If we have doctrines unacceptable to most Christians, and probably different to those of the apostles, we should try to discern whether there is a spirit associated with these doctrines and our adherence to them. Some doctrinal adherents have a common influence I would call a spirit because it seems to be independent of individuals, yet distinct from what is evident in the apostles. I think maybe there is a subtle distinction between a person’s own opinions and the teachings which “inspire” them, and the resulting spirit that such inspiration has given them. I think we all at times have inspiration from external influences affecting our thoughts, leanings, words. It is important to try to discern what kind of influences and how externally there may be a spirit of some kind behind this. That is how, like David said, we wrestle with our thoughts and like David prayed, pray “renew a right spirit within me”. We must also recognise that others are influenced and wrestle in these ways too.
