1 John: Discernment

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1 John: Discernment  (1 John 3:23-4:6)

Scripture: 1 John 3:24-4:6, Acts 17:11, Matthew 7, 2 Peter 1

Intro:

• 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.

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