1 John 4:6
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are of God - We, apostles, have the Spirit of God, and speak and teach by that Spirit. He that knoweth God - who has a truly spiritual discernment, heareth us - acknowledges that our doctrine is from God; that it is spiritual, and leads from earth to heaven. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth - The doctrine and teacher most prized and followed by worldly men, and by the gay, giddy, and garish multitude, are not from God; they savor of the flesh, lay on no restraints, prescribe no cross-bearing, and leave every one in full possession of his heart's lusts and easily besetting sins. And by this, false doctrine and false teachers are easily discerned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
We--true teachers of Christ: in contrast to them. are of God--and therefore speak of God: in contrast to "speak they of the world," Jo1 4:5. knoweth God--as his Father, being a child "of God" (Jo1 2:13-14). heareth us--Compare Joh 18:37, "Every one that is of the truth, heareth My voice." Hereby-- (Jo1 4:2-6); by their confessing, or not confessing, Jesus; by the kind of reception given them respectively by those who know God, and by those who are of the world and not of God. spirit of truth--the Spirit which comes from God and teaches truth. spirit of error--the spirit which comes from Satan and seduces into error.
John Gill Bible Commentary
We are of God,.... Not only as the chosen of God, the children of God, regenerated ones, and believers, but as ministers of the Gospel; they were chosen, and called, and sent of God to preach the Gospel, and were qualified for it, by gifts received from him, and had their doctrine from him, as well as their commission and mission: they were not of the world, and therefore did not speak of the world, nor things suited to worldly men; but being of God, they spoke the words of God, which were agreeable to him, which made for the glory of the three divine Persons, and were consistent with the divine perfections; which maintained the honour and dignity of the persons in the Godhead; which magnified the grace of God in salvation, and debased the creature: he that knoweth God; not only as the God of nature and providence, but as in Christ, and that not only professionally, but practically; that has an experimental knowledge of him, that knows him as exercising lovingkindness, having tasted of his grace and goodness; that knows him so as to trust in him, and love him; for such a knowledge of God is meant, as has true real affection to him joined with it; so that it is he that loves his name, his glory, his truths, and his ordinances: he heareth us: not only externally, constantly attending on the ministry of the word, as such do; but internally, understanding what is heard, receiving it in love, cordially embracing it, and firmly believing it, and acting according to it: he that is not of God; who is not born of God, but is as he was when born into the world, and is of it: and who does not righteousness, nor loves his brother, nor confesses the divinity, humanity, and offices of Christ, and so is not on the side of truth, nor has the truth of grace in him; see Jo1 3:10; such a man heareth not us; he is a mere natural man, a carnal and unregenerate man; and such an one cannot attend on a Gospel ministry, or receive Gospel doctrines, which are with him senseless, stupid, and foolish notions, yea, foolishness itself; nor can he know and understand them through ignorance, and want, of a spiritual discerning; they are hard sayings, and he cannot hear, nor bear them; and when this is the case, it is a plain token of unregeneracy, and that such persons are not of God; see Joh 8:47. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error; the difference between truth and error; can distinguish one from another, and discern who are the true ministers of Christ, and who are the false teachers; for not only the word of God, the Scriptures of truth, are the test and standard, the touchstone to bring them to, and try them by; and the doctrines they severally bring show who they are; but even their very hearers distinguish them. Spirits, or men pretending to the Spirit of God, may be known in a great measure by their followers; they who have the spirit of error, and are of the world, they are followed, and caressed, and applauded by the men of the world, by unregenerate persons; they who have the spirit of truth, and are of God, they are heard and approved of, and embraced by spiritual men, by such who know God in Christ, and have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 John tests the reality of a person’s Christianity by whether they listen to and agree with the teachings of the apostles. • The Spirit of truth is the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15), who teaches the truth about Christ (1 Jn 2:20, 27). • False prophets have the spirit of deception, the spirit of antichrist, which leads people away from Christ (see study note on 2:22). Therefore, union with the historic body of Christ and the consensus of teaching that began with the apostles is a sign of fidelity to Christ’s work in the world.
1 John 4:6
Testing the Spirits
5They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them. 6We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Really a Christian?
By Todd Friel2.6K39:33JAS 1:11JN 3:81JN 3:141JN 4:6JUD 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love of God for the sinful world by giving His only Son to die on the cross. The preacher describes the brutal and agonizing death that Jesus endured, highlighting the depth of His sacrifice. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and not being enticed by the temptations of the world. The preacher concludes by explaining the role of an evangelist and comparing it to the care and guidance provided by a shepherd on a sheep farm.
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 4:6This 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.
Studies in 1 John 06 Spirit of Truth and Error
By John W. Bramhall71848:58MAT 6:33JHN 8:441TI 3:16JAS 4:71JN 4:41JN 4:6JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of discerning between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. He emphasizes the need to test the spirits and not believe every spirit, as there are many false prophets in the world. The preacher highlights that the spirit of God confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, while the spirit of Antichrist denies this truth. He encourages believers to overcome the false prophets by relying on the greater power of God within them.
