1 John: Discernment

radiantvisalia.com1 John: Discernment  (1 John 3:23-4:6)Scripture: 1 John 3:24-4:6, Acts 17:11, Matthew 7, 2 Peter 1Intro:Context: John, the last living apostle, addressing churches in Turkey.Transition period: passing the baton to the next generation.Church is divided; some departed, John addresses those who remain.Command: "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits" (1 John 4:1).Understanding the Command:Implication: other spirits besides the Spirit of God."Spirit" refers to messages/utterances inspired by other spirits.What you're dealing with won't be obvious.Unbelief/discernment is a sign of faith and maturity.Christian love and faith discriminate.Not everything spiritual is from God.Berean example: eagerness and examination (Acts 17:11).Context of the Command:"Many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1)."Spirit of the Antichrist" is at work (1 John 4:3).This context is our context: truth vs. counterfeits.Messages promising salvation from worldly "hells."Antichrists: alternatives to Christ.Devil is the father of lies.Old Testament warning: signs can deceive (Deuteronomy 13).Jesus' warning: false prophets in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7).Paul's warning: savage wolves distorting truth.Peter's warning: false teachers secretly introducing heresies (2 Peter 1).Discernment Criteria:"By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God" (1 John 4:2).Spirit of God exalts Jesus as fully God and fully man.False religions often attack Jesus' divinity or humanity.Gnosticism: body is bad, God couldn't come in flesh.Incarnation: God coming in the flesh is essential truth."He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).Focus on God, not the present darkness.Application:Test messages by Scripture and apostolic witness.Rely on the Spirit, local church community.40-day digital fast for Lent: Discern utility vs. distraction.Focus on what God is calling you to.Involve the whole family.Conclusion:God's Spirit keeps us; we have overcome.Remember Jesus' commitment in a confusing age. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.