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.
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, which you have heard was coming,
and is now already in the world.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them,
because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
They are of the world.
Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
We are of God.
because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
They are of the world.
Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
We are of God.
He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us.
By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:1-8 (ESV)
Jonathan Edwards, a theologian God used mightily in the Great Awakening, was once accused by others that the emotionalism and reactions were not of the Holy Spirit. This prompted Edwards to respond with a means to "test the spirits" involved in a Christian movement.
This test is based on the above passage,1 John 4:1-8. The Spirit gives assurance (3:24). But how do the saints know it is God's Spirit and not a deceptive spirit giving a false assurance? John recognises there a many spirits, so Christians need to be vigilant against any deceptions. The Greek hermeneutics potentially reveal John was expressing a concern at the already prevalent spiritualist religions attracting Christians (cf. 2:19).
This test is based on the above passage,1 John 4:1-8. The Spirit gives assurance (3:24). But how do the saints know it is God's Spirit and not a deceptive spirit giving a false assurance? John recognises there a many spirits, so Christians need to be vigilant against any deceptions. The Greek hermeneutics potentially reveal John was expressing a concern at the already prevalent spiritualist religions attracting Christians (cf. 2:19).
1. Does the work exalt the true Christ?
John's adversaries claimed to follow Christ, but they didn't accept that Jesus came in the flesh AND is also one with the Father. The Gnostics (heretic groups) denied this, but John claims true believers will acknowledge that Christ did indeed come in the flesh.
Jesus Himself mentioned those who called Him "LORD" but were actually false followers (Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 6:46). John claims the work of the false prophets (v.1) are directed by the spirit of antichrist (v.3).
The Holy Spirit's job is to promote Christ and impute God's graces to the saints - somewhat "under the radar". It is not His desire to take from Christ's glory.
2. Does it oppose worldliness?
The Holy Spirit indwells the saints; but Satan is the lord of his own followers (v.4). Christ is greater than the spirit of darkness. Satan's followers promote the things of this world in their teachings, which attract the followers of the world (v.5).
Does the message promote "health and wealth" in this life? Or does it mention of the treasures in the next life, for the faithful?
3. Does it point people to the Scriptures?
People who acknowledge the truth of the Apostle's doctrine (New Testament which aligns with the Old Testament), that witnesses the works of Christ, will recognise and conform to the Scriptures (v.6a,b).
Be very wary of teachers who walk around carrying the Bible and even opening the Bible but never expounding the whole counsel of God!
4. Does it elevate truth?
John's adversaries claimed to follow Christ, but they didn't accept that Jesus came in the flesh AND is also one with the Father. The Gnostics (heretic groups) denied this, but John claims true believers will acknowledge that Christ did indeed come in the flesh.
Jesus Himself mentioned those who called Him "LORD" but were actually false followers (Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 6:46). John claims the work of the false prophets (v.1) are directed by the spirit of antichrist (v.3).
The Holy Spirit's job is to promote Christ and impute God's graces to the saints - somewhat "under the radar". It is not His desire to take from Christ's glory.
2. Does it oppose worldliness?
The Holy Spirit indwells the saints; but Satan is the lord of his own followers (v.4). Christ is greater than the spirit of darkness. Satan's followers promote the things of this world in their teachings, which attract the followers of the world (v.5).
Does the message promote "health and wealth" in this life? Or does it mention of the treasures in the next life, for the faithful?
3. Does it point people to the Scriptures?
People who acknowledge the truth of the Apostle's doctrine (New Testament which aligns with the Old Testament), that witnesses the works of Christ, will recognise and conform to the Scriptures (v.6a,b).
Be very wary of teachers who walk around carrying the Bible and even opening the Bible but never expounding the whole counsel of God!
4. Does it elevate truth?
The saints are the people of truth. Others who do not conform to God's Word are of the spirit of error (v.6c). John warns his readers against this spirit by comparing their false views of Christ with the views that he (an apostle, a disciple and a personal witness of Christ) teaches.
Consider the importance of God's Word for convicting sinners before a holy God and later mature the saint to holiness.
Consider the importance of God's Word for convicting sinners before a holy God and later mature the saint to holiness.
5. Does it produce love for God and others?
Finally, John summarises that everything culminates in love to God and man (v.7,8). Is it possible that these false teachings were creating suspicion and friction in the fellowship? John isn't saying non-Christians can't love. What he is saying, is that a true knowledge of God requires the correct belief of Christ, and a correct response to God, which incorporates love for others. Basic human love - without Christ's redeeming presence and motivation - will ultimately fail the fullness of a human response towards God's perfect and infinite mercy and grace (cf. 1 Cor. 13)!
John declared God is "light" (1:5) and "Spirit" (4:24). In this passage, he has outlined that one of God's attributes is love, in conjunction with ALL His other attributes (such as holiness and justice).
John declared God is "light" (1:5) and "Spirit" (4:24). In this passage, he has outlined that one of God's attributes is love, in conjunction with ALL His other attributes (such as holiness and justice).
