Seven Ways to Test a Holy Spirit Impression

1 John 4:1

Dear Friend, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,

because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1. Does it Agree with the Bible?

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

2. Does it make me More like Christ?

2 Corinthians 10:5

…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

James 3:14-15

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts… Such ‘wisdom’ does not

come down from heaven…

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate,

submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Practical Checklist for Recognizing God’s Ideas

God’s Wisdom is:

- Pure — If you get an impure thought it’s not from God.

- Peace Loving — God’s ideas promote harmony.

- Considerate — Will this idea hurt anybody?

- Submissive — If your idea makes you arrogant or prideful, it’s not from God.

- Merciful — Not judgmental, but full of mercy and sympathy.

- Impartial & Sincere — Isn't prejudicial.

3. Does my Church family Confirm it?

Ephesians 3:10

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known…

4. Is it Consistent with the way God Shaped me?

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared

in advance for us to do.

5. Does it Concern my Responsibility?

John 21:22

Jesus answered, If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow

me.

Romans 14:10, 13

Why, then, do you criticize your brother’s actions, why do you try to make him look small? …Let

us therefore, stop turning critical eyes on one another.

6. Is it Convicting rather than Condemning?

1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right; He will forgive

us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

7. Do I sense God’s Peace about it?

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion…

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…