Don't believe what I post. Research what I post!

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of Y’hovah; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
— 1 Yochanan (1 John) 4:1, TS2009

Test the Spirits — Be a Berean

We live in an age overflowing with information but starving for truth. Social media, online teachers, and modern pulpits often mix the sacred with the profane, opinion with revelation, and tradition with truth. That is why the Word warns us plainly: “Test the spirits.”

This command is not optional—it is a spiritual safeguard. True talmidim of Y’hoshua are not called to accept every message that sounds holy but to examine everything in the light of Scripture.

The believers in Berea set the standard for this approach:

“Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica; for they received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
— Acts 17:11, CJB

They didn’t take Sha’ul’s (Paul’s) word blindly—they searched the Scriptures themselves. That’s why this approach is known as “The Berean Approach.”

The Berean Approach

The Berean Approach focuses on the literal acceptance of the Word of Y’hovah while allowing the Bible to interpret itself. It is not built upon denominational tradition or human authority, but on daily engagement with the written Word.

As talmidim of Y’hoshua, we are called to:

• Study daily to understand Y’hovah’s instructions.
• Pray continually for discernment and humility.
• Meditate on the Word so it shapes our thoughts and actions.
• Test all teachings, even those from trusted voices.

Sha’ul wrote:

“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to what is good.”
— 1 Thessalonikim (1 Thessalonians) 5:21, TS2009

The Berean mindset reminds us that the Scriptures—not the pastor, rabbi, or priest—are the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and life.

“All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Elohim may be fitted, equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothyos (2 Timothy) 3:16–17, TS2009

The True Source of Understanding

The Berean Approach requires more than intellect—it requires the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Without the Spirit of Y’hovah, study alone can produce pride, not transformation.

Y’hoshua promised that the Counselor, the Ruach HaKodesh, would be our Teacher:

“But the Counselor, the Ruach HaKodesh, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
— Yochanan (John) 14:26, CJB

The Spirit does not bring new doctrine; He brings understanding of what Y’hoshua already taught. He illuminates truth, convicts sin, and strengthens us to walk in obedience.

Yochanan further reminds us:

“As for you, the Messianic anointing you received from Him remains in you, so that you have no need for anyone to teach you. On the contrary, as His Messianic anointing continues to teach you about all things, and is true, not a counterfeit—so, just as He taught you, remain united with Him.”
— 1 Yochanan (1 John) 2:27, CJB

This doesn’t mean we reject teachers or study alone—it means we test every teaching by the Spirit and the Word, not human authority.

Are You Truly Born of the Spirit?

Discernment is impossible without spiritual rebirth. Y’hoshua said clearly:

“Yes, indeed! I tell you that unless a person is born again from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of Elohim.”
— Yochanan (John) 3:3, CJB

To be “born again” (noldam min-haShamayim) means to receive new life through faith and obedience to Y’hoshua HaMashiach. Only those who have His Spirit can rightly discern truth from error.

The Ruach HaKodesh empowers the believer to discern spirits, understand Scripture, and recognize the voice of Y’hovah amid the noise of deception.

If the Ruach is truly in you, you will hunger for the Word, love truth, and reject falsehood.

A Call to Personal Responsibility

Therefore, my beloved talmidim: Do not believe what I post—research what I post!

Let every message, every teaching, and every sermon be tested by the Word. Do not follow a personality; follow the truth. Let your discernment be guided by the Ruach and your foundation remain the unchanging Word of Y’hovah.

The Berean Approach is not skepticism—it is faithful diligence. It honors Y’hovah by ensuring our belief is rooted in Scripture, not in men.

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with Elohim.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:19, TS2009

When we test all things by His Word, we protect the purity of our faith and honor Y’hoshua, the Living Word, who leads us into all truth.

The days are evil, and deception is rising. But Y’hovah has not left us without light. His Word and His Spirit remain our sure foundation.

Let us walk as Bereans—discerning, humble, and steadfast—studying daily to know Him more deeply and to recognize truth from falsehood.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Tehillim (Psalm) 119:105, CJB

By Rabbi Francisco Arbas — Netzari Mashiach Judaism
www.netzarim-talmidim.org