Yes, believers can and must discern, primarily by testing spirits against the Word of God.
Les Feldick, based on 1 John 4:1, instructs believers to 'try or test the spirits.' He emphasizes that not every spiritual influence is from God; Satan is also active in the spiritual realm. The primary test is to line everything up with Scripture, as the Holy Spirit reveals truth through the Word.
1 John 4:1 — Directly commands believers to test spirits to see if they are from God.
The Bible explicitly instructs believers to test spiritual influences. In 1 John 4:1, we read, 'Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.' This is a clear command to exercise discernment, not to accept every spiritual manifestation at face value. Furthermore, the spiritual realm is not solely the domain of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:12 reveals, 'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.' This indicates that Satan and his forces operate in the spiritual realm, making discernment essential. Believers are promised the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as in 1 Corinthians 3:16, 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?' This presence enables believers to have a foundation for discernment, yet the Bible still commands testing.
Les Feldick emphasizes that believers are in a spiritual battle, not just against human opposition but against 'spiritual wickedness' (Ephesians 6:12). He points out that the word 'spirit' in 1 John 4:1 can refer to invisible influences, including those from Satan, and not just the Holy Spirit. Therefore, believers must not automatically assume every spiritual experience is from God. Les teaches that the way to test spirits is to line them up with the Bible. He asks, 'Now how are you and I going to determine whether something is of God? Line it up with a book.' He does not ascribe to emotionalism but advocates taking God at His Word. He also explains that a spiritually mature believer, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, has the capability to 'discern all things' (1 Corinthians 2). This discernment is not about judging people but about carefully analyzing and categorizing spiritual influences to identify their source.
Les Feldick teaches that every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit at the moment of belief (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 1). This indwelling is a mark of belonging to Christ, as he says, 'If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his' (Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher, revealing truth through the Word, as Paul says, 'comparing spiritual with spiritual' (1 Corinthians 2:13). Thus, the Spirit enables believers to discern, but this discernment operates in harmony with Scripture.
Les Feldick points to Ephesians 6:12, showing that believers wrestle against 'spiritual wickedness in high places.' He emphasizes that Satan's power is not diminished and that he operates in the spiritual realm (Clip 1). The spiritual realm includes both the Holy Spirit and adversarial forces, so believers must be aware that not all supernatural phenomena are divine.
Les Feldick's practical test is simple: 'Line it up with a book' — meaning the Bible. He says that believers should 'try or test the spirits whether they are of God' (1 John 4:1). This testing involves comparing any claimed spiritual influence against what Scripture says. If it aligns with the Word, it is from God; if not, it is suspect.
Spiritual Battle Context
Les explains that in the spiritual realm, believers face not only the Holy Spirit but also Satan, citing Ephesians 6:12 to show the reality of spiritual wickedness.
Testing Spirits
Les instructs believers to test spirits by lining them up with the Bible, referencing 1 John 4:1.
Noah’s Ark & Your Salvation: A Deep Bible Study on Eternal Security
Yeah, tonight we were studying Romans chapter 12, and I'm going to come back to that in just a moment, but in Romans chapter 12, it's laid out so clearly of what God expects of His children, and there are listed the gifts that really amount to something, the various gifts that every believer has at least one of.
Indwelling Holy Spirit
Les teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer at the moment of belief, providing the presence necessary for discernment.
Holy Spirit's Teaching
Les explains that the Holy Spirit teaches believers through the Word, 'comparing spiritual with spiritual' (1 Corinthians 2:13).
Spiritual Discernment
Les explains that the spiritual believer discerns all things, using the word 'discern' instead of 'judge' to describe the ability to compare spiritual matters.
Christ in You — What Galatians 5 and Romans 8:10 Really Mean
But you're in the Spirit. You're a whole new person. You've been born into the very family of God, as we'll see when we get up to verse 14 and 15. If so be, see here's the criteria, here's the proof. Does the Holy Spirit dwell within you? If He doesn't, then you're on pretty thin ice. If He does, you're solid.
What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline and Sin?
It's the church, the body of Christ located in Corinth, that when you are gathered together, and Paul's spirit is going to be in the midst of it, as of course naturally the Holy Spirit would be, and with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh. Now remember, the flesh and the soul and spirit are not the same.
1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
This is the key command to test spirits, directly answering the question.
Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Shows the reality of spiritual opposition from Satan.
1 Corinthians 3:16: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Emphasizes the indwelling Holy Spirit as a foundation for discernment.
Romans 8:9: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Shows that the Holy Spirit's presence is essential for believers.
Les Feldick explains that this means to test or examine spiritual influences to determine if they are from God. He says the way to do this is to line them up with what the Bible says.
No, Les warns that Satan is also active in the spiritual realm. He cites Ephesians 6:12 to show that believers face 'spiritual wickedness' and must not assume everything supernatural is divine.
Les teaches that believers are to test spirits by comparing them with Scripture. A spiritual believer, regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, has the capability to discern all things (1 Corinthians 2).
Watch the Teaching: Why the Jews Called Jesus Accursed — 1 Corinthians 12:3 Explained