by furaha nchimbi | 16 August 2021 08:46 pm08
We are living in spiritually perilous times times of profound deception and confusion. Unlike previous generations, today’s spiritual warfare is more subtle and deceptive, targeting not just the world but the very heart of the Church. At the center of this battle is Satan, who, understanding that the power of the New Covenant rests in the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, works tirelessly to imitate and counterfeit that Spirit.
Satan knows that if the Holy Spirit is allowed to move freely in the Church, multitudes will be transformed, empowered, and snatched from his grip. So he sends false spirits imitations that closely resemble the Holy Spirit but lead people away from truth, holiness, and Christ-centered living.
That’s why Scripture warns us:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1, NKJV
It is not enough to accept every spiritual experience at face value. We must test the spirits by the Word of God. Below are five key biblical signs that demonstrate whether someone has truly received the Holy Spirit, or has fallen under the influence of a counterfeit.
The name “Holy Spirit” is not a title it’s a description of His nature and work. When He enters a believer’s life, His first mission is to sanctify them to set them apart from sin and shape them into the image of Christ.
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16, NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV
If you claim to have the Holy Spirit but remain comfortable in sin continuing in sexual immorality, immodest behavior, love for secular entertainment, or unrepentant pride then you must examine the source of that spirit. Speaking in tongues or displaying spiritual gifts does not confirm the presence of the Holy Spirit if there’s no fruit of holiness.
Jesus warned:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
Matthew 7:16, NKJV
The Spirit’s role includes illuminating the Scriptures and leading believers into a deeper understanding of God’s will. He reveals Christ through the Word and teaches us how to live in obedience.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…”
John 16:13, NKJV
If you’ve been saved for years yet still remain spiritually immature, uninterested in studying Scripture, and more focused on signs, miracles, or teachings about demons than the gospel itself then something is spiritually off. The true Holy Spirit never leaves a believer in darkness.
The Apostle Paul prayed:
“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…”
Ephesians 1:17, NKJV
The Holy Spirit never draws attention to Himself or to man. His role is to magnify Christ in the hearts of believers and in the life of the Church.
“He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”
John 16:14, NKJV
The hallmark of a Spirit-led ministry is that Christ is central not a man, a prophet, or a denomination. If a church glorifies its leader more than Jesus, or if salvation and spiritual authority are tied to a human name rather than the name of Jesus Christ, then that ministry is being driven by another spirit.
“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist…”
1 John 4:2–3, NKJV
When the Holy Spirit enters a believer, He equips them with spiritual gifts or a calling to serve the body of Christ. These gifts are not for show they are for building the Church.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…”
1 Corinthians 12:7, NKJV
Whether it’s preaching, teaching, evangelizing, prophesying, giving, helping, or leading worship every Spirit-filled believer has a role. If you’ve been in the faith for years and still have no ministry, no calling, and no active participation in the Church, it may be that the Spirit you received is not the Holy Spirit at all.
Paul compares believers to parts of a body:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
1 Corinthians 12:27, NKJV
There is no useless part in Christ’s body. If you are not functioning, something is wrong.
One of the most powerful signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence is a strong inner drive to pray. The Spirit stirs the heart to seek God in fellowship, intercession, and worship.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,
but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Romans 8:26, NKJV
A true believer cannot go weeks or months without prayer and feel at peace. The joy of salvation fades when communication with God is neglected. The Holy Spirit burdens us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
If you can live comfortably without prayer, if church and devotion feel like burdens instead of blessings, then you need to question the spirit you have received.
If these five characteristics are not present in your life, there’s a strong chance the spirit you’ve received is not the Holy Spirit but a spirit of deception. The solution is not despair but true repentance and obedience to the gospel.
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38, NKJV
Repent sincerely turn from all sin and self-will.
Be baptized by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ, as the apostles practiced.
Then, by God’s promise, the true Holy Spirit will come into your life, not as a ritual, but as a transforming presence.
We are in the last days, and spiritual deception is increasing. The Bible calls us to test all spirits, not just by feelings or experiences, but by the Word of God. Don’t settle for a shallow spiritual experience. Don’t be content with emotion or tradition.
Ask yourself:
Are all five signs of the Holy Spirit present in my life?
If not, seek the Lord with urgency and sincerity.
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Romans 8:9, NKJV
May the Lord bless you.
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