Test Every Spirit
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; 1 John 4:1a
We can be confident that we will not be misled by the Holy Spirit, because He only speaks what the Father tells Him (John 16:13). The Father speaks to us to guide us through His Holy Spirit. Think of it like 2-way radios or walkie talkies. If your friend says something into their 2-way radio, you will hear only what they said. This is how the Holy Spirit works. However, there is one major catch. 2-way radios have frequencies or channels to make sure you are communicating to the right person. Your 2-way radio’s channel must be set to obedience if you want to receive and be led by the Holy Spirit. The only way to do this is by obeying what you know to do according to the Word of God. Everything else in the world will mislead you if you are not walking in obedience to God’s Word or what the Holy Spirit has led you to do.
If you have ever had a 2-way radio, you know that sometimes you may hear things from the wrong person. Even if your 2-way radio is set to obedient, you may receive some interference. This is why the Bible says to test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Paul even says to “Test all things and to hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). How do you do that? Paul answers that question in 2 Timothy 3:16-17; “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” All scripture equips us for every good work. So If you hear something on your radio, see if it lines up with the Word. If it doesn’t line up, get rid of it. If it doesn’t contradict the Word, write it down and ask the Lord to confirm it in His time. Be patient and wait upon the Lord, but make sure to stay in the Word. The Holy Spirit in most cases will use the Word to confirm what God is doing in your life.