Because the word “god” is generic — but the Bible is not.
I. Why This Question Matters
- The word “god” is generic and can refer to:
- the true God
- false gods
- idols
- demons
- human rulers
- Scripture commands us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1).
- Not every “god” people talk about is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
II. The First Test: The Name Attached to “God”
A. The true God reveals Himself by name
- YHWH / Yahweh (LORD)
- Elohim (Creator)
- El Elyon (Most High)
- El Shaddai (Almighty)
- Holy One of Israel
- Father, Word, Spirit
B. False gods also have names
- Baal
- Molech
- Asherah
- Dagon
- Chemosh
- Zeus
- “God of thunder” (ancient storm deities)
Teaching point:
If the title used is never used in Scripture for the true God, be cautious.
III. The Second Test: The Character Described
A. The true God is:
- holy (Isaiah 6:3)
- merciful (Exodus 34:6)
- sovereign (Psalm 115:3)
- faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9)
- unchanging (Malachi 3:6)
B. False gods are described as:
- needing to be awakened
- dependent on rituals
- tied to nature (thunder, storms, fertility)
- limited to a place
- emotionally unstable
Teaching point:
If the “god” sounds like a storm deity, a nature spirit, or a being who must be stirred up — that’s not the God of Scripture.
IV. The Third Test: The Actions Expected of the “God”
A. The true God:
- acts by His own will (Daniel 4:35)
- is present everywhere (Psalm 139)
- cannot be manipulated (Acts 17:24–25)
- answers simple prayer (1 Kings 18:36–38)
B. False gods:
- respond to emotional frenzy
- require rituals
- are “summoned” by performance
- act when worshippers reach a certain intensity
Key Example: 1 Kings 18
- The prophets of Baal shouted, leaped, repeated phrases, and cut themselves.
- They believed volume + emotion = divine action.
- Elijah prayed simply — and God answered immediately.
- God acted because He is God, not because Elijah performed.
Teaching point:
If worship sounds like “we must stir God up,” it resembles Baal worship, not biblical worship.
V. The Fourth Test: The Fruit Produced
A. Worship of the true God produces:
- humility
- peace
- reverence
- trust
- obedience
- rest
B. Worship of false gods produces:
- frenzy
- pressure
- striving
- emotional manipulation
- exhaustion
- fear of “not doing enough”
Teaching point:
The fruit reveals the root.
VI. The Fifth Test: The Direction of the Worship
A. True worship is:
- God‑centered
- Scripture‑shaped
- Christ‑exalting
- Spirit‑led
B. False worship is:
- experience‑centered
- atmosphere‑driven
- emotion‑dependent
- performance‑based
Teaching point:
If the focus is on what we do rather than who God is, the direction is off.
VII. Summary: Five Questions to Ask
- What name is being used?
- Does the character match the God of Scripture?
- Are the actions expected biblical or manipulative?
- What fruit does this worship produce?
- Is the focus on God or on the worshippers?
VIII. Closing Scripture
“Let all the nations know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.”
— Psalm 83:18
