Level 2, Module 3, Lesson 3: Testing Experiences Biblically (Foundations of the Christian Faith)
Lesson Purpose
This lesson equips believers with a clear, biblical framework for testing spiritual experiences without becoming cynical, fearful, or dismissive.
Scripture does not tell believers to:
- accept every experience, nor
- reject every experience
Scripture commands believers to test experiences.
This lesson exists to:
- teach believers how to evaluate experiences biblically
- remove fear surrounding spiritual encounters
- protect believers from deception and self-deception
- prevent experience-driven doctrine
- establish confidence and stability in discernment
Lesson Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will:
- understand why experiences must be tested
- know what biblical testing looks like
- apply clear scriptural tests to experiences
- distinguish genuine spiritual encounters from misleading ones
- respond wisely rather than emotionally
Introduction: Not All Experiences Are Equal
Many believers assume:
“If it was spiritual, it must be from God.”
Scripture rejects this assumption.
📖 1 John 4:1
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
The command is not optional.
Testing is obedience, not unbelief.
Section 1: Why God Commands Experiences to Be Tested
God commands testing because:
- deception exists
- human perception is limited
- emotions influence interpretation
- spiritual counterfeits are real
📖 Matthew 24:24
“There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets…”
If deception were impossible, testing would be unnecessary.
Section 2: What It Means to “Test” an Experience
Testing does not mean:
- mocking
- cynicism
- immediate rejection
Testing means:
- evaluation
- examination
- comparison with truth
📖 Acts 17:11
“They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Testing is careful, not hostile.
Section 3: The First Test — The Scripture Test
Every experience must submit to Scripture.
Questions to ask:
- Does this align with the Bible?
- Does it contradict clear teaching?
- Does it add new doctrine?
📖 Isaiah 8:20
“To the law and to the testimony…”
If Scripture is violated, the experience is invalid—no matter how powerful it felt.
Section 4: The Christ Test
📖 1 John 4:2–3
“Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God…”
Ask:
- Does this experience exalt Christ?
- Does it point to obedience and humility?
- Does it align with Christ’s character?
Any experience that diminishes Christ’s lordship fails this test.
Section 5: The Fruit Test
📖 Matthew 7:16
“Ye shall know them by their fruits…”
Ask:
- What does this experience produce?
- Does it lead to love, humility, holiness?
- Or pride, fear, division, and obsession?
Fruit matters more than intensity.
Section 6: The Peace Test
📖 Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…”
Ask:
- Is there settled peace or ongoing agitation?
- Does it bring clarity or confusion?
God’s truth produces peace, not turmoil.
Section 7: The Wisdom Test
📖 James 3:17
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable…”
Ask:
- Is this wise?
- Does it respect timing, maturity, and responsibility?
- Does it bypass common sense?
God never contradicts wisdom.
Section 8: The Counsel Test
📖 Proverbs 11:14
“In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Ask:
- Can this be discussed openly?
- Does it withstand mature, godly counsel?
- Or does it demand secrecy?
Isolation is a warning sign.
Section 9: The Authority Test
Ask:
- Does this experience submit to Scripture?
- Or does it demand unquestioned obedience?
📖 2 Corinthians 1:24
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith…”
No experience grants authority over another believer’s conscience.
Section 10: The Time Test
Time reveals truth.
📖 Proverbs 19:2
“He that hasteth with his feet sinneth.”
Ask:
- Does clarity increase over time?
- Or does urgency intensify?
God does not fear examination.
Section 11: When an Experience Fails the Tests
If an experience:
- contradicts Scripture
- exalts self
- produces fear
- bypasses wisdom
It must be rejected, not reinterpreted.
📖 Galatians 1:8
“Let him be accursed.”
Truth is protected by rejection of error.
Section 12: Holding Experiences Humbly
Even genuine experiences must be held with humility.
📖 1 Corinthians 13:9
“For we know in part…”
Maturity does not boast in encounters—it submits them to truth.
Summary of Lesson 3
- Scripture commands testing
- Not all experiences are from God
- Multiple biblical tests provide safety
- Peace, fruit, and wisdom are essential
- Time and counsel protect discernment
Reflection Questions
- Which test do you most often neglect?
- Have you ever assumed an experience was from God without testing?
- How does this framework increase confidence rather than fear?
Memory Verse
📖 1 John 4:1
“Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits…”
Module 3 Safeguard Statement
Every experience must bow to Scripture, wisdom, and peace—or be rejected.