Because many false teachers abound (1 Jn 4:1), the apostle John teaches us how to recognize the spirit of truth versus falsehood.

“This is how you can recognize those with the Spirit of God…” (1 Jn 4:2):

• They acknowledge that Jesus came in the flesh. (4:2, 15)
• They are from (belong to) God, not the world. (4:4)
• The Spirit (anointing) in them is greater than any in the world. (2:27; 4:4)
• They listen to the apostles (Bible). (4:6)
• They demonstrate love for others, not hate. (3:10)
• They practice a lifestyle of righteousness. (3:7)
• They accept the testimony about Jesus (Bible) (5:10)
• They are committed to the Body of Christ. (2:19)

“This is how you can recognize those with the spirit of falsehood…” (1 Jn 4:6):

• They are one of many deceivers. (2:18)
• They do not remain; they leave the Body of Christ. (2:19)
• They do not know the truth; they lie. (2:21–22)
• They don’t acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, in flesh. (2:22, 4:2–3)
• They try to lead people astray. (2:26; 3:7)
• They maintain a lifestyle of sin; they hate others. (3:8, 10)
• They are from the world and speak from its viewpoint. (4:5)
• They do not list to the testimony of the apostles (Bible) (4:6)

The bottom line is true teachers acknowledge Jesus’s deity as well as his humanity. False ones do not.

PRAYER

Lord God, give me discernment like those in the church at Ephesus whom John commended: “I know…that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false” (Rev 2:2 NIV). Help me to focus more on you and your truth than on what and who is wrong. Teach me to listen to your Spirit within me for his instruction on how to live a lifestyle of righteousness characterized by love.