February 21. 1 John 4:1-6
A blessed Lord’s Day to you! Be sure to watch for a video posted later on today, introducing our last and final week of our study. It’s been a FULL month as we’ve looked at John’s life and gospel and letters. We’ll end in the book of Revelation, a very fitting place to finish!
Today, however, we are introduced to the false prophets more specifically. John wants us to be aware that not everyone who attends church and says they are a believer speaks truth. In fact, if someone walks among us and does not honor Jesus as God come in flesh, crucified and risen again, they are “anti” Christ! The core belief of Christ followers is of course associated with knowing Christ, the One Messiah and true Son of God and Son of Man.
How do we guard ourselves against false teaching? By reading the Word and the testimony of those who knew Him and walked with Him like John. That’s one of the many reasons why we need to continue to read the Bible and know what it says. We are far less likely to be deceived. The other great reassurance in these verses is that ” … the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1John 4:4). If we gave our life over to the safekeeping of the Shepherd, then His Spirit abides within us and will help us discern the truth. And we don’t need to fear any other little spirits when we have The Spirit, a member of the trinity, residing within us!
My verse: “But you belong to God, dear children. You have already won the victory over these people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
My response: Lord, I don’t value highly enough the HUGE blessing of You – as Holy Spirit – living within me. What a mystery. What a blessing, to have You working in me at every turn. Thank Yo for always being with me, no matter what.
