1 John 4:1-21
Q.1. What do we need in order to exercise spiritual discernment? What orthodox beliefs are undermined by the spirit of antichrist? How can we be confident of victory in a hostile world? – (1 Jn.4:1-6)
If untruth and lies were obvious, no one would be deceived. The Bible everywhere confirms that we are in a spiritual battle against the dark spiritual forces of evil (Eph.6:10-13). Satan uses people as false prophets and false teachers. Therefore, we should – … not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 Jn.4:1). John provided us with a helpful clue. The doctrine that the devil most tampers with relates to the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ (1 Jn.4:2) [These orthodox beliefs are defined in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds that have been a guide all orthodox Christians over the centuries]. John unveiled the role of the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation. Here, he told us that his spirit is already operating in the world (1 Jn.4:3 c.f. Rev. chapter 13). This deception would be scary for believers. However, John gave us assurance that the indwelling Holy Spirit will help us overcome all opposition against us – You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world … We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 Jn.4:4 & 6 c.f. 1 Jn.2:20 & 27). Just as a young animal knows the voice of its mother, so God’s children know His voice, and that of those who represent Him (Jn.10:27).
Q.2. What makes the practice of loving others key evidence of knowing God? Who produces this change of attitude toward others? How did Jesus reveal the love of God? – (1 Jn.4:7-14)
Though most people love their families or work colleagues, we can usually put this down to an element of self-interest and personal benefit. We are all attracted to some people. However, to love others unselfishly is a fruit of the Holy Spirit living within, and evidence that we know God (1 Jn.4:7). This undeserved love was best and foremost initiated by God – By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him (1 Jn.4:9). The kind of love John was talking about, was demonstrated by Jesus when He turned God’s wrath against rebels and sinners, into total acceptance of us. That is the template for our love (1 Jn.4:10-11). In fact, this love is the God ordained way for us to reveal God’s love to a world that has not seen Him. Loving like that is the ultimate proof and indisputable explanation that our Saviour dwells in us (1 Jn.4:12-14). To testify to Christ without this love, is a contradiction.
Q.3. How does the practice of love produce confidence in the day of judgment? From where does this love come? What conclusions did John make on the issue of love? – (1 Jn.4:15-21)
To testify that Jesus is our Saviour, also elevates Him to the place of Son of God. God described the interconnection between God’s love and our practice of love. Since this display of unselfish love in a believer is so humanly impossible to produce, it shows that we belong to God – We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him … We love because He first loved us (1 Jn.4:16 & 19). Moreover, His indwelling Spirit also gives us assurance – By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world (1 Jn.4:17). Knowing that Christ has taken our punishment completely, changes our future – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love (1 Jn.4:18). When a professing Christian will not forgive a brother in Christ, this calls his faith into question. We cannot claim to love God Whom we have not seen, if we refuse to love our brother whom we do see. John summed up God’s commands, even as Jesus had – 37 … ” You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it,You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Mt.22:37-39 c.f. 1 Jn.4:21).