1 John 4:1-6 cautions Christians not to indiscriminately acknowledge every single spiritual case. There are numerous bogus instructors (false teachers) on the planet. It is vital to painstakingly consider both the source and the substance of an instructing (teaching) before we acknowledge it. John gives a few tests; however, his remarks are not intended to cover every single imaginable concern. The people who deny Christ and his humanity, or those who would reject the rudiments of the gospel cannot be trusted.
In verses 1-3:
“Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits,” implies that we ought not accept all that we might hear in light of the fact that somebody says that it is a message that is prompted by God. There are numerous ways of testing teachers and preachers to check whether their message is really from God. The principal way is to check their words with what God says in the Bible. The subsequent way is to really take a look at their obligation (commitment) to the assortment of believers (1 John 2:19). The third way is to actually look at their way of life (how they live, their lifestyle) (1 John 3:23-24). The fourth way is to actually look at the product of their service (fruit of their ministry) (1 John 4:6).
In any case, the main trial of all, John says, is by what they understand and believe regarding Jesus Christ. Do they instruct that Jesus is completely God and is completely man? This world is loaded up, filled, with voices professing to represent God. We are to give these people these tests to check whether they are for sure speaking the truth of God.
Certain individuals accept all that they read or hear (James 4:3). Sadly, numerous thoughts that are printed and instructed are false. Christians ought to have faith, yet they ought not be easily taken in. We are to check each message that we hear, regardless of whether the individual who brings it says that it is from God. In the event that the message is genuinely from God, it will be undeviating with the lessons of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 12:3
The Antichrist will be an individual who exemplifies all that is detestable, and a shrewd world will be readily awaiting to receive him (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13). The antichrist spirit is a bogus and false teaching. This teaching looks to promote a fake godliness which exists separated from the scriptural Jesus (2 Timothy 3:5). John additionally referenced the antichrist beforehand in 1 John 2:18 and 1 John 2:22.
John additionally expresses, “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 1:7). Those who reject the mankind (humanity) of Jesus are considered to be against Christ or antichrist.
In verses 4-6:
It is not difficult to be scared by the devilishness that we see surrounding us and to be overpowered by the issues that we face. Evil is clearly a lot more grounded than we humans are. In any case, John guarantees us that God is still stronger than the evil in this world, and he will overcome all evil. For Christians, his Spirit and his Word live within our hearts. (Romans 8:31)
If we break verse four down a bit, we can see this. In the first place, John gives them encouragement, “ye are of God.” John considered them to be valid believers to whom God resided because he could see it. Secondly, he adds that they have “overcome” these antichrists. John utilizes the idea to overcome by five separate occasions in his letter. Believers have “overcome” the evil one and the world (1 John 2:13-14, 1 John 5:4-5).
And thirdly, John reminds us that the power of Christ, who resides within each believer, is more noteworthy than the force of the world. A Christian that has the Holy Spirit living within him, is stronger than any assault by the Devil. This consolation ought to enable all believers not to fear Satan, yet they should trust the Lord and submit to his instructions and commands. Thusly, we can rise above the powers of this world’s darkness and walk with strength in this life.
False teachers are from the world. They are not from God. 1 John 2:15-17 tells us that those that are from this world do not have the love of God in them. Because these false teachers are of the world, their outlook is of the world. Because they do not abide in Christ, they speak from the world’s perspective, and they do not speak the truth.
False teachers are well known and popular with the world since, similar to the false prophets of the Old Testament, they advise individuals with what they want and choose to hear. John cautions us that Christians who are steadfast and faithfully proclaim God's Word will not win any fame and favor in this world. People would rather not hear their transgressions condemned, nor do they want to pay attention to requests that they need to change their conduct. We can see who a false teacher is if he is generally welcomed by non-Christians who have never received Christ into their hearts. (John 8:47, 10:27, 14:17; 1 Timothy 4:1)
We must be cautious. Do not believe everything that we hear. Check the words that people speak with what God says in the Bible. Check the commitment to the body of believers. Check their lifestyle. Check the fruit that they bear. And check what they believe about Christ. It may be advisable to check ourselves to ensure that we are where we need to be with Christ before we speak. Check our hearts as well as our minds.
