Discerning the Supernatural
Biblical tests for distinguishing God's voice from counterfeits
The supernatural realm is real—and it is not neutral. Angels and demons, divine revelation and demonic deception, the voice of God and the voice of the enemy all operate in the unseen world. As believers, we are called not to fear the supernatural but to discern it biblically.
Scripture is clear: we must test everything. Not every spiritual experience is from God. Not every vision is divine. Not every voice is His.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
— 1 John 4:1
This is not a call to skepticism but to spiritual maturity. God invites us into the supernatural—but He also equips us to navigate it wisely.
The Biblical Foundation for Discernment
Throughout Scripture, God's people are commanded to test, discern, and judge spiritual experiences:
"Test all things; hold fast what is good."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
"The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one."
— 1 Corinthians 2:15
Discernment is not optional—it is a spiritual discipline and a mark of maturity. The goal is not to avoid the supernatural but to steward it faithfully.
The Three Primary Tests
When evaluating a supernatural experience—whether a dream, vision, prophetic word, or encounter—apply these three biblical tests:
The Test of Scripture
Does the experience align with the written Word of God? True revelation never contradicts Scripture. It may expand your understanding, but it will never violate biblical truth.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16
Ask: Does this align with God's character as revealed in Scripture? Does it contradict any biblical principle?
The Test of Christ
Does the experience glorify Jesus Christ? The Holy Spirit's primary ministry is to testify of Christ and draw people to Him. Any revelation that exalts self, sensationalism, or another spirit is suspect.
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth... He will glorify me." — John 16:13-14
Ask: Does this draw me closer to Jesus? Does it magnify Christ or elevate something else?
The Test of Fruit
What is the fruit of the experience? Does it produce humility, holiness, and love—or pride, confusion, and fear? True encounters with God transform character and deepen obedience.
"You will recognize them by their fruits... Every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit." — Matthew 7:16-17
Ask: Does this produce the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23)? Does it lead to greater obedience and Christlikeness?
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Subscribe NowGreen Lights and Red Flags
As you navigate supernatural experiences, here are practical indicators to help you discern:
Green Lights
- ✓Aligns perfectly with Scripture
- ✓Glorifies Jesus Christ
- ✓Produces peace, not confusion
- ✓Leads to humility and repentance
- ✓Confirmed by mature believers
- ✓Increases love for God and others
- ✓Calls you to obedience, not spectacle
- ✓Produces lasting transformation
Red Flags
- ✗Contradicts Scripture
- ✗Exalts self or sensationalism
- ✗Produces fear, anxiety, or confusion
- ✗Leads to pride or spiritual elitism
- ✗Rejected by mature, godly counsel
- ✗Focuses on the experience over Christ
- ✗Demands immediate action without confirmation
- ✗Produces no lasting fruit
Practical Wisdom for Discernment
Wait for Confirmation
God often confirms significant revelation through multiple means—Scripture, circumstances, godly counsel, and inner peace. Don't rush into action based on a single experience. Wait for God to confirm His word.
Seek Mature Counsel
Share significant supernatural experiences with spiritually mature believers who know you well. Avoid those who sensationalize or manipulate revelation. True spiritual fathers and mothers will help you test and steward what God reveals.
Stay Grounded in Scripture
The more you know God's Word, the easier it is to discern His voice. Supernatural experiences should drive you deeper into Scripture, not away from it. If an experience makes you less interested in the Bible, it's suspect.
Pursue the Giver, Not the Gifts
The goal is intimacy with God, not accumulation of experiences. If you find yourself chasing supernatural encounters more than you're pursuing Christ, pause and recalibrate. God gives revelation to draw us closer to Him, not to entertain us.
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Get Daily DevotionsWalking in Kingdom Authority
Discernment is essential—but it is not the end goal. We are called not only to test the spirits but to walk in the authority Christ has given us. The same Jesus who warned of false prophets also commissioned His followers with power and authority.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.
— Mark 16:17-18
The Authority Connection: Proximity to Jesus
It is by exousia—Kingdom authority—that these signs occur. Authority is always tied to proximity. If you want authority, you must remain close to the Giver of authority.
Jesus Himself modeled this: "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do" (John 5:19). His authority flowed from intimacy.
So too with us. Those who remain in close communion with Christ, who withdraw from worldly passions, who submit their souls to the Spirit, are entrusted with authority. And because this authority is so potent, it demands humility. Authority is lost when believers grasp at glory for themselves. God is searching for men and women who will not buckle under the temptation of being perceived as spiritual superstars, but who will bow low and give Him the glory.
But authority also demands repentance. When we stray from His Word, we weaken our ability to stand in authority. Repentance is not heaviness but freedom—it is the continual realignment of our hearts with His. Every time we turn back to Him, we step again into the covering where signs naturally follow.
A Field Guide: How to Live a Life That Signs Follow
1. Pursue Proximity
Authority flows from intimacy. Walk closely with Jesus in prayer, worship, and Word.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." — John 15:5
2. Walk in Humility
Signs are not badges of honor; they are fruits of obedience. Refuse self-adulation.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8
3. Live in Repentance
Keep short accounts with God. Repent quickly, fully, and joyfully.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
4. Obey Promptly
Signs follow those who act in faith the moment God speaks.
"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." — Luke 11:28
5. Testify Boldly
Signs are given as witness. Tell the stories. Magnify Christ.
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." — Revelation 12:11
Questions for Self-Examination
- •Do I truly believe the promises of Jesus in Mark 16 were meant for me?
- •Have I settled for a Christianity that doesn't require Heaven's power?
- •When was the last time my faith cost me anything—or produced anything only God could do?
- •Am I willing to look foolish in the eyes of others if it means walking in Kingdom authority?
Let Heaven Confirm Your Faith
You were not saved just to be safe.
You were not forgiven just to behave.
You were commissioned to reveal.
Reveal what? The reality of Jesus.
And how is He revealed? "These signs will follow those who believe…"
When you believe—really believe—your life becomes living proof. The impossible becomes possible. The broken are healed. The bound are delivered. The dead places come alive.
Not because of you. But because He is alive in you.
Activation Prayer
Father,
I receive the truth of Your Word. Not as history. Not as metaphor. But as present-tense power.
I want to believe You at Your Word. I want to walk in obedience and humility, trusting that signs will follow because You are faithful.
Break off my unbelief. Uproot any religious conditioning that has numbed my expectancy.
Let me walk in love, speak with truth, and minister with power. Let my life be living proof.
Amen.
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