radiantvisalia.com
1 John: Discernment (1 John 3:23-4:6)
Scripture: 1 John 3:24-4:6, Acts 17:11, Matthew 7, 2 Peter 1
Intro:
- Context: John, the last living apostle, addressing churches in Turkey.
- Transition period: passing the baton to the next generation.
- Church is divided; some departed, John addresses those who remain.
- Command: "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits" (1 John 4:1).
Understanding the Command:
- Implication: other spirits besides the Spirit of God.
- "Spirit" refers to messages/utterances inspired by other spirits.
- What you're dealing with won't be obvious.
- Unbelief/discernment is a sign of faith and maturity.
- Christian love and faith discriminate.
- Not everything spiritual is from God.
- Berean example: eagerness and examination (Acts 17:11).
Context of the Command:
- "Many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
- "Spirit of the Antichrist" is at work (1 John 4:3).
- This context is our context: truth vs. counterfeits.
- Messages promising salvation from worldly "hells."
- Antichrists: alternatives to Christ.
- Devil is the father of lies.
- Old Testament warning: signs can deceive (Deuteronomy 13).
- Jesus' warning: false prophets in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7).
- Paul's warning: savage wolves distorting truth.
- Peter's warning: false teachers secretly introducing heresies (2 Peter 1).
Discernment Criteria:
- "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God" (1 John 4:2).
- Spirit of God exalts Jesus as fully God and fully man.
- False religions often attack Jesus' divinity or humanity.
- Gnosticism: body is bad, God couldn't come in flesh.
- Incarnation: God coming in the flesh is essential truth.
- "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
- Focus on God, not the present darkness.
Application:
- Test messages by Scripture and apostolic witness.
- Rely on the Spirit, local church community.
- 40-day digital fast for Lent:
- Discern utility vs. distraction.
- Focus on what God is calling you to.
- Involve the whole family.
Conclusion:
- God's Spirit keeps us; we have overcome.
- Remember Jesus' commitment in a confusing age.
Support the show
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.
