HOW TO TELL GOD’S VOICE FROM SATAN’S (Test the Spirits 3)
We’ve been looking at God’s command to “test the spirits” in 1 John 4:1 because much of what we hear is from Satan, not God. In the last blog we looked at some samples of these false and misleading statements. Now we’ll look at how we can tell the difference between God’s voice and Satan’s voice.
How can we tell God’s voice from Satan’s counterfeit? There are several ways. 1. God convicts while Satan condemns. When God speaks to us about sin we feel guilty and sinful but still loved (John 8:10-11). When it is Satan condemning us we don’t feel loved but rejected and hopeless (Revelation 12:10). God will expose the sin and focus on it, but only for the purpose of us confessing and removing it. He offers hope of restoration. He doesn’t emphasize our guilt, failure and unworthiness in that area and as a person in general, but Satan does. So, God convicts but Satan condemns.
- God explains but Satan confuses. When God speaks to us it is to clearly show us sin in its true, deadly light. The ‘pleasure’ and deception are removed and the awful deadliness is revealed. Satan, however, tries to perplex us with worldly logic and explanations. He feeds us excuses, justifications, thoughts of how it is another’s fault and general confusion over it (James 3:15). When God speaks there is a sense that everything is under control (1 Corinthians 14:32). Satan’s purpose is to ensnare and take captive (2 Timothy 2:24-26). God’s voice brings peace (Philippians 4:7) but Satan’s voice brings uncertainty for what he tells us conflicts with what the Spirit is also telling us. Thus, we feel perplexed. If the voice you are hearing brings a nagging, gnawing feeling of frustration in your spirit, it’s not from God. God brings a deep calmness in your spirit.
- God confirms what the Bible says while Satan contradicts the Bible. When its God’s voice speaking to us we know it lines up with the Bible and advice Godly believers would give us. It passes Paul’s test of making sure everything is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8-9). However, when Satan speaks his words don’t agree with the Bible or advice of mature Christians. When we desire it so much we ignore the warnings in our spirit we are headed to sin.
- God frees us while Satan binds us. God’s voice brings us freedom, there are no strings attached. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Following Satan’s voice brings bondage, we are trapped and taken prisoner (2 Timothy 2:26).
- God motivates us to follow Him but Satan discourages. God draws us by His love and gives us a desire to want to live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:14). Moving from sin to following God is like taking a shower when we are really dirty because we know how good we’ll feel afterwards. Satan’s communication does not bring that. It constricts, limits, makes us feel dirtier and ineffective. We feel discouraged and hopeless.
Think about these tests so you’ll be able to know which spirit is talking to you: God or Satan. Ask God to help give you insight so you follow Him always and only. (March 4, 2024 Doylestown, PA)
John 8:42–44 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Think of some times when you believed and acted on Satan’s voice instead of God’s voice. Why were you deceived? What can you do to prevent it next time?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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