1 John 4:2
Verse
Context
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, 3and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God - We know that the man who teaches that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, and that he is come in the flesh, is of God - is inspired by the Divine Spirit; for no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Ghost.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hereby--"Herein." know . . . the Spirit of God--whether he be, or not, in those teachers professing to be moved by Him. Every spirit--that is, Every teacher claiming inspiration by the HOLY SPIRIT. confesseth--The truth is taken for granted as established. Man is required to confess it, that is, in his teaching to profess it openly. Jesus Christ is come in the flesh--a twofold truth confessed, that Jesus is the Christ, and that He is come (the Greek perfect tense implies not a mere past historical fact, as the aorist would, but also the present continuance of the fact and its blessed effects) in the flesh ("clothed with flesh": not with a mere seeming humanity, as the DocetÃ&brvbr afterwards taught: He therefore was, previously, something far above flesh). His flesh implies His death for us, for only by assuming flesh could He die (for as God He could not), Heb 2:9-10, Heb 2:14, Heb 2:16; and His death implies His LOVE for us (Joh 15:13). To deny the reality of His flesh is to deny His love, and so cast away the root which produces all true love on the believer's part (Jo1 4:9-11, Jo1 4:19). Rome, by the doctrine of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, denies Christ's proper humanity.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God,.... This is a rule by which believers may know whether a man professing to have the Spirit of God, and to be called and sent by him, and whether the, doctrine he preaches, is of him or not: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God; or of the Spirit of God; that is, every doctrine which carries this truth in it; or every man that owns, and professes, and publishes this doctrine concerning Christ, is on the side of God and truth; and which contains several articles in it, respecting the person and office of Christ; as that he existed before he came in the flesh, not in the human nature, or as man, or as an angel, but as the Son of God, as a divine person, being truly and properly God; so that this confession takes in his divine sonship, and proper deity, and also his true and real humanity; that the Messiah was incarnate, against the Jews, and was God and man in one person; and that he was really man, and not in appearance only, against the heretics of those times: and it also includes his offices, as that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the Messiah, which the Jews denied, and that he was the anointed prophet, priest, and King; and so is a confession or acknowledgment of all the doctrines of the Gospel, which came by him, as a prophet; and of his satisfaction, sacrifice, and intercession, as a priest; and of all his ordinances and commands as a King; and that he is the only Saviour and Redeemer of men. Now, whoever owns and declares this system of truth, "is of God"; not that everyone that assents unto this, or preaches it, is born of God; a man may believe, and confess all this, as the devils themselves do, and yet be destitute of the grace of God; but the spirit, or doctrine, which contains these things in it, is certainly of God, or comes from him; or whoever brings these truths with him, and preaches them, he is, so far as he does so, on the side of God and truth, and to be regarded.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 If a person claiming to be a prophet: John outlines a doctrinal test for prophets and teachers. Those who have the Spirit of God confess that Jesus Christ came in a real body. In other words, they must affirm the reality that Jesus is both fully man and fully God. Prophets and teachers who deny these basic teachings are antichrists (2:18). Certain false teachers in John’s day (the Docetists) taught that Jesus Christ only seemed to have a human body but did not really have one. They thereby denied that God became flesh; see 1:1-3; John 1:14).
1 John 4:2
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, 3and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Through the Bible - 2 John, 3 John, Jude
By Zac Poonen2.1K53:08Through The BibleGEN 5:22ROM 8:131JN 3:231JN 4:2JUD 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment in understanding the truth. He compares the process of finding the right answer in multiple-choice questions to discerning the truth in matters of science, history, and spirituality. The preacher highlights three key points that are crucial for believers: obeying God's commandments, loving one another, and acknowledging that Jesus came in the flesh. He emphasizes that these three points are interconnected and essential for living a righteous life. The preacher also explains that God allows deception to sharpen our discernment and help us mature in our faith.
(Knowing God's Way) 21. Understanding the Truth Accurately
By Zac Poonen0Understanding TruthBalance in DoctrineMAT 11:25MAT 28:19JHN 8:32JHN 13:35ROM 8:3EPH 2:8PHP 2:121TI 4:162TI 2:151JN 4:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of accurately understanding and teaching God's truth, likening life and doctrine to two legs that must be equally balanced for a stable Christian walk. He warns against the common tendency to overemphasize certain doctrines at the expense of others, which can lead to heresy and an imbalanced faith. Poonen stresses the importance of diligent study of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, to achieve true understanding and freedom from sin. He also highlights the significance of Jesus' dual nature as both fully God and fully man, and the essential truths of salvation and the church's role in proclaiming the gospel. Ultimately, he calls believers to pursue sanctification and unity in love, reflecting the nature of Christ.
