The fourth chapter of 1 John is one of the most powerful passages in Scripture, as it teaches us about love, truth, and discernment. The apostle John emphasizes that true believers are marked by love, grounded in God’s truth, and guided by the Holy Spirit. As we study this chapter, we find essential lessons on how to recognize false teachings, love one another, and abide in God’s perfect love.
1. Testing the Spirits (1 John 4:1-6)
John begins with a warning:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1 (KJV)
We must test every teaching and spiritual influence to ensure that it aligns with God’s truth. False prophets and deceptive spirits have always been a danger to the Church, spreading lies that lead people away from Christ.
How Do We Test the Spirits?
John gives us a clear test in verses 2-3:
“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist…”
Any teaching or philosophy that denies the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ is not from God. The spirit of antichrist seeks to distort the truth, but we must stand firm in the gospel.
Confidence in Christ
In verse 4, John encourages us:
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
We do not need to fear deception because the Holy Spirit lives in us. The power of God is greater than any force of darkness, and He equips us to discern truth from error.
2. The Source of True Love (1 John 4:7-12)
After addressing truth and deception, John shifts to another key theme—love.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)
Love is not merely an emotion or an action; it is the very nature of God. If we truly know God, His love will flow through us.
God’s Love Demonstrated in Christ
John points to the ultimate proof of God’s love:
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9 (KJV)
The greatest expression of love is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. God’s love is selfless, sacrificial, and redemptive. If God loved us so much that He gave His Son, how can we withhold love from others?
Loving Others as God Loved Us
John makes it clear:
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11 (KJV)
God’s love is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It should transform how we treat others. When we love as God loves, we reflect His presence in our lives.
3. Abiding in God’s Love (1 John 4:13-21)
John assures us that we can have confidence in God’s love.
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” – 1 John 4:13 (KJV)
Boldness Through Love
Fear often tries to keep us from living in faith, but John declares:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (KJV)
God’s love frees us from fear—fear of judgment, fear of the unknown, and fear of rejection. When we rest in God’s love, we walk in confidence, knowing that He is for us.
Loving God Means Loving Others
John ends this section with a strong statement:
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” – 1 John 4:20 (KJV)
Our love for God is revealed by how we love others. If we claim to love God but hold hatred in our hearts, we are deceiving ourselves. True love is evident in our relationships.
Conclusion: Living in Love and Truth
1 John 4 teaches us that:
- We must test every spirit to discern truth from deception.
- God is the source of true love, and He demonstrated it through Christ.
- Fear is cast out by God’s perfect love.
- Loving God means loving others—our faith must be lived out in action.
As we grow in faith, let us strive to walk in truth and love, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. May we love one another as God has loved us!
Most Recent ArticleS:
-
Understanding the Book of Revelation
The blessing stands. The Lamb reigns. And the end of the story is life with God, face to face, forever.
-
Christian Education: What Is Its Role?
Christian education is a lifelong, whole-person way of shaping minds and hearts to love God and neighbor.
Find Other Useful Christian Resources Here: Recommended Resources
