1 John 4:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
A.W. Tozer
Francis ChanA.W. Tozer
Art Katz
C.H. Spurgeon
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Beloved, believe not every spirit - Do not be forward to believe every teacher to be a man sent of God. As in those early times every teacher professed to be inspired by the Spirit of God, because all the prophets had come thus accredited, the term spirit was used to express the man who pretended to be and teach under the Spirit's influence. See Co1 12:1-12; Ti1 4:1. Try the Spirits - Δοκιμαζετε τα πνευματα· Put these teachers to the proof. Try them by that testimony which is known to have come from the Spirit of God, the word of revelation already given. Many false prophets - Teachers not inspired by the Spirit of God, are gone out into the world - among the Jewish people particularly, and among them who are carnal and have not the Spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Beloved, believe not every spirit,.... The apostle having mentioned the word "spirit" in the latter part of the preceding chapter, takes an occasion from thence to return to what he had been suggesting in the "second" chapter, concerning the many antichrists that then were, and whom he points out, and here cautions against. By "every spirit" he means, either every doctrine that is pretended to come from the Spirit of God, or every teacher, who professes to be qualified and sent by him, and to have his light, knowledge, and doctrine from him. Every true minister of the Gospel has the Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit, more or less, to qualify him for his work; he is separated, and called to it by him, and receives his spiritual light find knowledge from him; it is he that teaches him sound doctrine, and leads him into all truth, as it is in Jesus, and brings every necessary truth to his remembrance; and who succeeds his ministrations to the good of souls: but there are some who call themselves the ministers of the Gospel, who, though they may have some natural abilities, and a share of human learning, and a notional knowledge of things, yet have never received either grace or gifts from the Spirit; nor have they been ever called by him; nor are their ministrations according to that divine word which is inspired by him, nor attended with his demonstration and power; wherefore, though some professing to have the Spirit of Christ are to be believed, yet not everyone; and though the Spirit is not to be quenched in any, nor prophesying to be despised, yet care should be taken what is heard and received: some persons are so obstinate and incredulous as not to believe anything that is declared, be the evidence what it will; as the Jews would not believe Christ and his apostles, though what they said agreed with Moses and the prophets, and was confirmed by miracles; and others are too credulous; at once receive every teacher, and embrace every upstart doctrine: this they should not do, but try the spirits whether they are of God; not by human reason, especially as carnal and unsanctified; for though the doctrines of the Gospel are not contrary to true reason, they are above it, and not to be judged of by it, and are disapproved of and rejected by carnal reason; but by the word of God, which is the standard of all doctrine; and whatever agrees with that is to be received, and what does not should be rejected. And so to do is very commendable, as appears from the instance of the Beraeans, who on this account are said to be more noble than those of Thessalonica, Act 17:11; and from the commendation of the church at Ephesus, Rev 2:2. And this is what every believer, every private Christian should do; to them it belongs to read and search the Scriptures, and prove all things, and judge for themselves of the truth of doctrine; and to such a probation or trial of the spirits, spiritual light, knowledge, judgment, sense, experience, and divine guidance are necessary, which should be asked of God, and an increase thereof; and all such diligent searchers, and humble inquirers, are capable of making judgment of persons and doctrines, whether they are from the Spirit of God or not, for the Spirit of God never speaks contrary to his word: and the reason why such a trial should be made is, because many false prophets are gone out into the world: such who pretended either to a revelation of future things, and to foretell things to come; or rather to a gift of prophesying, or preaching in Christ's name, to be "prophets" and spiritual men, and ministers of the word, but were "false" ones; who either predicted what did not come to pass, or rather preached false doctrine, by corrupting the word, and handling it deceitfully, and so imposed upon and ruined the souls of others, as well as deceived their own: and there were not only one, or two, or a few of these, but "many", as our Lord had foretold, Mat 24:11; and which makes the reason the stronger for not believing every spirit, but trying them; and the rather, since they were not sent of God, hot called out by his churches, but were "gone out" of themselves; of their own heads, and without any mission from God or man: and "into the world" too; they were in every part of it, and especially where there were any churches of Christ; into which they first crept in privily, and at unawares, but afterwards became public preachers of the word, and then separating from them, set up openly in the world for themselves.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having said that God's dwelling in and with us may be known by the Spirit that he hath given us, intimates that that Spirit may be discerned and distinguished from other spirits that appear in the world; and so here, I. He calls the disciples, to whom he writes, to caution and scrutiny about the spirits and spiritual professors that had now risen. 