Lesson 15: 1 John 4:1-3
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Related Scriptures
Deuteronomy 18:22
Mark 13:22-23 (Jesus is speaking.)
1 Corinthians 12:3
1 Corinthians 14:32
Ephesians 4:11-16
1 Thessalonians 5:21
Questions
1. Is everyone who claims to be speaking the word of God really doing so?
2. Should we believe everyone who claims to present spiritual truth?
3. Does every spirit that speaks through a “prophet” come from God?
4. What sign does Deuteronomy 18:22 give to tell if someone who claims to be a prophet of God is truly what he or she claims to be?
5. What guideline does 1 Corinthians 12:3 give for judging spirits? (We will be learning more guidelines here in 1 John 4.)
6. a) How would 1 Thessalonians 5:21 indicate we should handle new teachings? b) What would that same verse tell us to do when someone tries to get us to leave the good teachings we’ve already received?
7. According to Ephesians 4, God has given us church leaders to help shield us from false teachings. What does Ephesians 4:14 call people who are blown around by “every wind of doctrine”?
8. Would Ephesians 4:14 describe those who introduce erroneous doctrines as good and honest men?
1 John 4:2-3
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every
spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:
and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it
should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Related Scriptures
John 8:21-24
John 10:22-38
John 16:13-15
Romans 8:3-4
1 Corinthians 12:3
Hebrews 1:8
James 1:13-14
Questions
1. The Holy Spirit is God. As such, can we expect His leading to reflect a character other than God’s?
2. It is important to believe that Jesus has come “in the flesh” or as a human being. According to John 8:21-24, where did he come from?
3. Would the person who believed that Jesus was merely a man be reflecting the Spirit of God or the spirit of antichrist?
4. Would the person who believed that Jesus was an angel or some sort of spiritual being other than God be reflecting the spirit of God or the spirit of antichrist?
5. Would the person who believed that Jesus was God but denied that He became a true human being be reflecting the Spirit of God or the spirit of antichrist?
6. Would the person who believed that Jesus was nothing but a myth be reflecting the Spirit of God or the spirit of antichrist?
7. a) What does Romans 8:3-4 say God sending His Son in the flesh did with regard to sin? b) In light of Romans 8:3-4, would the person who said that God took sin lightly be confessing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?
8. According to this passage is the coming of the spirit of antichrist a future event or one we’re already experiencing?
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