1 John 1-6: Trust, But Verify: Discerning the Spirits Among Us

Trust, But Verify: Discerning the Spirits Among Us

Summary: The Apostle John, often called “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), holds a special place in redemptive history. From a Reformed Theology perspective, John is not just an eyewitness to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection but a key figure through whom the Holy Spirit reveals profound theological truths about Christ’s divinity, the nature of salvation, and God’s sovereign love. He authored the Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation, emphasizing themes like eternal life through Christ, the believer’s union with Him, and discerning truth from error. As an elder statesman of the church, John ministered during a time of rising false teachings, particularly Gnosticism. His writings convey a caring attitude, urging believers to remain close to Christ, show love to one another, and hold firmly to the truth. From his time with Jesus to his leadership in the early church, John serves as a model of devotion to God’s glory and the authority of Scripture.

Bible Passage: 1 John 4:1-6

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Main Idea: Believers must actively discern the voice of God from the multitude of teachings in the world.

Introduction:

As we begin our study of 1 John 4:1, we are reminded of John's deep affection for his spiritual family. His opening words, "Dear friends," reveal his genuine care for the Church and his profound concern for their spiritual well-being. As a faithful shepherd, John is keenly aware of the dangers believers face and earnestly warns them about the threat of false teachings. These dangers are not distant or abstract; they are authentic, immediate, and may even be found within the Church.

John's message is similar to the adage "Trust but verify," which President Ronald Reagan popularized in the 1980s during nuclear treaty negotiations with the Soviet Union. Although initially a well-known Russian proverb, it became crucial to building trust in agreements. It sounds simple, but its deeper application teaches us an invaluable lesson: it's not enough to trust; we must also take proactive steps to verify the truth.

This principle is not only wise for international treaties but is also deeply relevant to our spiritual lives. When John instructs the Church to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God," he's calling us to live out a similar vigilance. The directive to "test" is not solely about fostering suspicion but about ensuring that the teachings we receive are in harmony with God's revealed truth. Much like in a business setting, where you might challenge longstanding practices to ensure their validity, we are called to scrutinize every teaching to see if it truly comes from God, especially when false prophets abound.

In his own experience as a leader, President Reagan recognized the importance of verification to avoid deception. The same principle applies here: false teachings, like the unexamined deals or assumptions in business, can lead us astray if we don't carefully evaluate them. Many are led to believe things that are not entirely true simply because they've heard them repeated or they've only been exposed to a portion of the truth.

As we reflect on John's call to spiritual discernment today, we are reminded that we, too, must take the time to "trust but verify." Our spiritual well-being and the Church's vitality hinge on our readiness to test the spirits, ensuring that we adhere only to teachings firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word. As God's children, we may take this responsibility seriously—testing everything and only in the truth of the Gospel.

Verse 1 = Dear friends, do not believe every spirit.

The expression "Dear friends" (or "Beloved" in some translations) used by the Apostle John is a term of endearment and affection. In the Greek, it is ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi), which comes from the word ἀγάπη (agapē), meaning "love" or "beloved."

Bible Passage: 1 John 4:1-6

By using this expression, John is not only showing warmth and care but also positioning himself as someone who shares a close, familial relationship with the Christians he addresses. The term "dear friends" softens the intensity of the warning. It shows that his concern comes from a place of love and care, urging the believers to be vigilant not out of criticism or harshness but because he desires their spiritual well-being.

I want us to focus on the Apostle John's use of the phrase, "Do not believe every spirit." I need you to use all available information below to put together in paragraph form and use bullet point if necessary to be engaging and impact for a reformed sermon, emphasizing key themes while ensuring a smooth flow of ideas and transitions. Please match your writing style to mine.

Here is the information I want you to use:

What is the Apostle John’s warning = do not believe every spirit! Let me provide the context of this letter for all of us to understand the warning not to believer every spirit.

John writes this letter during a time when the early church was under threat from false teachers, particularly those promoting Gnostic ideas. Gnosticism, which claimed secret spiritual knowledge, often denied key truths about Christ, such as His death, burial, and resurrection. These teachings were dangerous because they corrupted the church's understanding of Jesus and salvation, leading many astray.

"Spirit" as Source of Teaching:

The term "spirit" here does not simply refer to supernatural beings but also to the driving force behind teachings, prophecies, and messages in the church. John acknowledges that not every spiritual influence is from God. Some spirits are deceptive and come from false prophets who distort the Gospel. This phrase calls for discernment, as not all spiritual-sounding messages align with God's truth.

Intelligent beings which exist separately from bodies. God is spirit and he has given human beings a spiritual entity. He has also created a realm of spiritual beings--some have remained good, others have become evil. Evil spirits seek to control and destroy people, but Jesus Christ has the victory over them.

