1 John 4:1-6
Throughout the first epistle of John it is clear that the apostle is concerned about Christians being deceived. He wrote with urgency to warn them about anti-Christ in chapter two. In that context the writer said, “no lie is of the truth”, and he said, “who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?” In chapter three, verse seven he said: “let no on deceive you”. John had a realistic concern about Christians being deceived, for he knew the spirit of error as opposed to the spirit of truth. If that reality escapes our notice, we are in trouble today. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of GOD; because many false prophets have gone out into world”.
How important is it to “not believe, but test” the spirits? If you have ever watched religious television you know it is common for a preacher to tell his audience that he has the Holy Spirit, or that GOD personally appeared to him and told him to do or say certain things. Apart from the Scriptures and not subject to any verification you can be satisfied with the man or woman simply says “they have the Spirit’. Consider what the apostle John says here: “Don’t believe all people who SAY they have the Spirit”
There are many passages in the New Testament wherein belief is a command. Look back in 1 John 3:23 –“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ”. In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, evidence is given upon which to base our faith in Christ. Belief is encouraged; is urged; is commanded. But here, in 1 John 4:1, belief is PROHIBITED: “Believe NOT every spirit”. We have a command PROHIBITING the acceptance of anyone who CLAIMS to have the Spirit. WHY SO? Because it may be the SPIRIT OF ERROR! The only way to know the difference is to read the Word of GOD. You cannot believe everything you hear!
Let me name several fields of human activity: Politics – Medicine – Science – History – Computers. Can you believe everything you hear? What about religion? Can you believe everything you hear? If you listen to the various religious messages about in the world today, you soon discover messages in CONFLICT. All you hear CANNOT be the truth. Some theological systems maintain that we are predestined, without regard to the personal will of the heart. Others have built a sacramental system, surrounded by traditions and man-made doctrine and practice. At large in “evangelical” religion, there is a primary concentration on belief in Christ, but often denying the role of baptism and downplaying obedience to the teachings of the apostles (Acts 2:42). Religious cults claim authority in their writings and structure. Human creeds are enforced. Some in world religions deny that Jesus Christ is the Savior, the Only Begotten Son of GOD. Do we just believe everything we hear? The messages in modern religion are in conflict. John says: Do NOT believe everybody who claims they are telling you what you ought to believe and do in religion! Do NOT accept every teacher’s claim that he is telling you what the Holy Spirit revealed. TRY the spirits; TEST all religious teaching! Let me ask you – Which religious teachers today, should we apply this test to?? Every single one of them! Every single religious teacher should be tested in the same way, by simply seeing if what he says is in the Scriptures!
Let me state the matter in these terms. Never think that:
- if a man is popular and brings in huge crowds, that it means he must be teaching the truth!
- if a man is a good public speaker and can hold the attention of an audience, that this means he must be teaching the truth.
- if you like the person, he must be teaching the truth.
- if a man quotes a lot of Scripture, he must be teaching the truth.
- if a man has academic, educational credentials, he must be teaching the truth!
There is only ONE way to determine if a man is teaching the truth – SEE IF WHAT HE SAYS IS IN THE BIBLE! It is a mistake to decide you like the man, so therefore you’ll accept everything he says. The better approach is take the message, compare that message with what is revealed; then accept the message – not because of the man, but because it is revealed.
One thing must influence everything we believe, teach and practice--The Word of GOD. The Word of GOD is inspired, authoritative and sufficient to govern all that we do before GOD (2 Tim. 3:16-17). You cannot turn your soul’s salvation over to men. You cannot just listen to a preacher you like and let that govern your responses to GOD. Search the Scriptures. Read your bible. Hear, believe and obey the gospel. Just be a Christian, a member of the Lord’s church. Remember, YOU CAN KNOW TRUTH! (John 8:32).
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