1Jo 4:1 | Family | STEP | Every spirit ; speaking to you through one who claims to be a prophet. Try the spirits ; the "discerning of spirits" was one of the special and temporary spiritual gifts, ; but here the apostle proposes such tests as all might employ, verses . The doctrines and practice of all religious teachers should be tried by the word of God. If they agree with this they should be received, and if not should be rejected. Hence the right and the duty of all men to be acquainted with the word of God, that they may rightly judge and act in this matter.

1 John 4:1

Every spirit; speaking to you through one who claims to be a prophet.

Try the spirits; the "discerning of spirits" was one of the special and temporary spiritual gifts, 1Co 12:10; but here the apostle proposes such tests as all might employ, verses 1Jo 4:2,3. The doctrines and practice of all religious teachers should be tried by the word of God. If they agree with this they should be received, and if not should be rejected. Hence the right and the duty of all men to be acquainted with the word of God, that they may rightly judge and act in this matter.