All human beings have a spirit:

Luke 8:55 (CSB) — 55 Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat.

James 2:26 (CSB) — 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

The Bible speak of Angels who remained good during Satan’s rebellions.

Judges 6:21–22 (CSB) — 21 The angel of the Lord extended the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire came up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. 22 When Gideon realized that he was the angel of the Lord, he said, “Oh no, Lord God! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!”

Job 1:6 (CSB) — 6 One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (CSB) — 14 And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Evil spirits and humanity - Possession by spirits

Mark 9:17–18 (CSB) — 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

See also Mt 15:22; Mt 8:28; Mk 1:23

Matthew 15:22 (CSB) — 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came and kept crying out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely tormented by a demon.”

It's really important for all Christians to realize that we can't just blame demons for the bad decisions we make (Lust, gambling addiction, sex addiction, lies, and etc). Keep in mind that humanity has its own unique spirit.

Unbelief (do not believe every spirit) can be as much a mark of spiritual maturity as belief. We should avoid both extremes, the superstition which believes everything and suspicion which believes nothing.

John Robert Walmsley Stott (English Preacher)

Do not be spiritual gullible. For instance, I met a man named Micheal who profess to be a Christian. One day, I saw with crystals rocks in his hands and was meditating. I asked him what are you doing? He replied, I am listening to the crystals to help me draw nearing to Jesus. I was curious and I was spiritual immature and I asked him do you believe that Jesus is Lord. Michael replied with a yes! He passed the test! Then I begin to listen and adopt his actions with using the crystals to draw nearer to Jesus.

[Spirit’ refers to an incorporeal being who inspires the person: do not believe every spirit (who speaks through a person). The spirit is either the Holy Spirit or an evil spirit that dwells within the antichrists.]

[Human spirits are to be tested to see if they are spokesmen for the Spirit of truth or the spirit of error.]

Summary: In 1 John 4:1-6, the Apostle John admonishes believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world. He contrasts the Spirit of Truth with the spirit of error, emphasizing the importance of discernment in the Christian faith.

Application: This message encourages Christians to actively discern the teachings and influences they encounter, reminding them that not everything that claims to be 'from God' actually is. It helps believers navigate a world filled with conflicting messages, reinforcing the need for reliance on the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Christ when facing spiritual confusion and doubt.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.

4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world. Therefore, what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.”

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Christians have the responsibility to test the teachings they receive against the Word of God and the Spirit of Truth. It equips the audience with practical tools for discernment, emphasizing a close relationship with God to identify truth from falsehood.

How this passage could point to Christ: The passage points to Christ as the ultimate truth and standard by which all spirits are measured. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), and thus, all tests of the spirit must relate back to Him as the embodiment of truth and the fulfillment of God’s revelation.

Main Idea: Believers must actively discern the voice of God from the multitude of teachings in the world.

As we begin our study of 1 John 4:1, we are reminded of John's deep affection for his spiritual family. His opening words, "Dear friends," reveal his genuine care for the Church and his profound concern for their spiritual well-being. As a faithful shepherd, John is keenly aware of believers' dangers and earnestly warns them about the threat of false teachings. These dangers are not distant or abstract; they are authentic, immediate, and may even be found within the Church.

John's message echoes Reagan's 1980s phrase, "Trust but verify," used during nuclear treaty talks with the Soviet Union. Although initially a well-known Russian proverb, it became crucial to building trust in agreements. It sounds simple, but its deeper application teaches us an invaluable lesson: it's not enough to trust; we must also take proactive steps to verify the truth.

Recommended Study: Let us explore the historical context of 1 John and its audience's struggles with false teachings.

Examining the Greek terms used for 'spirit' and 'testing' may provide deeper insight.

Investigate commentaries on the epistle for differing interpretations of the 'spirit of truth' versus 'spirit of error' to enrich your sermon. This can enhance your understanding of the theological implications foundational to this test of discernment.

This principle is not only wise for international treaties but is also deeply relevant to our spiritual lives. When John instructs the Church to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God," he's calling us to live out a similar vigilance. The instruction to "test" is not just to cultivate suspicion but to verify that the teachings we receive align with God's revealed truth. Much like in a business setting, where you might challenge longstanding practices to ensure their validity, we are called to scrutinize every teaching to see if it truly comes from God, especially when false prophets abound.

1. Testing Spirits, Seeking Truth

Drawing from his leadership experience, President Reagan understood the significance of verification in preventing deception. The same principle applies here: false teachings, like the unexamined deals or assumptions in business, can lead us astray if we don't carefully evaluate them. Many are led to believe things that are not entirely true simply because they've heard them repeated or they've only been exposed to a portion of the truth.