1. To caution: "Beloved, believe not every spirit; regard not, trust not, follow not, every pretender to the Spirit of God, or every professor of vision, or inspiration, or revelation from God." Truth is the foundation of simulation and counterfeits; there had been real communications from the divine Spirit, and therefore others pretended thereto. God will take the way of his own wisdom and goodness, though it may be liable to abuse; he has sent inspired teachers to the world, and given us a supernatural revelation, though others may be so evil and so impudent as to pretend the same; every pretender to the divine Spirit, or to inspiration, and extraordinary illumination thereby, is not to be believed. Time was when the spiritual man (the man of the Spirit, who made a great noise about, and boast of, the Spirit) was mad, Hos 9:7. 2. To scrutiny, to examination of the claims that are laid to the Spirit: But try the spirits, whether they be of God, Jo1 4:1. God has given of his Spirit in these latter ages of the world, but not to all who profess to come furnished therewith; to the disciples is allowed a judgment of discretion, in reference to the spirits that would be believed and trusted in the affairs of religion. A reason is given for this trial: Because many false prophets have gone out into the world, Jo1 4:1. There being much about the time of our Saviour's appearance in the world a general expectation among the Jews of a Redeemer to Israel, and the humiliation, spiritual reformation, and sufferings of the Saviour being taken as a prejudice against him, others were induced to set up as prophets and messiahs to Israel, according to the Saviour's prediction, Mat 24:23, Mat 24:24. It should not seem strange to us that false teachers set themselves up in the church: it was so in the apostles' times; fatal is the spirit of delusion, sad that men should vaunt themselves for prophets and inspired preachers that are by no means so! II. He gives a test whereby the disciples may try these pretending spirits. These spirits set up for prophets, doctors, or dictators in religion, and so they were to be tried by their doctrine; and the test whereby in that day, or in that part of the world where the apostle now resided (for in various seasons, and in various churches, tests were different), must be this: Hereby know you the Spirit of God, Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or that confesseth Jesus Christ that came in the flesh), is of God, Jo1 4:2. Jesus Christ is to be confessed as the Son of God, the eternal life and Word, that was with the Father from the beginning; as the Son of God that came into, and came in, our human mortal nature, and therein suffered and died at Jerusalem. He who confesses and preaches this, by a mind supernaturally instructed and enlightened therein, does it by the Spirit of God, or God is the author of that illumination. On the contrary, "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or Jesus Christ that came in the flesh) is not of God, Jo1 4:3. God has given so much testimony to Jesus Christ, who was lately here in the world, and in the flesh (or in a fleshly body like ours), though now in heaven, that you may be assured that any impulse or pretended inspiration that contradicts this is far from being from heaven and of God." The sum of revealed religion is comprehended in the doctrine concerning Christ, his person and office. We see then the aggravation of a systematic opposition to him and it. And this is that spirit of antichrist whereof you have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world, Jo1 4:3. It was foreknown by God that antichrists would arise, and antichristian spirits oppose his Spirit and his truth; it was foreknown also that one eminent antichrist would arise, and make a long and fatal war against the Christ of God, and his institution, and honour, and kingdom in the world. This great antichrist would have his way prepared, and his rise facilitated, by other less antichrists, and the spirit of error working and disposing men's minds for him: the antichristian spirit began betimes, even in the apostles' days. Dreadful and unsearchable is the judgment of God, that persons should be given over to an antichristian spirit, and to such darkness and delusion as to set themselves against the Son of God and all the testimony that the Father hath given to the Son! But we have been forewarned that such opposition would arise; we should therefore cease to be offended, and the more we see the word of Christ fulfilled the more confirmed we should be in the truth of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:1-6 Those who belong to God (4:4) can distinguish spiritual truth from error, because the Spirit’s presence (3:23-24) teaches them (see 2:20, 27; John 14:15-26; 16:5-15). Yet John provides concrete tests for the believers to apply so that there will be no confusion. These tests are a starting point for true teachers, not an exhaustive set; they were designed to address the false teachings that were being promoted in the churches of John’s readers. 4:1 everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit (literally every spirit): The teachers who left John’s churches claimed to be prophets, but the true prophet is an instrument for the Holy Spirit’s messages (Acts 4:25; 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 19:10). Every speaker should be tested against what the Holy Spirit has said through the apostles (1 Jn 4:2-3, 6).
