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.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 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.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
Context and Overview
1 John 4 is a pivotal chapter in the epistle, addressing key themes of love, discernment, and the nature of God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of love as a fundamental characteristic of God and a defining trait of true believers. It also warns against false teachings and encourages believers to test the spirits to ensure they align with the truth of Christ.
The Call to Love
The chapter opens with a strong exhortation to love one another, reinforcing that love is central to the Christian faith.
- Divine Origin of Love: The text states that love is from God, indicating that true love originates in the divine nature.
- Evidence of Knowing God: It asserts that anyone who loves is born of God and knows God, while those who do not love do not know God.
God’s Nature as Love
1 John 4:8 famously declares, “God is love.” This statement serves as a theological foundation for understanding God’s character and His relationship with humanity.
- Understanding God’s Love: The chapter describes how God’s love is manifested through the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, as an atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
- Imitation of God’s Love: Believers are called to reflect this love in their lives, demonstrating it towards others as evidence of their faith.
Testing the Spirits
In verses 1-3, the chapter emphasizes the need for discernment in the face of false prophets.
- Spiritual Discernment: Believers are instructed to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, highlighting the prevalence of false teachings.
- Criteria for Testing: The text provides a criterion: any spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, while those that do not are not from God.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
The chapter discusses the relationship between love and fear, emphasizing that perfect love drives out fear.
- Fear and Punishment: It suggests that fear is linked to punishment, and those who fear have not been made perfect in love.
- Assurance in Love: The assurance of God’s love provides confidence in judgment, allowing believers to approach God without fear.
Love as Evidence of Faith
1 John 4 concludes with a reiteration of the inseparable connection between love for God and love for others.
- Commandment to Love: The chapter emphasizes that loving God is inherently tied to loving one’s brother or sister.
- Authenticity of Faith: It asserts that one cannot claim to love God while harboring hatred towards others, underscoring the authenticity of one’s faith through actions.
Theological Implications
This chapter has profound theological implications for understanding the nature of God and the ethical demands placed upon believers.
- God’s Love as a Model: It sets a standard for human relationships, urging believers to embody divine love in their interactions.
- Community and Fellowship: The emphasis on love fosters a sense of community among believers, reinforcing the idea that the church is a family bound by love.
Conclusion
1 John 4 serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of love in the Christian faith, the necessity of discernment in spiritual matters, and the assurance that comes from knowing God’s love. It challenges believers to live out their faith authentically through love, thereby reflecting the character of God in a world that often lacks true love.
