1 John 4:3 is about the importance of discerning the spirits to identify false prophets who deny that Jesus came in the flesh, emphasizing the need for believers to test the teachings they receive against the truth of Christ’s incarnation.
3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
Setting the Scene for 1 John 4:3
In 1 John chapter 4, the scene is set in a small, candle-lit room in the ancient city of Ephesus. The room is filled with a diverse group of believers gathered for a bible study class led by the apostle John. The flickering light from the candles casts a warm glow on the faces of those present, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and reverence.
Among the attendees are Lydia, a wealthy merchant from Thyatira who had been converted to Christianity during one of Paul’s missionary journeys, and Demetrius, a former idol maker who had renounced his old ways to follow Christ. Also present is Phoebe, a deaconess from Cenchreae, who had traveled to Ephesus to learn from the apostle John and share her experiences of spreading the gospel in her hometown.
As the group settles in, John begins to teach about discerning the spirits and recognizing false prophets. He warns them of the importance of testing the spirits to see if they are from God, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment in a world filled with deception and falsehood. The room is filled with a sense of earnestness and attentiveness as the believers listen intently to John’s words, eager to grow in their faith and understanding of God’s truth.
What is 1 John 4:3 about?
This verse from the First Epistle of John emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting Jesus Christ as a crucial aspect of being connected to God. It serves as a reminder that those who deny the divinity of Jesus and refuse to recognize Him as the Son of God are not aligned with God’s teachings. The verse underlines the fundamental belief in Jesus as a cornerstone of faith by stating that these spirits are “not from God.” It prompts us to reflect on our own beliefs and ensure that we are rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on this verse can lead us to question our own beliefs and examine whether we truly acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. It challenges us to deepen our understanding of Jesus’ importance in our lives and to ensure that our faith is firmly grounded in His teachings. We can strengthen our relationship with God and align ourselves with His divine will by acknowledging Jesus. This verse serves as a call to authentically embrace Jesus as a central figure in our faith journey.
Understanding what 1 John 4:3 really means
Let’s delve into 1 John 4:3 to explore its richness. This verse is pivotal in understanding the nature of true faith and discernment. We’ll structure our commentary in several steps: Context, Exegesis, Cross-References, Relevance, and Practical Application.
Context
The First Epistle of John is written to address false teachings and to affirm the faith of believers in Jesus Christ. The context surrounding this verse involves a warning against false prophets and the importance of testing the spirits to see whether they are from God.
Exegesis
The phrase “every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God” is crucial. Here, “spirit” refers to teachings or influences that claim spiritual authority. To “acknowledge Jesus” means more than just recognizing His existence; it involves embracing His divinity, humanity, and the work of salvation He accomplished.
Cross-References
1 John 4:1 instructs believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” This echoes Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:15, where He cautions against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing. Similarly, Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 warns that Satan masquerades as an angel of light. These passages collectively highlight the necessity of discernment. Discerning truth from falsehood is more critical than ever in an age of information overload and spiritual pluralism. Many voices claim to speak for God, but not all align with the teachings of Jesus Christ. This verse calls us to a deeper level of spiritual maturity and vigilance.
Practical Application
To make this practical, consider the story of a friend who was swayed by a seemingly harmless spiritual group. They used Christian jargon but denied fundamental truths about Jesus. This verse helped him see the deception and return to the foundational truths of Christianity. Similarly, we must be diligent in evaluating what we hear and read, ensuring it aligns with the gospel.
Key Phrases
The phrase “does not acknowledge Jesus” is particularly significant. It implies a deliberate rejection or distortion of who Jesus is. This is not about minor theological differences but about core truths of the Christian faith.
Reflective Questions
How do you test the spirits in your own life? Are you equipped with the knowledge of Scripture to discern truth from error? Reflect on these questions and seek to grow in your understanding and application of God’s Word.
Conclusion
1 John 4:3 challenges us to be vigilant and discerning. It calls us to a faith that is deeply rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ. We can better navigate the complexities of our spiritual journey by understanding the context, examining the key phrases, and considering its relevance today.
Do we reject or acknowledge the true Christ?
We are called to acknowledge the true Christ by discerning the spirits in this verse. The verse highlights the importance of testing the spirits to see whether they are from God. We can distinguish between the spirit of truth, which comes from God, and the spirit of falsehood, which leads us astray by doing so. This discernment is crucial when it comes to recognizing and accepting the true Christ.
Rejecting the true Christ would involve falling victim to the spirit of falsehood and being deceived by false teachings or counterfeit versions of Christ. Acknowledging the true Christ involves aligning ourselves with the spirit of truth and accepting Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh. Embracing the true Christ means placing our faith in Him, following His teachings, and allowing His truth to guide us in our lives. Our spiritual journey has significant implications depending on whether we acknowledge or reject the true Christ. We open ourselves up to the transformative power of His love, grace, and salvation by recognizing and accepting the genuine Christ. On the other hand, rejecting the true Christ can lead us down a path of spiritual darkness and separation from God. Therefore, it is essential to heed the message of discerning the spirits and wholeheartedly embrace the true Christ in our lives.
Application
Friends, in both our work and family lives, we constantly evaluate what’s genuine and beneficial. Just as we wouldn’t follow bad advice at work, we must guard our hearts from deceptive teachings. Let’s stay anchored in God’s unshakable truth. Are you ready to scrutinize everything you hear, ensuring it aligns with scripture, and live out your beliefs authentically?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.