1 John 4:1
Testing the Spirits
1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.2By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Spiritual Treason
By A.W. Tozer16K35:39New ExperiencesROM 12:21CO 1:18COL 1:151TH 5:212TI 3:161PE 1:221JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's attitude towards God, Christ, the scriptures, self, other Christians, the world, and sin. The speaker encourages the audience to persevere in their faith and to continually seek a deeper love for God and a greater understanding of the scriptures. He also emphasizes the importance of discernment and testing the spirits to ensure that any doctrine, blessing, or experience aligns with God's truth as revealed in the Bible.
Beware of Good Liars
By Francis Chan9.3K27:55MAT 7:152CO 11:13GAL 1:6EPH 5:111TI 4:12PE 2:11JN 4:1JUD 1:4
This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love and compassion, drawing attention to the persecution faced by Christians in India and the need for believers to prioritize caring for the marginalized and oppressed. The speaker warns about false teachers who subtly introduce destructive heresies within the church, urging listeners to discern truth from deception and to live according to biblical principles.
How to Tell When a Thing Is From God
By A.W. Tozer5.8K49:19Will Of GodMAT 22:37JHN 14:21ROM 12:22CO 6:141TH 5:212TI 3:161JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encourage believers to prove all things and try the spirits. The speaker shares a spiritual treasure that was given to him, which helps discern whether something is from God or not. He emphasizes the need for believers to be discerning and not easily accepting everything they hear, especially when it comes to their spiritual lives.
The Love of the Truth
By Art Katz5.2K1:13:141JN 4:1This sermon delves into the importance of discernment, the need to seek God's truth beyond mere blessings, and the danger of being deceived by false appearances of spirituality. It emphasizes the significance of knowing God as He truly is, being open to the mysteries of His ways, and the necessity of repentance and a deeper knowledge of the truth to escape the snares of the devil. The speaker challenges the church to examine its foundations, practices, and beliefs, urging a return to a genuine relationship with God and a discerning spirit.
The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined
By Zac Poonen4.3K10:24MAT 7:15JHN 4:241CO 10:31GAL 5:16COL 2:81TI 6:10JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 4:1REV 3:15
This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus on material gain over spiritual growth and warns against imitating worldly trends rather than seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the importance of discernment, root issues, and staying true to the standards set by Jesus, rather than conforming to worldly standards for acceptance or popularity.
Self Examination
By C.H. Spurgeon2.8K31:27MAT 7:1ROM 14:121CO 11:282CO 13:5GAL 6:4JAS 1:221JN 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination. He compares it to a captain inspecting his soldiers on Review Day, looking closely at every detail. The preacher warns that God will not judge based on appearances, but will purify each individual through testing and scrutiny. He urges the congregation to examine themselves thoroughly, as God's condemnation is far more severe than any human judgment. The preacher also highlights the benefits of self-examination, as it can help alleviate doubts and fears and prevent spiritual bankruptcy. He emphasizes that the eternal state of one's soul depends on the choices made in this life and encourages the congregation to take their faith seriously and not rely on others for their salvation.
