"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN" Test The Spirits! (4:1-6) by Mark Copeland

"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 - 2Pe 2:1-3
         c. Paul - 2Co 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. 2Jn 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. 2Jn 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
            - 1Co 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 Deut 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 Deut 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?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016