Jesus Christ Come in Flesh
By John Gifford Bellett0AMO 5:25ACT 7:131JN 1:31JN 4:21JN 5:20John Gifford Bellett preaches on the significance of the ark and the camp during the journey through the wilderness, emphasizing the need for the camp to guide and guard the ark, symbolizing subjection to God's will, dependence on His guidance, and conscious liberty. Bellett draws parallels between the camp's journey and our spiritual journey, highlighting the importance of maintaining the truths represented by the tabernacle and its furniture, especially in relation to Christ's honor. He stresses the necessity of confessing the truth about Jesus Christ's deity, as seen in the Epistles of John, and the duty to maintain the honor of His name, even if our own safety were not at stake.
Unbelievers in the Blood of Christ Shall Be Condemned
By Ignatius of Antioch0MAT 22:37JHN 13:34JHN 17:31CO 13:21JN 4:2Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of believing in Christ Jesus, confessing His sacrifice on the cross, and acknowledging the salvation through His shed blood for eternal life. He warns against pride in positions or wealth and encourages humility and love towards God and others. Ignatius stresses the significance of faith in God, hope in Christ, and the practice of love as the core principles of Christianity, quoting the commandment to love God and neighbor. He contrasts true believers with those who preach false doctrines, lacking love and integrity, and focusing on temporary pleasures rather than eternal truths.
Epistle 29
By George Fox0True MinistryDiscernmentPSA 24:1MAL 3:10MAT 10:8MAT 10:10LUK 10:7ROM 15:272CO 11:13PHP 3:19HEB 7:241JN 4:2George Fox emphasizes the distinction between true ministers of Christ and those who misuse scripture for personal gain. He warns against supporting those who demand tithes without providing spiritual nourishment, arguing that such practices contradict Christ's teachings. Fox highlights the importance of recognizing the unchangeable priesthood of Christ and the new covenant, which frees believers from the obligations of the old priesthood. He encourages believers to support genuine ministers who preach the gospel freely, while rejecting those who exploit their positions for financial gain. Ultimately, Fox calls for discernment in spiritual matters and a commitment to Christ's doctrine.
The Reality of Christ's Passion
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 1:14JHN 11:251CO 15:31TI 2:51JN 4:2Ignatius of Antioch passionately defends the true humanity and suffering of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He truly took on a body, suffered, died, and rose again, contrary to the claims of unbelievers. He affirms the reality of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, highlighting the significance of these events for the salvation of humanity. Ignatius urges his listeners to reject false teachings and heresies that deny the true nature of Christ and to believe in Him for eternal life.
Their Dangerous Errors
By Ignatius of Antioch0MAT 10:32LUK 12:8ROM 10:92TI 2:121JN 4:2Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of confessing and acknowledging Jesus Christ as God incarnate, highlighting the severe consequences of denying Him. He expresses disappointment in those who advocate falsehood and blaspheme the Lord, stating that such individuals are enveloped in spiritual death. Ignatius refrains from naming these unbelievers, hoping for their repentance before any mention is made of them.
The Doctrine of Christ
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein01JN 1:71JN 3:81JN 4:21JN 4:91JN 5:51JN 5:91JN 5:131JN 5:20Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the importance of holding fast to the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing that denying the deity of Jesus Christ is denying God Himself and leads to being without hope in the world. He urges believers to have a divine jealousy for the honor and glory of Christ, separating from those who deny His true nature. Gaebelein highlights the blessings and comforts that come from abiding in the doctrine of Christ, leading to deeper fellowship with the Father and the Son.
The Genius of Christianity
By Selwyn Hughes0ISA 7:14MAT 1:23JHN 1:14GAL 4:4PHP 2:7COL 2:91TI 3:16HEB 2:141JN 4:2Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the profound truth of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, highlighting the historical reality of God coming to earth in human form. Christianity is not merely a set of principles or teachings but is rooted in concrete events and happenings, with the Incarnation being a central aspect of the gospel. To be a true Christian is to accept the reality of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection as described in the Scriptures. The essence of the Christian faith lies in the fact that 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.'
Passages in Which Each Name [Of Jesus] Occurs - Part 1
By John Nelson Darby0The Authority of ChristThe Name of JesusROM 1:11CO 1:2PHP 2:11HEB 13:81JN 4:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the name of Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament, illustrating how various apostles and writers refer to Him in their letters. He highlights the multifaceted roles of Jesus, including His position as Savior, Lord, and the foundation of faith, and how these titles reflect His divine authority and relationship with believers. The sermon serves as a reminder of the centrality of Jesus in the Christian faith and the importance of acknowledging His lordship in our lives.