(Prophecy) Clarifications About Prophecy
By Zac Poonen2.7K57:29ISA 8:201CO 14:29EPH 1:31TH 5:201JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prophecy in warning God's people ahead of time. He encourages the audience to seek the gift of prophecy from God, so they can meet the needs of others. The speaker also addresses the issue of falling down and showing feet to God, stating that it is an insult and not the correct way to approach God. He emphasizes the need for pastors and elders in the church, but also highlights the importance of the entire body fulfilling their functions. The speaker also mentions that those who preach the gospel can receive financial support, as ordained by the Lord. Lastly, he emphasizes the need for discernment and judgment when it comes to prophecy, using the example of the Bereans in Acts 17. He compares the exercise of spiritual gifts to electricity, stating that while it is useful, it must be used according to the laws and principles set by God.
How to Be Filled
By L.E. Maxwell2.7K15:06ROM 12:21CO 14:12TI 3:16JAS 1:221PE 1:151JN 4:1REV 22:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the Holy Spirit and the temple. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit as the third member of the Trinity and the various symbols used in the Bible to represent the Holy Spirit. The speaker also highlights the perplexity and differing views surrounding the subject, attributing them to partial understanding of scripture or personal experiences. Additionally, the speaker addresses the issue of being slaves to fashion and urges the audience to seek the true filling of the Holy Spirit.
The Real Roots of the Emergent Church Documentary
By Elliott Nesch2.5K2:01:45ISA 43:19MAT 7:13MAT 16:181CO 3:6COL 2:82TI 4:31PE 3:151JN 4:1JUD 1:3
This sermon discusses the concept of the emergent church, likening it to the emergent growth in forestry or agriculture, symbolizing a small beginning with potential for significant growth. It explores the emergence of a new breed of churches challenging traditional approaches and addressing cultural conflicts. The sermon delves into interpretations of hell, emphasizing disconnection from God over eternal damnation, and questions the exclusivity of heaven. It also touches on the dangers of post-modern thinking and the need to defend the foundational faith amidst evolving ideologies.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 4
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59MAT 6:24MAT 7:15MAT 23:23LUK 12:15JHN 6:101TI 6:102TI 4:3JAS 5:11JN 4:1
This sermon addresses the housing crisis and the prevalence of deception in the church, particularly related to prosperity gospel teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for truth, even when it goes against popular beliefs, and draws parallels to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, highlighting the power of speaking truth in times of crisis and deception.
1950's National Radio Debate in Canada
By Ian Paisley2.1K12:08JHN 14:6JHN 16:13ROM 3:231CO 2:14EPH 1:132TI 3:161JN 4:1In this video, Dr. Paisley discusses the importance of being saved by God's grace and having a personal experience of faith. He emphasizes the Protestant belief that salvation is through faith alone, not through works. Dr. Paisley also talks about his protests against ecumenical observers at the Vatican Council and the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as these events were seen as steps towards unity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England. He argues that the Protestant churches should maintain their historic creeds, which are anti-Roman, and opposes dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.
What Love Is This? - Part 4
By Dave Hunt1.9K09:49MAT 7:15ACT 17:11ROM 16:171CO 3:11GAL 1:6EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 3:162PE 2:11JN 4:1
This sermon delves into the influence of Augustine on Calvinism and Reformed theology, highlighting Augustine's impact on Roman Catholic Church doctrines such as infant baptism, salvation through the church and sacraments, and allegorical interpretation of the Bible. It also explores the surprising connection between Augustine and the Protestant Reformation, with figures like Calvin and Luther heavily influenced by his writings. The sermon addresses the implications of these historical ties on modern church practices and the importance of understanding the origins of theological beliefs.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
By Charles E. Fuller1.8K49:13Gospel Of Jesus ChristMRK 1:21LUK 8:27EPH 6:111JN 4:1In this sermon, the main theme of the Gospel of Mark is emphasized, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The preacher highlights that the Gospel centers around the person of Jesus and that He is inseparable from the Gospel itself. Any other Gospel that does not include the substitutionary atoning work of Christ and His resurrection is considered satanically inspired. The sermon also discusses the ongoing spiritual warfare between God and Satan, with Satan knowing that his time is short and intensifying his efforts. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the Law of Sin and Death and the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, and how only through the redemptive power of the Gospel can one be delivered from the power of darkness and become a new creation in Christ. The sermon also touches on the subject of demons and the need for the Church to be better educated on this topic. The preacher encourages the audience to study the Bible and provides references to the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapter 1, verse 21, where the topic of demons is discussed.
Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception
By Jim Cymbala1.7K43:40PRO 4:23PRO 13:20MAT 7:152CO 6:142CO 11:14EPH 6:121TH 5:211JN 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to deceive and destroy. It urges listeners to seek God's discernment, avoid compromising with evil influences, and be vigilant against false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing.
When Someone Doubts
By C.J. Mahaney1.7K1:01:41Doubt1CO 16:142TI 2:23JAS 1:61PE 3:151JN 4:1JUD 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different forms of doubt that Christians may experience. He identifies seven families of doubt, including doubt from ingratitude, a faulty view of God, weak foundation, lack of commitment, lack of growth, unruly emotions, and hidden conflicts. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of and addressing these doubts in order to resolve them. He also highlights the need to focus on the gospel and keeping oneself in the love of God, as well as the assurance provided in the doxology found in the book of Jude.
Anabaptist History (Day 15) the Munster Tragedy and Melchior Hoffman
By Dean Taylor1.6K1:29:04PRO 3:5MAT 26:391CO 1:10GAL 1:8EPH 6:17COL 2:82TI 3:161JN 4:1
This sermon provides a historical overview of the Dutch Mennonites, highlighting the challenges and influences faced by different groups of people in various regions. It emphasizes the importance of judging beliefs and revelations using the Word of God to contend for the faith delivered to the saints. The sermon also delves into the tragic events involving Jan Matthias and Jan van Luyden, showcasing the consequences of straying from biblical truths and relying on personal revelations.
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:47MAT 24:10MAT 24:242CO 11:131TI 4:12TI 3:12PE 2:11JN 2:181JN 4:11JN 4:6
This sermon delves into the warning given by Jesus and the apostles about a great falling away before His second coming. It emphasizes the deception that will accompany this falling away, with false prophets leading many astray. The message highlights the need for discernment to distinguish between the genuine and the counterfeit, especially in the face of increasing lawlessness and a cooling of love towards God. The importance of holding onto true faith and avoiding those who only have a form of godliness without its power is underscored.
(The Church and Satans Wiles) 2 - as Jesus Is So Are We
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:14:54MAT 6:33MAT 16:18JHN 8:442CO 2:111TI 6:171JN 4:11JN 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible. He believes that many Christians are unaware of the truth of Scripture and are easily deceived by the lies of the devil. The preacher encourages his audience to live a life of victory and joy, citing 1 John 4:17 which states that as Jesus is, so are we in this world. He challenges the notion that the Christian life is boring and asserts that his own Christian life is exciting and fulfilling. The preacher also highlights the need to persevere and overcome challenges, comparing it to passing grades in education and the pursuit of higher goals.
The Rise of Antichrist
By Scott Hynds1.5K35:37AntichristMAT 7:15MAT 24:24ROM 8:31EPH 4:142TH 2:32TI 2:151JN 4:1In this sermon, the apostle Paul is emphasizing the importance of using spiritual gifts and the teaching of God's word to mature in faith. He warns against being easily swayed by false doctrines, comparing it to the way lice crawl from one head to another. The preacher also mentions the presence of unseen creatures in our beds, highlighting the idea that just because something is hidden doesn't mean it's not present and active. The sermon then shifts to discussing the concept of the "man of sin," suggesting that it refers to a succession of people rather than one individual. The preacher urges the audience to stay alert and discerning, as there are those within the body of Christ who promote teachings aligned with Lucifer's heart. The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging believers to study the word of God and verify the message conveyed.
