As a teacher, we want to know what the students know, so we give tests. Lots of tests to see who really has the information internalized enough to use it. Well, John, who studied under our Master Teacher, Jesus, knows that tests are important to know what is real and what is not.

TEST ONE
“Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ–the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person–comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is , sooner than we thought!” 1 John 4, Msg

BE ENCOURAGED!
“My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.” 1 John 4, Msg

TEST TWO – People not of God do not talk his language…
“These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God, understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.” 1 John 4, Msg

So, how are we doing on our tests? That is between you and God. I pray we will not be deceived. I also pray we will not be caught in the trap of deceiving. Be alert. Pass the tests with flying colors.

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word to us keeps us alert to listening and understanding the language of YOU, our native tongue, as a child of God. May Your Holy Spirit take up residence in our hearts, minds and souls. May we be known, far and wide, as Yours. May we speak only of Your Truth. In Jesus Name, Amen