The First Epistle of John
By Keith Daniel5391:36:00ISA 7:14MAT 7:21JHN 1:11TI 3:162PE 2:11JN 2:181JN 4:11JN 4:6This sermon focuses on the profound mystery and significance of God manifesting in the flesh as Immanuel, meaning 'God with us,' as foretold in Isaiah 7:14. It delves into the revelation of God's manifestation in human form, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as God incarnate, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 3:16 and John 1:1. The sermon also addresses the essence of true prophecy in the context of anointed preaching and teaching of God's Word, cautioning against false prophets and emphasizing the need to discern spirits to uphold the purity of the church, echoing the teachings of John in his epistle.
The Truth or Its Effects?
By H.J. Vine0JHN 1:17JHN 14:6EPH 4:13COL 1:25COL 2:9HEB 12:21PE 2:241JN 4:61JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches on the profound truth that grace and truth are found through Jesus Christ, as depicted in John 1:17. The sermon emphasizes the unique roles of different apostles in ministering the truth about Jesus, with Paul revealing Him as the Son of God and John providing the deepest understanding of His divine nature. The Holy Spirit guides believers to progress in the truth, encouraging them to grow in grace, knowledge, and communion with God, while warning against distractions that hinder true understanding and joy in the truth.
8. Rhetorical Style
By Daniel Steele0JHN 8:44JHN 11:251JN 1:51JN 3:101JN 4:61JN 4:81JN 5:16Daniel Steele preaches about the constant occurrence of moral and spiritual antitheses in the Bible, where each thought has its opposite. He highlights the contrasts such as light and darkness, life and death, love and hate, truth and falsehood, children of God and children of the devil, sin unto death and sin not unto death, the spirit of truth and the spirit of error, and love of the Father versus love of the world.
Holy Orders
By Ian Paisley0JER 6:15ROM 10:14ROM 10:171CO 1:211CO 1:23GAL 1:81TI 3:12TI 4:2TIT 1:51JN 4:6Ian Paisley preaches against the concept of Holy Orders as an institution unknown to the Scriptures, denouncing Popery's elevation of priesthood through claimed divine institution and sacramental significance. He refutes Apostolic Succession, highlighting the distinction between the Apostles and other ministers, emphasizing the lack of scriptural support for this assumption. Paisley challenges the doctrines of Apostolic Succession and Papal Unity, exposing the fallacies and historical corruptions within these systems. He underscores the importance of character and doctrine in appointing bishops, contrasting the Apostolic emphasis on preaching the Gospel with the modern prioritization of sacraments over preaching and Gospel truths.
Exhortation to Union and to Obedienc
By Clement of Rome0JHN 17:211CO 7:34PHP 4:41TH 4:31JN 4:6Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, urging them to be of the same mind and one in heart with each other and with the Lord. He distinguishes between those who truly desire to live in sanctity and virginity, indicating that those who are not of God will not heed their message. Clement concludes with a farewell, encouraging the saints to rejoice in the Lord and receive peace and joy from God the Father through Jesus Christ.
Truth Triumphant!
By Miles J. Stanford0JHN 14:6JHN 16:13JHN 18:372CO 6:41JN 4:6Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of maintaining divine truth in Christianity, highlighting the need for zeal for the purity of God's truth to match the zeal for the salvation of sinners. He warns against accommodating falsehoods and emphasizes that true love according to God upholds the truth, especially in the last days where the test of truth is the maintenance of it. Stanford stresses that the Holy Spirit, who pours the love of God into our hearts, is the Spirit of truth, and His role is to glorify Christ.
1 John 4:6
By John Gill0Spiritual DiscernmentIdentity in ChristMAT 7:15JHN 8:47JHN 10:27ROM 8:91CO 2:142CO 11:13EPH 4:301JN 3:101JN 4:11JN 4:6John Gill emphasizes the distinction between those who are of God and those who are not, highlighting that true believers and ministers of the Gospel are chosen and sent by God to proclaim His truth. He explains that those who know God do so through a personal and experiential relationship, which leads them to embrace and act upon His Word. In contrast, those who are not of God lack the ability to understand or accept the Gospel, revealing their unregenerate state. Gill concludes that the ability to discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error is evident in the responses of their hearers, as true ministers are recognized and embraced by those who know God. This sermon calls believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the importance of spiritual discernment.
Introduction
By J. Vyrnwy Morgan0PRO 14:15MAT 7:15ACT 17:111CO 2:142CO 13:5EPH 5:101TH 5:21HEB 5:141JN 4:11JN 4:6J. Vyrnwy Morgan delves into the history and impact of revivals, emphasizing the need for discernment in evaluating their authenticity and lasting effects. He explores the various types of revivals in Wales, highlighting key figures and their contributions to spiritual awakenings. The sermon touches on the evolution of theological views, from puritanic legalism to a focus on character and conduct, and the shift in emphasis from fear-based inducements to repentance to a deeper understanding of righteousness and retribution. Through historical accounts and reflections, the sermon challenges traditional perceptions and encourages a more critical examination of religious experiences.