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:52MAT 7:152PE 2:11JN 4:1
This sermon delves into the topic of false prophets, exploring how Jesus warned about them in Matthew 7 and the characteristics that identify them, emphasizing the importance of discerning beyond outward appearances and focusing on their intentions and actions. It highlights the deceptive nature of false prophets who may appear righteous but have selfish motives, seeking personal gain from those they deceive, drawing parallels to wolves in sheep's clothing preying on the vulnerable within the church community.
Lessons in Listening 2
By George Verwer1.3K50:43ListeningMAT 6:331JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of transformation and acknowledges that he is still a work in progress. He emphasizes the importance of testing the spirits behind our dreams and desires, referring to the scripture in 1 John 4:1. The speaker also discusses the need for seeking counsel from multiple sources and peers to discern God's will. He highlights the significance of spending more time in prayer and relying on the tools available to us as children of God, especially when human logic falls short.
Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:55DEU 8:3PSA 46:10PRO 18:13ISA 50:4LUK 10:39JHN 10:27JHN 11:41PHP 4:6JAS 1:221JN 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice through the Holy Spirit to make decisions in life, both in ministry and personal choices. It highlights the significance of developing a habit of listening to God by reading and meditating on the Bible daily, allowing one to discern God's voice amidst the many distractions. The speaker encourages a disciplined tongue that speaks words of help and encouragement to those in need, emphasizing the power of listening to God's guidance throughout the day and even in dreams.
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 13
By Winkie Pratney1.2K59:04MAT 24:24EPH 6:12HEB 9:271PE 5:81JN 4:1REV 3:12
This sermon delves into the new consciousness of the 1980s, exploring the shift towards a technological magic age and the blending of supernatural beliefs with materialistic views. It highlights the emergence of a space-age messiah concept in movies like E.T. and the societal hunger for heroes. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embody a balance of revelation and practical service, marrying technology with spiritual insight to navigate and counter the prevailing spiritual trends.
How the House Churches in China Meet
By E.A. Johnston1.2K04:48MAT 18:20MRK 16:17ACT 1:8ROM 8:141CO 2:4GAL 5:25EPH 6:121TH 5:17JAS 5:161JN 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the reliance of the church on the Holy Spirit rather than on human structures like in the West. It shares the challenges faced by rural underground churches in China, highlighting their unwavering faith, dedication to prayer, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and uncompromised love for God and one another. The Chinese believers demonstrate a deep commitment to prayer, deliverance from demonic activity, and a profound connection with God through the Holy Spirit, contrasting the Western church's reliance on committees and methodologies with the Chinese church's dependence on the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Audio Sermon: (1 Peter - Part 31): Christian's Trial and His Committal
By A.W. Tozer1.1K26:15PRO 30:5JHN 14:6EPH 4:142TI 4:31JN 4:1
This sermon focuses on the importance of adhering to correct doctrine and avoiding false teachings, emphasizing the need to have a right concept of God, ourselves, sin, and Christ. It stresses the significance of conforming to the truth revealed in the Bible and not altering it. The speaker highlights the consequences of falsifying spiritual data and the necessity of staying true to God's attributes and teachings.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Beloved, believe not every spirit - Do not be forward to believe every teacher to be a man sent of God. As in those early times every teacher professed to be inspired by the Spirit of God, because all the prophets had come thus accredited, the term spirit was used to express the man who pretended to be and teach under the Spirit's influence. See Co1 12:1-12; Ti1 4:1. Try the Spirits - Δοκιμαζετε τα πνευματα· Put these teachers to the proof. Try them by that testimony which is known to have come from the Spirit of God, the word of revelation already given. Many false prophets - Teachers not inspired by the Spirit of God, are gone out into the world - among the Jewish people particularly, and among them who are carnal and have not the Spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Beloved, believe not every spirit,.... The apostle having mentioned the word "spirit" in the latter part of the preceding chapter, takes an occasion from thence to return to what he had been suggesting in the "second" chapter, concerning the many antichrists that then were, and whom he points out, and here cautions against. By "every spirit" he means, either every doctrine that is pretended to come from the Spirit of God, or every teacher, who professes to be qualified and sent by him, and to have his light, knowledge, and doctrine from him. Every true minister of the Gospel has the Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit, more or less, to qualify him for his work; he is separated, and called to it by him, and receives his spiritual light find knowledge from him; it is he that teaches him sound doctrine, and leads him into all truth, as it is in Jesus, and brings every necessary truth to his remembrance; and who succeeds his ministrations to the good of souls: but there are some who call themselves the ministers of the Gospel, who, though they may have some natural abilities, and a share of human learning, and a notional knowledge of things, yet have never received either grace or gifts from the Spirit; nor have they been ever called by him; nor are their ministrations according to that divine word which is inspired by him, nor attended with his demonstration and power; wherefore, though some professing to have the Spirit of Christ are to be believed, yet not everyone; and though the Spirit is not to be quenched in any, nor prophesying to be despised, yet care should be taken what is heard and received: some persons are so obstinate and incredulous as not to believe anything that is declared, be the evidence what it will; as the Jews would not believe Christ and his apostles, though what they said agreed with Moses and the prophets, and was confirmed by miracles; and others are too credulous; at once receive every teacher, and embrace every upstart doctrine: this they should not do, but try the spirits whether they are of God; not by human reason, especially as carnal and unsanctified; for though the doctrines of the Gospel are not contrary to true reason, they are above it, and not to be judged of by it, and are disapproved of and rejected by carnal reason; but by the word of God, which is the standard of all doctrine; and whatever agrees with that is to be received, and what does not should be rejected. And so to do is very commendable, as appears from the instance of the Beraeans, who on this account are said to be more noble than those of Thessalonica, Act 17:11; and from the commendation of the church at Ephesus, Rev 2:2. And this is what every believer, every private Christian should do; to them it belongs to read and search the Scriptures, and prove all things, and judge for themselves of the truth of doctrine; and to such a probation or trial of the spirits, spiritual light, knowledge, judgment, sense, experience, and divine guidance are necessary, which should be asked of God, and an increase thereof; and all such diligent searchers, and humble inquirers, are capable of making judgment of persons and doctrines, whether they are from the Spirit of God or not, for the Spirit of God never speaks contrary to his word: and the reason why such a trial should be made is, because many false prophets are gone out into the world: such who pretended either to a revelation of future things, and to foretell things to come; or rather to a gift of prophesying, or preaching in Christ's name, to be "prophets" and spiritual men, and ministers of the word, but were "false" ones; who either predicted what did not come to pass, or rather preached false doctrine, by corrupting the word, and handling it deceitfully, and so imposed upon and ruined the souls of others, as well as deceived their own: and there were not only one, or two, or a few of these, but "many", as our Lord had foretold, Mat 24:11; and which makes the reason the stronger for not believing every spirit, but trying them; and the rather, since they were not sent of God, hot called out by his churches, but were "gone out" of themselves; of their own heads, and without any mission from God or man: and "into the world" too; they were in every part of it, and especially where there were any churches of Christ; into which they first crept in privily, and at unawares, but afterwards became public preachers of the word, and then separating from them, set up openly in the world for themselves.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having said that God's dwelling in and with us may be known by the Spirit that he hath given us, intimates that that Spirit may be discerned and distinguished from other spirits that appear in the world; and so here, I. He calls the disciples, to whom he writes, to caution and scrutiny about the spirits and spiritual professors that had now risen. 1. To caution: "Beloved, believe not every spirit; regard not, trust not, follow not, every pretender to the Spirit of God, or every professor of vision, or inspiration, or revelation from God." Truth is the foundation of simulation and counterfeits; there had been real communications from the divine Spirit, and therefore others pretended thereto. God will take the way of his own wisdom and goodness, though it may be liable to abuse; he has sent inspired teachers to the world, and given us a supernatural revelation, though others may be so evil and so impudent as to pretend the same; every pretender to the divine Spirit, or to inspiration, and extraordinary illumination thereby, is not to be believed. Time was when the spiritual man (the man of the Spirit, who made a great noise about, and boast of, the Spirit) was mad, Hos 9:7. 