Day 237, 2 John
By David Servant01JN 4:21JN 4:72JN 1:1David Servant preaches on the cryptic letter penned by the elderly apostle John to 'the chosen lady and her children,' believed to be a church and its members, possibly written ambiguously for their safety during persecution. The letter emphasizes the importance of loving the brethren, obeying God's commandments, and warns against false teachers who denied Jesus' incarnation, urging caution in extending hospitality to potential deceivers disguised as Christian missionaries.
1 John 4
By Daniel Steele01JN 4:2Daniel Steele preaches on the importance of discerning between true and false spirits, emphasizing the need to test religious teachers to ensure they are in alignment with God's truth. He highlights the significance of confessing Jesus Christ as the incarnate Savior, stressing that true faith must declare itself through a genuine, penitent heart trusting in Christ for salvation. Steele delves into the concept of God's love being perfected in believers, leading to boldness in the day of judgment and the mutual indwelling of God and the believer as a sign of intimate fellowship.
1 John 4:2
By John Gill0The Nature of ChristDiscernmentJHN 1:14JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:91CO 15:3PHP 2:5COL 2:91TI 3:16HEB 4:141JN 4:2John Gill emphasizes the importance of discerning the Spirit of God through the confession of Jesus Christ's incarnation. He explains that true doctrine acknowledges Christ's divine sonship, humanity, and his roles as prophet, priest, and king. This confession is essential for identifying those who are aligned with God and His truth, as it encompasses the core tenets of the Gospel. However, Gill warns that mere intellectual assent to these truths is not sufficient for salvation, as even demons acknowledge Christ's identity without possessing God's grace. Ultimately, those who preach and uphold this doctrine are recognized as being on God's side.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God - We know that the man who teaches that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, and that he is come in the flesh, is of God - is inspired by the Divine Spirit; for no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Ghost.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hereby--"Herein." know . . . the Spirit of God--whether he be, or not, in those teachers professing to be moved by Him. Every spirit--that is, Every teacher claiming inspiration by the HOLY SPIRIT. confesseth--The truth is taken for granted as established. Man is required to confess it, that is, in his teaching to profess it openly. Jesus Christ is come in the flesh--a twofold truth confessed, that Jesus is the Christ, and that He is come (the Greek perfect tense implies not a mere past historical fact, as the aorist would, but also the present continuance of the fact and its blessed effects) in the flesh ("clothed with flesh": not with a mere seeming humanity, as the DocetÃ&brvbr afterwards taught: He therefore was, previously, something far above flesh). His flesh implies His death for us, for only by assuming flesh could He die (for as God He could not), Heb 2:9-10, Heb 2:14, Heb 2:16; and His death implies His LOVE for us (Joh 15:13). To deny the reality of His flesh is to deny His love, and so cast away the root which produces all true love on the believer's part (Jo1 4:9-11, Jo1 4:19). Rome, by the doctrine of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, denies Christ's proper humanity.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God,.... This is a rule by which believers may know whether a man professing to have the Spirit of God, and to be called and sent by him, and whether the, doctrine he preaches, is of him or not: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God; or of the Spirit of God; that is, every doctrine which carries this truth in it; or every man that owns, and professes, and publishes this doctrine concerning Christ, is on the side of God and truth; and which contains several articles in it, respecting the person and office of Christ; as that he existed before he came in the flesh, not in the human nature, or as man, or as an angel, but as the Son of God, as a divine person, being truly and properly God; so that this confession takes in his divine sonship, and proper deity, and also his true and real humanity; that the Messiah was incarnate, against the Jews, and was God and man in one person; and that he was really man, and not in appearance only, against the heretics of those times: and it also includes his offices, as that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the Messiah, which the Jews denied, and that he was the anointed prophet, priest, and King; and so is a confession or acknowledgment of all the doctrines of the Gospel, which came by him, as a prophet; and of his satisfaction, sacrifice, and intercession, as a priest; and of all his ordinances and commands as a King; and that he is the only Saviour and Redeemer of men. Now, whoever owns and declares this system of truth, "is of God"; not that everyone that assents unto this, or preaches it, is born of God; a man may believe, and confess all this, as the devils themselves do, and yet be destitute of the grace of God; but the spirit, or doctrine, which contains these things in it, is certainly of God, or comes from him; or whoever brings these truths with him, and preaches them, he is, so far as he does so, on the side of God and truth, and to be regarded.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 If a person claiming to be a prophet: John outlines a doctrinal test for prophets and teachers. Those who have the Spirit of God confess that Jesus Christ came in a real body. In other words, they must affirm the reality that Jesus is both fully man and fully God. Prophets and teachers who deny these basic teachings are antichrists (2:18). Certain false teachers in John’s day (the Docetists) taught that Jesus Christ only seemed to have a human body but did not really have one. They thereby denied that God became flesh; see 1:1-3; John 1:14).