1 John 4
Testing the Spirits in a World That Tests Everything Else
As we stepped into 1 John 4 together, we were struck by how the chapter opens: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” In our world today, we test almost everything—our food labels, our lotions, our eggs (cage-free? organic? pasture-raised?). We track calories on our watches, compare ingredients on bottles, and research customer reviews before we buy anything.
And yet, when it comes to spirituality, we often don’t test at all. We hear a podcast, a sermon clip, a trending statement on Instagram, and think, “Sounds good… must be biblical.” But 1 John 4 calls us into something deeper and wiser: to pause, examine, and measure what we hear against Scripture.
Testing the spirits means running our thoughts, conversations, and impressions through a filter:
What does the Bible say?
What does Jesus teach?
Do trusted elders, pastors, or mentors affirm this?
Does this line up with the historic, fruitful faith handed down through the centuries?
It’s not about being suspicious of everything. It’s about being anchored in truth so we aren’t swayed by anything.
The Reality of Spiritual Discernment
As the chapter continues, John moves from general discernment into genuine spiritual conflict. Verses 2–3 remind us that every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God—and that anything denying Him is not.
Sometimes discernment looks like thoughtful reflection. But other times, especially when someone is deeply oppressed or confused, it involves speaking the truth of Jesus out loud. We’ve experienced moments where simply inviting someone to say aloud, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” reveals what’s really going on. Some can’t get the words out. Others speak them with new freedom.
This is why we proclaim Scripture in our homes, cars, and daily rhythms. Not because it’s a ritual, but because God’s Word ushers His truth and peace into the spaces we live.
And then comes the reminder we often forget: “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
We tend to underestimate the Spirit at work within us—as if pastors and elders have a different Holy Spirit than we do. But the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. So we pray over our homes, our children, our own hearts—confident not in ourselves, but in the One who reigns.
We Love Because He First Loved Us
Of course, we couldn’t read 1 John 4 without landing on its heart: God’s love.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us…”
What a reorientation. God—not culture, not media, not emotion—defines love. And His definition begins with His initiative, His sacrifice, His pursuit.
We love because He first loved us.
And when we truly live like we are loved, fear loses its footing. Insecurity dims. Peace expands. Confidence in Christ rises.
John pushes us even further: if we claim to love God but withhold love from one another, we’re deceiving ourselves. God’s love flows outward. It reshapes our relationships—especially the ones that challenge us.
A Question to Reflect On
As we wrapped up our conversation, one question lingered with us—and now we offer it to you:
When was the most recent time you experienced God’s love?
Not just when you last read your Bible or attended church, but when you genuinely sensed His presence, goodness, or tenderness toward you.
Maybe it was last week. Maybe a month ago. Maybe years ago.
But if we’re to live as people who test the spirits, walk confidently in God’s power, and love others freely, then remembering the ways God has already met us is essential.
