1 John 4:1-6 | Part 1

Why does John continue to warn those he is writing to? Because truth is under attack, and Christians are called to be discerning. In this message from 1 John 4:1-6, the church is urged not to believe everything it hears, but to test the spirits, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. The core issue is not just sincerity or spiritual language, but whether Jesus is rightly understood and confessed. This sermon presses the church to see that spiritual deception is real, often subtle, and ultimately aimed at distorting the person and work of Jesus Christ. The first and most important test of any teacher, message, or movement is this: do they get Jesus right?  Message Highlights:John gives a clear warning: do not be gullible. Christians are not called to believe everything they hear. They are called to test, discern, and think carefully because false teaching is a real and present danger. False teaching is not just human error. There is a spiritual battle behind deception. John’s language about “testing the spirits” reminds us that lies about God and Christ are not neutral. The problem is widespread. John says many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is not a rare problem but a common one, which means Christians must stay alert. The first test is the Jesus test. The primary question is not whether someone sounds sincere, moral, or impressive. The question is whether they rightly confess Jesus Christ. Getting Jesus almost right is still getting Jesus wrong. The sermon stresses that many false teachers do not openly reject Jesus. They distort Him. That distortion is serious because the gospel depends on who Jesus truly is. Jesus must be confessed accurately. To confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is to affirm the true humanity and true divinity of Christ, which is essential to the gospel. If you get Jesus wrong, you get God wrong. John’s point is that the person and work of Christ are foundational. You cannot honor the Father while distorting the Son. This is not just a test for teachers but for all of us. The sermon presses the listener personally: who do you say Jesus is? The issue is not only what others teach, but whether you yourself truly know and confess Him rightly. Main Point: We have to get Jesus right. Practical Application: Test what you hear. Do not automatically trust messages just because they use Christian language, quote Scripture, or sound spiritual. Be discerning everywhere. Apply this not just to sermons and books, but also to podcasts, music, media, and the broader messages shaping your thinking. Make the person of Christ central. When evaluating teaching, ask first: what is this saying about Jesus? Is He being presented as He truly is? Refuse both gullibility and arrogance. The goal is not to become cynical or harsh, but thoughtful, humble, and grounded in truth. Examine your own confession of Christ. Do not assume that believing in a vague idea of Jesus is enough. Ask whether you truly know Him as the eternal Son of God, Savior, Lord, and worthy King. Resources Currently Available at the Veritas Church Bookstore: 1 John - The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible 1-3 John - Knowing The Bible 12 Week Study 1,2, & 3 John For You - God’s Word For You Don’t Follow You Heart 1-3 John ESV Scripture Journal Do you have a question you want us to address? Submit it now!