1 John 4:1
[1] “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
John opens this chapter with such compassion. He does this by using the word “beloved”. This word reveals his love for those he is speaking to. I’m sure you have heard the saying, “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care”. John first shows us he cares.
We also see John’s caution, as he begins to point out his purpose for writing this text. He wants to caution these new converts not to believe every spirit they come in contact with. We should always note the spirit in which someone is preaching, teaching or testifying. We cannot afford to be easily influenced or swayed by the personalities and charisma of men.
He now gives a command concerning spiritual error. How can we avoid it? How do we know if it is the Holy Spirit, or false doctrine by a seducing spirit? John commands us to try the spirits to see whether they are of God. The question in my mind is how do we try the spirits? We try the spirits by the truth of God’s Word. His truth will always reveal man’s error, and his Spirit will always line up with his Word. The Bible is our standard and guide for all that we believe.
John has revealed his compassion, his caution, and his command, but he closes this verse with his cause. Why should we be so particular when it comes to what we read and who we listen to in this world? He tells us that there are many false prophets in this world. If you know the truth of God’s Word today, you should rejoice. We shout and share God’s Word to all, because we have the truth! Thank God we are not living our lives in spiritual error!