1 John 4:1

As we reflect on John's call to spiritual discernment today, we are reminded that we, too, must take the time to "trust but verify." Our spiritual well-being and the Church's vitality hinge on our readiness to test the spirits, ensuring that we adhere only to teachings firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word. As God's children, we may take this responsibility seriously—testing everything and only in the truth of the Gospel.

Could you start by explaining how John emphasizes the need to test every spirit because many false prophets are active. This reminder summons believers to vigilant discernment, rooted in Christ the ultimate standard of truth. You could encourage the audience to be proactive in testing teachings by comparing them carefully with Scripture and in prayer, fostering a mindset of cautious trust when confronting various spiritual claims.

Verse 1

2. Truth Proclaimed in Christ

The Apostle John opens with, "Dear Friends." The use of this word expresses warmth and caring. (Expand: It represents a parent's love, tenderness, and care for their child or children.) What is the reason behind the Apostle John's expression?

1 John 4:2-3

Perhaps explore how John provides a practical test for spiritual discernment—acknowledging Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. By focusing on Christ's incarnation, these verses underscore our faith's foundation in the Gospel. You could suggest that recognizing beliefs aligned with this truth fosters deeper Christ-centered awareness among believers, urging them to measure every spirit's confession against this core Christian doctrine.

The use of 'dear friends' juxtaposes the warmth of the address with the gravity of the warning, 'Do not believe every spirit!' John's expression of concern shows his care for believers, urging caution not out of criticism but out of genuine care for their spiritual well-being.

Let us consider the warning given by the Apostle John.

3. Triumph Over Deceptive Spirits

“Do not believe every spirit” is a caution and a strong and forceful warning to every believer. This command is deeply rooted in the early church context, grappling with the influence of false teachings, particularly Gnosticism. Gnosticism claimed to possess secret spiritual knowledge and often denied key aspects of the Christian faith, such as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. This distorted view of Jesus posed a significant threat to the integrity of the Gospel message. The church was required to be vigilant against teachings that distorted the image of Christ, potentially leading individuals astray. It is crucial to heed this warning: “Do not believe every spirit.”

1 John 4:4-5

In this context, 'every spirit' denotes the spiritual influence or motivation guiding individuals like prophets, apostles, pastors, or teachers. John emphasizes that not all spirits originate from God, highlighting the need for discernment in spiritual matters. For example:

Maybe delve into John's assurance of victory over the spirit of error through God's greater presence in believers than in the world. You could emphasize confidence in one's faith, grounded in knowing God’s Spirit supersedes the world's deceptions. Encouraging a reliance on the Spirit’s guidance helps equip the congregation to withstand misleading doctrines and to remain assured in their spiritual resilience.

4. Truth Discerned Through God

Ezekiel 13:3: “This is what the Lord God says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!”

Here, the "spirit" refers to the internal motivation and self-deception driving false prophets. Their visions do not come from God but from their imaginations.

1 John 4:6

1 Timothy 4:1: “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.”

You could conclude by focusing on how John contrasts those who know God with the world that doesn’t listen, outlining a distinct recognition of truth in God's voice. This distinction helps believers discern God’s messages from worldly noise. Suggest reinforcing the community’s identity in Christ, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him, ensuring the discernment of His will, and aligning lives with divine truth.

Paul warns that deceptive spirits (not from God) will influence false teachers and lead some believers astray through doctrines that oppose the Gospel.

1 Kings 22:21-23: “Then a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ The Lord asked him, ‘How?’ He said, ‘I will go and become a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’”

A lying spirit influenced King Ahab's false prophets, causing them to prophesy falsely. This passage highlights that not all spiritual influences originate with God.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15: “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

This passage highlights how false teachers can be driven by spiritual influences from Satan, masquerading as godly leaders.

There is a combination of human and demonic spirits that have their influence and motivation that drives them.

Often, when we sin or make mistakes, we tend to blame demons or spiritual forces, which may not always be the root cause. We say things like, “The devil made me do it,” or “I was under attack.” But today, I want to remind you that not all sin is the work of demons. Humanity itself has a fallen, sinful nature with its desires that lead to sin.

Let’s be clear—spiritual warfare is real. Demonic forces exist and tempt us (Ephesians 6:12), but John and the rest of Scripture teach that we also have a human spirit, and our desires and choices often lead to sin (Ezekiel).

Our Spirit Has a Natural Tendency Toward Sin

James 1:14-15 (CSB): “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.”

James believes that temptation arises from our harmful desires, not from demons. Our spirit inclines towards sin due to our fallen nature inherited from Adam, as stated in Romans 5:12: 'Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.'

Let’s be honest—many of the things we struggle with don’t require a demon’s influence. Gambling, lust, greed, lying, and selfishness are often rooted in our hearts. Demons may exploit these weaknesses, but they didn’t create them.

Take a moment and reflect: What sinful habits do you blame the devil when they’re rooted in your desires? Before you pray for deliverance from demons, ask God for deliverance from yourself.

