips His people to detect error.
- Test the Source, Not Just the Signs – Miracles are not proof; the message matters more.
V. A Call to Prophetic Integrity
This generation needs Elijahs—not just influencers. We don’t need louder voices—we need holier ones. Prophets today must:
- Speak with reverence
- Live with accountability
- Point only to Christ
Conclusion: Don’t Be Fooled by False Fire
We are not called to chase fire—we are called to build altars. When we build rightly, heaven will send its own fire. Don’t be deceived by the dazzling and the dramatic. Seek the true flame that refines, not just excites.
The LORD, He is God!
Prayer for Discernment
Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Guard us from deception. Fill us with truth and discernment. Let Your fire purify our hearts and expose all that is false. Raise up a generation of voices who fear Your name more than fame. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Grace & Peace