1 John 4:1 (ESV): “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…”
Hebrews 5:14 (NIV): “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
This topic is very important because many Christians get carried away into false environments that shatter their walk with Christ simply because they lack the capacity to discern spirits.
I’ve been there.
I once joined a prayer group that looked Christian. They sang the right songs. They prayed. They used the statue of Mary—something familiar because I am Catholic. But it was a group powered by demonic powers, a cult, but they presented themselves as Christians.
I didn’t know because I was naïve.
I didn’t know because I didn’t know the Word of God.
I didn’t know because I was still a spiritual baby, drinking milk as Scripture says.
How did I get out?
God showed me in a dream and He exposed their fruits—jealousy, harassment, lies, quarrels, strange practices like “spiritual baths” and oils that were unnecessary and unbiblical. There were signs and miracles that blinded me, which made me think it was God when it wasn’t.
I had no discernment.
This was in 2019 when I had my first prophetic dream with Jesus (a deep story for another time). But I’m writing this because leaving that place damaged my faith. Instead of my desire for God increasing, it dropped.
After an attempted sexual assault by one of the group leaders, everything collapsed. I doubted God. I questioned everything. Looking back, the enemy wanted to silence me and pull me away from my calling.
But God had favor on me.
Today, I follow God for myself. My relationship is not dictated by a group. I seek Him in the private place of my room, and He manifests Himself—no need for third parties unless He guides me somewhere specific. Otherwise, I attend my Sunday service normally.
Here are the things the Lord taught me:
1. Know God for Yourself
Christians will leave church because of the behavior of people inside it. Why?
Because they based their relationship with God on people—not on God.
Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do people say I am?”
Some said prophet, teacher, miracle worker…
But Peter had revelation:
“You are the Son of God.”
Everyone will have an opinion of Jesus—your pastor, your mother, your partner, even society. But who do you say Jesus is?
When I decided to know Jesus for myself, everything changed. Emotionally, spiritually, mentally—I grew. My life is better because my relationship is rooted in intimacy: prayer, worship, talking to Him, serving the vulnerable, praying for others.
If you want to avoid being led astray, make Christ your firm foundation.
When you become a new Christian, you’re vulnerable. You don’t really know what to do yet, and unfortunately that’s when the enemy tries to tempt you with things that can weaken your faith. Don’t stay a newbie in the faith—take your walk seriously.
Even if you’re surrounded by saints who mean well, you still need to take responsibility for your own spiritual growth. God is calling you to mature, not to remain a spiritual baby. You need to start eating solid food—growing in knowledge, prayer, discernment, and intimacy with Him.
2. Stop Chasing Miracle Performances
Miracles can happen at home.
You do not need special objects, special places, special water, or oils unless God Himself directs you.
At the time, I believed God could only heal through certain objects or certain people. That was false doctrine.
The Holy Spirit is omnipresent.
His power can meet you anywhere.
Yes—some pastors and priests have anointing, but don’t limit God.
If you are baptized in Christ, you too can pray and see miracles.
Work on your belief.
Don’t be deceived by desperation.
Many Christians get manipulated because they seek miracles before seeking intimacy. But God said:
“If My people seek Me with their whole heart… they will find Me.”
When I sought God for real, He restored my identity. He became my Lord and Savior—not a group, not a leader.
3. Observe the Fruits of People
“By their fruits you shall know them.”
Someone may have prophetic gifts, dreams, visions, or “anointing” but lack the fruits of the Spirit.
The fruits require:
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Character change
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Personal development
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Dying to self
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Humility
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Transparency
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Integrity
False prophets often have crowds, perform magic-like tricks, lie, manipulate, show jealousy, commit sexual immorality, discourage their followers, and operate from bitterness.
Some will pray for you while cursing you in their hearts.
Some imitate tongues but speak from demonic power.
Do not let just anyone pray for you.
Do not share your projects with everyone.
Take responsibility for your spiritual life.
If a leader points you to themselves more than Jesus—run.
The Holy Spirit will alert you.
4. Discernment Comes From Intimacy
Discerning spirits is not easy. But the foundation is simple:
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Build intimacy with God
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Take responsibility over your spiritual life
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Guard what you consume
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Have personal prayer time daily
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Let the Holy Spirit teach you
Remember:
The enemy imitates God.
He wants to distract, discourage, and confuse Christians.
Be alert about your surroundings.
Be careful what you watch, listen to, and follow.
Let your private relationship with God grow.
As you build intimacy, He will show you:
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What to heal
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Who to trust
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Where to go
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When to act
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How to pray
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What to avoid
God wants to be part of your everyday life—not just Sunday.
There is so much more to learn, but let this teaching deepen your understanding of discernment.
Here is a resource to take you further:https://youtu.be/xtUJ_YAUioE?si=o5D5V9EoEMWkEMR1
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