
Introduction
You need a new car, but you don’t know which one you want. You visit several local lots looking for someone to deal with whom you can trust. How do you try to determine whether or not the salesperson is honest? You have certain criteria you take into account in your evaluation. In a similar way, God gives us certain criteria by which we can evaluate spiritual teachers and leaders. If they say certain things and listen to certain people they are of God, and if they say other things and listen to other people they are of the world and opposed to God. Are you ready to learn how to tell if you are getting good spiritual teaching? Find out what God says in 1 John 4:1-6…
Observation
Pray
God wrote His Word to you so that you would understand it. Ask Him to give you understanding and to show you how to apply it to your life.
Read Focus Verses
As you read 1 John 4:1-6, try to figure out what is the main thing these verses are communicating?
God’s People
Notice what the passage says God’s people believe. What does it say in verse 2 that they believe?
The Spirit of the World
What do people of the world not believe according to verse 3?
The One With You
What reason does God give us in verse 4 for saying that we have overcome the world?
Keyword – Spirit of God
This passage contrasts two systems of thinking and living – one from God and one from the devil. By marking each, we will see the contrast more vividly. Use this symbol to represent the good side of the division in this passage.

Spirit, Spirit of God
God’s Side
I don’t know about you, but I want to be on God’s side! Mark all of the occurrences of the words denoting God’s side – words like “Spirit of God” and “spirit” (when it is used for those believing what God says) – don’t forget pronouns when applicable (he, us).
Keyword – Antichrist
Use this symbol to represent the evil side of the division in this passage.

Antichrists
The Other Side
Mark all of the occurrences of the words denoting the side of things which opposes God – words like “antichrist” and “false prophets” – don’t forget pronouns when applicable (he, them).
Interpretation
False Prophets
Read what Jesus says about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
Why do you think false prophets try to look like faithful Christians?
Antichrist
Verse 3 says that those who deny the humanity of Christ have the spirit of antichrist. Perhaps you have a vague idea of what that means. Here is what Easton’s Bible Dictionary says: Antichrist — against Christ, or an opposition Christ, a rival Christ. The word is used only by the apostle John. Referring to false teachers, he says (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7), “Even now are there many antichrists.”
Click To Visit WebsiteLove or Discernment?
Many people say that love and discernment exclude each other. Read today’s verses about being spiritually discerning in their context of 1 John 4:1-11.
Loving Discernment
What does the placement of verses 1-6 right by the next verses, which teach us to love one another, tell us about the relationship between love and discernment?
First Love
If it seems unloving to be discerning and to test whether or not teachers are teaching truth or error, think about whom Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-40 we are to love first.
Test
Verse 1 directs us to test those who profess to be of God. Let’s examine the original word in Greek.
Strong's G1381
Greek,dokimazo [dok-im-ad'-zo]
--Verb
Origin: from (1384)
Definition:
- to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals
- to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy
Full Humanity
Why is it so critical to believe that Jesus Christ became a man? Consider what this poem says about the necessity of Him becoming a man.
Click To Visit WebsiteThe Shepherd’s Voice
In verses 5-6 we are told that those who are of the world listen to those who speak of the world, and those who are of God hear those who speak of the things of God. Notice the parallel with John 10:27-28.
My Sheep Hear My Voice
Watch as three strangers try to call this flock of sheep – note the reaction of the sheep. Then watch as the shepherd calls them and notice the difference.
A Comforting Promise
1 John 4:4 tells us that those who are of God have overcome the world through the One whose power works in them. Notice in John 16:33 who this is.
Overcoming the World
Who has overcome the world?
Who Overcomes?
1 John 5:4-5 gives us more detail about these people who are of God and have overcome the world.
Born and Believing
These verses tell us that those who overcome the world have which two characteristics?
Two Natures
When we compare 1 John 4:2 and 1 John 5:5 we see that Jesus has two natures. What are they? (He is ___ and ___.)
Application
Whose Voice Do You Hear?
The passage today said that those who are of God will listen when God’s people speak of the things of God. But people of the world will be interested in the things of the world. What do your ears perk up to hear?
Discernment and Love
If someone expressed that discernment is not loving, how could you use 1 John 4 to show them how love and discernment work together?
God and Man
If someone asks you whether or not Jesus was God and man, how could you use the verses you looked at today to show them?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand how to evaluate spiritual leaders to make sure you are getting good teaching.
Feedback
Please take a brief moment to provide us some feedback on this lesson. We're always striving to improve, and with your help, we will.
Click To Visit WebsiteSupport our Ministry
Please join us in our quest to help the world discover the beauty of the Bible. Consider making a generous donation today.
Click To Visit Website
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.