2. To scrutiny, to examination of the claims that are laid to the Spirit: But try the spirits, whether they be of God, Jo1 4:1. God has given of his Spirit in these latter ages of the world, but not to all who profess to come furnished therewith; to the disciples is allowed a judgment of discretion, in reference to the spirits that would be believed and trusted in the affairs of religion. A reason is given for this trial: Because many false prophets have gone out into the world, Jo1 4:1. There being much about the time of our Saviour's appearance in the world a general expectation among the Jews of a Redeemer to Israel, and the humiliation, spiritual reformation, and sufferings of the Saviour being taken as a prejudice against him, others were induced to set up as prophets and messiahs to Israel, according to the Saviour's prediction, Mat 24:23, Mat 24:24. It should not seem strange to us that false teachers set themselves up in the church: it was so in the apostles' times; fatal is the spirit of delusion, sad that men should vaunt themselves for prophets and inspired preachers that are by no means so! II. He gives a test whereby the disciples may try these pretending spirits. These spirits set up for prophets, doctors, or dictators in religion, and so they were to be tried by their doctrine; and the test whereby in that day, or in that part of the world where the apostle now resided (for in various seasons, and in various churches, tests were different), must be this: Hereby know you the Spirit of God, Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or that confesseth Jesus Christ that came in the flesh), is of God, Jo1 4:2. Jesus Christ is to be confessed as the Son of God, the eternal life and Word, that was with the Father from the beginning; as the Son of God that came into, and came in, our human mortal nature, and therein suffered and died at Jerusalem. He who confesses and preaches this, by a mind supernaturally instructed and enlightened therein, does it by the Spirit of God, or God is the author of that illumination. On the contrary, "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or Jesus Christ that came in the flesh) is not of God, Jo1 4:3. God has given so much testimony to Jesus Christ, who was lately here in the world, and in the flesh (or in a fleshly body like ours), though now in heaven, that you may be assured that any impulse or pretended inspiration that contradicts this is far from being from heaven and of God." The sum of revealed religion is comprehended in the doctrine concerning Christ, his person and office. We see then the aggravation of a systematic opposition to him and it. And this is that spirit of antichrist whereof you have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world, Jo1 4:3. It was foreknown by God that antichrists would arise, and antichristian spirits oppose his Spirit and his truth; it was foreknown also that one eminent antichrist would arise, and make a long and fatal war against the Christ of God, and his institution, and honour, and kingdom in the world. This great antichrist would have his way prepared, and his rise facilitated, by other less antichrists, and the spirit of error working and disposing men's minds for him: the antichristian spirit began betimes, even in the apostles' days. Dreadful and unsearchable is the judgment of God, that persons should be given over to an antichristian spirit, and to such darkness and delusion as to set themselves against the Son of God and all the testimony that the Father hath given to the Son! But we have been forewarned that such opposition would arise; we should therefore cease to be offended, and the more we see the word of Christ fulfilled the more confirmed we should be in the truth of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:1-6 Those who belong to God (4:4) can distinguish spiritual truth from error, because the Spirit’s presence (3:23-24) teaches them (see 2:20, 27; John 14:15-26; 16:5-15). Yet John provides concrete tests for the believers to apply so that there will be no confusion. These tests are a starting point for true teachers, not an exhaustive set; they were designed to address the false teachings that were being promoted in the churches of John’s readers. 4:1 everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit (literally every spirit): The teachers who left John’s churches claimed to be prophets, but the true prophet is an instrument for the Holy Spirit’s messages (Acts 4:25; 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 19:10). Every speaker should be tested against what the Holy Spirit has said through the apostles (1 Jn 4:2-3, 6).