1 John 4

Chapter Summary

In 1 John chapter 4, the apostle John teaches us how to test the spirits to see if they are from God. He warns us that many false prophets have gone out into the world, and that we should not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God. John gives us three tests to apply: the test of confession, where every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, the test of love, where everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, and the test of obedience, where everyone who obeys God's commandments is born of God. John also reminds us that God is love, and that we should love one another, just as God has loved us. He concludes the chapter by reminding us that if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

Context for the Chapter

1 John chapter 4 is part of a larger letter written by the apostle John to a group of believers who were facing persecution and false teaching. The chapter is a call to discernment, warning believers not to believe every spirit, but to test them to see if they are from God. The chapter is also a reminder of the importance of love and obedience in our relationships with God and with one another. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter is connected to the themes of love, obedience, and discernment that are found throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Heart Application

The application of this chapter is to test every spirit to see if it is from God, and to love one another, just as God has loved us. We are called to be discerning and obedient, demonstrating God's love and character in our lives. As we apply these principles, we will experience a deeper sense of God's presence and love in our lives, and we will be empowered to love and serve others in a more effective way.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about testing the spirits to see if they are from God, and about loving one another, just as God has loved us. We are called to be discerning and obedient, demonstrating God's love and character in our lives. As we read 1 John 4:1-3, we see the importance of confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who has come in the flesh, and as we read 1 John 4:7-12, we see the centrality of love in our relationships with God and with one another.

Voices from the Church

“The spirit of truth is that which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and the spirit of error is that which denies this fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith.”

— John Calvin

“We are called to love one another, just as God has loved us. This is not just a feeling, but a choice to demonstrate God's character in our lives, and to reflect His love to a world that desperately needs it.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. The Test of Confession (1 John 4:1-6) — In this section, John teaches us how to test the spirits to see if they are from God, by confessing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.
2. The Test of Love (1 John 4:7-12) — In this section, John emphasizes the importance of love in our relationships with God and with one another, and reminds us that God is love.
3. The Test of Obedience (1 John 4:13-16) — In this section, John teaches us that everyone who obeys God's commandments is born of God, and that we should love one another, just as God has loved us.
4. The Confidence of Faith (1 John 4:17-18) — In this section, John reminds us that we can have confidence in our faith, because God is love, and that we should not fear, but rather trust in His love and provision.
5. The Command to Love (1 John 4:19-21) — In this section, John concludes the chapter by reminding us that we are called to love one another, just as God has loved us, and that this is a fundamental commandment of the Christian faith.

Core Doctrines

The Deity of Christ

This chapter teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who has come in the flesh, and that every spirit that confesses this is from God. This is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, and it is essential for our understanding of God's nature and character.

The Love of God

This chapter reminds us that God is love, and that He demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. This is a central theme of the Bible, and it is essential for our understanding of God's character and nature.

The Importance of Obedience

This chapter teaches us that everyone who obeys God's commandments is born of God, and that we should love one another, just as God has loved us. This emphasizes the importance of obedience in our relationships with God and with one another.

The Danger of False Prophets

This chapter warns us about the danger of false prophets, who have gone out into the world to deceive and mislead believers. We are called to be vigilant and to test every spirit to see if it is from God.

Lessons from 1 John 4

1. The Importance of Discernment — We learn from this chapter that discernment is essential for our spiritual growth and protection. We must be careful to test every spirit to see if it is from God, and to be vigilant against false prophets.
2. The Centrality of Love — We learn from this chapter that love is a central theme of the Christian faith, and that we are called to love one another, just as God has loved us. This is not just a feeling, but a choice to demonstrate God's character in our lives.
3. The Danger of False Prophets — We learn from this chapter that false prophets are a real danger, and that we must be careful to test every spirit to see if it is from God. We must not believe every spirit, but rather be discerning and obedient.
4. The Confidence of Faith — We learn from this chapter that we can have confidence in our faith, because God is love, and that we should not fear, but rather trust in His love and provision.
5. The Command to Love — We learn from this chapter that we are called to love one another, just as God has loved us, and that this is a fundamental commandment of the Christian faith.

Themes from 1 John 4

1. Love — The theme of love is central to this chapter, as John reminds us that God is love, and that we are called to love one another, just as God has loved us.
2. Obedience — The theme of obedience is also important in this chapter, as John teaches us that everyone who obeys God's commandments is born of God.
3. Discernment — The theme of discernment is essential in this chapter, as John warns us to test every spirit to see if it is from God, and to be vigilant against false prophets.
4. Confidence — The theme of confidence is also present in this chapter, as John reminds us that we can have confidence in our faith, because God is love, and that we should not fear, but rather trust in His love and provision.
5. The Deity of Christ — The theme of the deity of Christ is also important in this chapter, as John teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who has come in the flesh, and that every spirit that confesses this is from God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that we can test the spirits to see if they are from God?
2. How can we demonstrate God's love and character in our lives?
3. What are some dangers of false prophets, and how can we protect ourselves from their teachings?
4. How can we have confidence in our faith, and what are some ways that we can trust in God's love and provision?
5. What are some ways that we can love one another, just as God has loved us?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 John 4

	Sermon	Description
	No Stopping the Holy Spirit by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Ho
	Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's
	Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the
	Four Loves by C.S. Lewis	C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo
	A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t
	Anaheim Talk by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that war in the Middle East is inevitable and that the stage is set for it. He believes that the word of God is more up to date than tomorro
	A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous
	Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan	This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import
	(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink	Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that
	Exclusivity: How Can There Be Just One True Religion? by Tim Keller	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the objection of exclusivity in Christianity and other religions. He uses the illustration of blind men encountering an elephant to explain t

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 John 4

In his commentary on 1 John 4, Matthew Henry reminds us that the apostle John is warning us against the dangers of false prophets, who have gone out into the world to deceive and mislead believers. Henry emphasizes the importance of discernment, reminding us that we must test every spirit to see if it is from God, and that we must not believe every spirit, but rather be discerning and obedient. Henry also highlights the centrality of love in our relationships with God and with one another, reminding us that God is love, and that we are called to love one another, just as God has loved us. As Henry notes, 'The love of God is the fountain of all love, and it is the duty of all believers to love one another, as they are beloved of God.' (1 John 4:7-12) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?