Blaming Demons Won’t Lead to Freedom—Repentance Will

Ezekiel 18:30 (CSB): “Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways. This is the declaration of the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your rebellious acts, so they will not become a sinful stumbling block to you.”

God holds us responsible for our actions, and blaming demons will not exempt us from judgment. God’s solution isn’t shifting the blame—it’s repentance. When we acknowledge our sinful spirit and turn to Him, transformation begins.

Don’t just pray, “Lord, cast out the enemy.” Pray, “Lord, transform my heart.” Repentance is about acknowledging your sin, not excusing it.

The Holy Spirit Transforms Our Spirit

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (CSB): “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes and carefully observe my ordinances.”

God's ultimate purpose extends beyond mere resistance to sin; it encompasses the Holy Spirit's work in renewing our spirit, facilitating profound inner transformation and alignment with God's will.

In times of struggle, remember that the strength of the Holy Spirit exceeds the sin within you, offering hope and the potential for transformative change. True transformation occurs not through sheer willpower or external attributions but through the Holy Spirit's work in renewing and aligning your desires with God's.

John’s warning reflects the understanding that every message, particularly those claiming divine authority, has a source of inspiration. A "spirit" could be the Holy Spirit, human motivations, or even demonic influence. In the context of this passage, the word “spirit, refers to the power and influence behind teachings. What do we need to find out about the source of spiritual inspiration?

Every preacher, prophet, or spiritual teacher delivers messages from either the Spirit of God or a counterfeit spirit. There is no neutral ground in spiritual matters, so it is crucial to discern the origin of the teachings we hear. This is why John said to “test the spirits to see if they are from God.”

Every Christian should assess and confirm the teachings they receive from preachers, pastors, or spiritual leaders.

What Does “Test the Spirits” Mean?

The term 'test' (Greek: dokimazō) means examining something closely to confirm its authenticity. In this context, it means to evaluate teachings, doctrines, and messages to see if they are indeed from God or if false spiritual sources influence them.

The word “spirits” doesn’t only refer to supernatural beings like demons but also to the spiritual influences behind teachers, prophets, and messages. These influences can be from God, Satan, human pride, or worldly desires.

Biblical Example:

Acts 17:11: The Bereans are commended for “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” They tested Paul’s teaching—not because they were skeptical, but because they knew that even teachers must be evaluated against the Word of God.

Why Does John Say to “Test the Spirits”?

John issues this command due to the existence of false prophets and deceptive spirits actively spreading misinformation.

1 John 4:1: “Many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

These false teachers don’t wear warning labels—they often appear as servants of righteousness, using Scripture and religious language to deceive.

Biblical Insight:

Matthew 7:15: Jesus warns about false prophets in sheep’s clothing, meaning they look the part but inwardly are dangerous.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15: Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and his servants do the same. This is why appearances can be deceiving, and we must test the message itself, not just the messenger’s charisma or popularity.

Modern Application: How Do We Test the Spirits Today?

A. Compare Teachings to Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16: Scripture is the ultimate authority for testing any teaching. If a message contradicts or twists the Word of God, it is not from the Spirit of truth.

Follow the example of the Bereans: examine all teachings against the Scriptures, whether from a sermon, a book, or online Christian content.

B. Evaluate the Message’s Focus on Christ

True teaching will always exalt Christ, His divinity, His incarnation, and His role in salvation.

Colossians 2:8: “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.”

If a message focuses on self-improvement, wealth accumulation, or human knowledge more than Christ, it signals a false teaching.

C. Observe the Fruit of the Teaching

Matthew 7:16: “You’ll recognize them by their fruit.”

Assess whether the teaching fosters repentance, godliness, and love for God and others, as opposed to promoting pride, greed, or division. The fruits of the teaching unveil its underlying spirit.

D. Pray for Discernment

John 16:13: The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you evaluate spiritual messages.

Why Testing the Spirits is a Lifelong Practice

John’s warning wasn’t just for his time but for every generation of believers. False spirits didn’t disappear after the first century. They are active today, promoting messages that are attractive but ultimately dangerous. Prosperity theology, universalism, secular humanism, and moral relativism are modern examples of spirits that must be tested and rejected.

Closing Challenge: Stay Rooted in Truth

Testing the spirits involves ensuring the integrity of our beliefs. God doesn’t call us to blind trust but to informed trust rooted in His Word.

Final Reflection: Ask yourself:

Am I testing what I hear or passively accepting it because it sounds good?

Do I know Scripture well enough to recognize false teaching when I hear it?

Am I relying on the Holy Spirit to guide me, or am I relying on my judgment?

Let’s be a church that doesn’t believe every spirit but carefully tests them to remain faithful to the truth of the Gospel.