Your Unique Life
By Ernest O'Neill0JHN 3:6JHN 14:26JHN 16:13ROM 8:14ROM 8:161CO 2:11GAL 5:251JN 4:11JN 4:6Ernest O'Neill preaches about the unique sense of destiny that each individual feels, emphasizing that despite our ordinary appearance and personality, we all believe we are made for something special. He delves into the concept of the spirit as the depth inside us that connects us to the life we were created for, highlighting the importance of seeking direction from the Spirit of God. O'Neill stresses the significance of embracing the truth found in the New Testament and following the guidance of Jesus to discover and live out the personal destiny planned by the Creator, separate from societal norms and opinions.
Psalms - Appendices
By F.W. Grant0MAL 4:2JHN 3:8ROM 13:10EPH 5:13COL 2:9HEB 1:31JN 3:161JN 4:61JN 4:8F. W. Grant preaches about the witness of arithmetic to Christ, exploring the significance of the numbers 1, 2, and 3 in relation to the Trinity. He delves into the natural analogies found in mathematics and how they reflect the divine attributes of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Grant emphasizes the unity, love, and harmony within the Triune Godhead, as revealed through the numerical patterns in nature and Scripture, inviting listeners to consider the profound connection between mathematics and theology.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are of God - We, apostles, have the Spirit of God, and speak and teach by that Spirit. He that knoweth God - who has a truly spiritual discernment, heareth us - acknowledges that our doctrine is from God; that it is spiritual, and leads from earth to heaven. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth - The doctrine and teacher most prized and followed by worldly men, and by the gay, giddy, and garish multitude, are not from God; they savor of the flesh, lay on no restraints, prescribe no cross-bearing, and leave every one in full possession of his heart's lusts and easily besetting sins. And by this, false doctrine and false teachers are easily discerned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
We--true teachers of Christ: in contrast to them. are of God--and therefore speak of God: in contrast to "speak they of the world," Jo1 4:5. knoweth God--as his Father, being a child "of God" (Jo1 2:13-14). heareth us--Compare Joh 18:37, "Every one that is of the truth, heareth My voice." Hereby-- (Jo1 4:2-6); by their confessing, or not confessing, Jesus; by the kind of reception given them respectively by those who know God, and by those who are of the world and not of God. spirit of truth--the Spirit which comes from God and teaches truth. spirit of error--the spirit which comes from Satan and seduces into error.
John Gill Bible Commentary
We are of God,.... Not only as the chosen of God, the children of God, regenerated ones, and believers, but as ministers of the Gospel; they were chosen, and called, and sent of God to preach the Gospel, and were qualified for it, by gifts received from him, and had their doctrine from him, as well as their commission and mission: they were not of the world, and therefore did not speak of the world, nor things suited to worldly men; but being of God, they spoke the words of God, which were agreeable to him, which made for the glory of the three divine Persons, and were consistent with the divine perfections; which maintained the honour and dignity of the persons in the Godhead; which magnified the grace of God in salvation, and debased the creature: he that knoweth God; not only as the God of nature and providence, but as in Christ, and that not only professionally, but practically; that has an experimental knowledge of him, that knows him as exercising lovingkindness, having tasted of his grace and goodness; that knows him so as to trust in him, and love him; for such a knowledge of God is meant, as has true real affection to him joined with it; so that it is he that loves his name, his glory, his truths, and his ordinances: he heareth us: not only externally, constantly attending on the ministry of the word, as such do; but internally, understanding what is heard, receiving it in love, cordially embracing it, and firmly believing it, and acting according to it: he that is not of God; who is not born of God, but is as he was when born into the world, and is of it: and who does not righteousness, nor loves his brother, nor confesses the divinity, humanity, and offices of Christ, and so is not on the side of truth, nor has the truth of grace in him; see Jo1 3:10; such a man heareth not us; he is a mere natural man, a carnal and unregenerate man; and such an one cannot attend on a Gospel ministry, or receive Gospel doctrines, which are with him senseless, stupid, and foolish notions, yea, foolishness itself; nor can he know and understand them through ignorance, and want, of a spiritual discerning; they are hard sayings, and he cannot hear, nor bear them; and when this is the case, it is a plain token of unregeneracy, and that such persons are not of God; see Joh 8:47. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error; the difference between truth and error; can distinguish one from another, and discern who are the true ministers of Christ, and who are the false teachers; for not only the word of God, the Scriptures of truth, are the test and standard, the touchstone to bring them to, and try them by; and the doctrines they severally bring show who they are; but even their very hearers distinguish them. Spirits, or men pretending to the Spirit of God, may be known in a great measure by their followers; they who have the spirit of error, and are of the world, they are followed, and caressed, and applauded by the men of the world, by unregenerate persons; they who have the spirit of truth, and are of God, they are heard and approved of, and embraced by spiritual men, by such who know God in Christ, and have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 John tests the reality of a person’s Christianity by whether they listen to and agree with the teachings of the apostles. • The Spirit of truth is the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15), who teaches the truth about Christ (1 Jn 2:20, 27). • False prophets have the spirit of deception, the spirit of antichrist, which leads people away from Christ (see study note on 2:22). Therefore, union with the historic body of Christ and the consensus of teaching that began with the apostles is a sign of fidelity to Christ’s work in the world.