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"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"
Test The Spirits! (4:1-6)
INTRODUCTION
1. So far in this epistle, John has discussed what our relationship
should be (or not be) in regards to:
a. God - 1:5-6
b. Jesus - 2:3-4
c. The things in the world - 2:15
d. Sin - 3:4-5
e. Our brethren - 3:11
2. As chapter four begins, we find John exhorting us concerning a very
real danger: false prophets! - cf. 4:1-6
[With another term of endearment ("beloved"), then, John exhorts his
brethren to...]
I. TEST THE SPIRITS! (1)
A. "DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT"
1. I.e., don't believe everything you hear, or everyone who
claims to be from God
2. How foolish it would be to do so should be obvious...
a. We would be in a constant state of confusion (believing one
thing one moment, and another thing the next)
b. We would be easily misled by those teaching error
B. "TEST THE SPIRITS, WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD"
1. The word "test" ("try", KJV) means...
a. To examine, prove scrutinize (Thayer)
b. To see whether a thing is genuine or not
2. So don't just accept what some teacher or preacher is saying;
examine what is being taught
3. Those who have this attitude are highly commended in the
Scriptures
a. The Bereans - Ac 17:11
b. The Ephesians - Re 2:2
C. "BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD"
1. This is the reason we must "test the spirits"
2. Others have also warned us of this fact...
a. Jesus - Mt 7:15
b. Peter - 2 Pe 2:1-3
c. Paul - 2 Co 11:13-15
3. So we must examine, prove, and scrutinize those who would
teach us!
a. Even though some teachers might consider it insubordinate
b. Even though some might not like the possible controversy it
can cause
4. Whether one teaches in our classes, pulpits, radio,
newspapers, etc., we must "test the spirits!"
[But HOW shall we test the spirits? In our text, John shares with us
several tests...]
II. THE TESTS (2-3, 6)
A. DO THEY CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH?
1. Verses 2-3 are best understood in light of the Gnostic-like
errors that were prevalent at that time...
a. In which some denied Jesus Christ actually came in the
flesh - cf. 2 Jn 7
b. Whose doctrine was leading many astray, possibly because
the false teachers claimed inspiration by the Spirit
2. But those who would teach such falsehood are not led by the
Spirit of God, but possess the spirit of the Antichrist! -
again cf. 2 Jn 7
B. DO THEY LISTEN TO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST?
1. Verse 6 reveals how we can distinguish between "the spirit of
truth" and "the spirit of error"
a. Those who truly know God listen to the apostles
b. Those who are not of God will reject them
2. I.e., does the teaching agree with what the apostles teach?
a. For Jesus taught that to receive them was to receive Him
and God - Jn 13:20
b. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the
apostles' doctrine - Ac 2:42
c. For they recognized their words as the commands of the Lord
- 1 Co 14:37
d. And even the apostles recognized their fellow-apostles'
writings as equivalent to inspired scriptures - e.g., 2 Pe
3:15-16
-- Therefore, those who are of God will heed the apostles, and
agree with their teaching!
3. This is a test that we can easily apply today on virtually
every issue!
a. But it implies knowledge and understanding of the apostles'
doctrine on our part
b. Yet that should not be a problem if we follow the example
of the first church in Jerusalem - cf. Ac 2:42
C. THOUGH NOT MENTIONED BY JOHN, HERE ARE TWO MORE "TESTS"...
1. The test of Deu 18:21-22
a. To be used when a person claims to be a prophet of God
b. If their prophecy fails, they are shown to be a false
prophet
2. The test of Deu 13:1-4
a. To be used when wonders are performed, and prophecies seem
to be fulfilled
b. If their doctrine contradicts what God has already
revealed, they are to be rejected (this is akin to what
John wrote)
CONCLUSION
1. In the midst of these warnings to "test the spirits", John provides
some comforting words in verses 4-5
a. By being of God (because they have heeded the words of His
apostles)...
1) They can overcome the false prophets
2) For the One in them is greater than he (Satan?) who is in the
world
b. Don't be surprised to see the world following after the false
prophets...
1) For the false prophets are of the world and speak in a way as
to appeal to the world
2) Therefore don't be deterred by the "apparent success" of the
false teachers (size and numbers are not a proper measure of
truth!)
2. In view of the proliferation of religions and various doctrines
bombarding us today, all in the name of Christ and the Spirit of
God, the exhortation of John is very relevant and important for us:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits, whether they are of God"
Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine so you can
properly apply the test?
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© Mark A. Copeland, 2001
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