New International Version Dear friends, do 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. New Living Translation Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. English Standard Version Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. Berean Standard Bible Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. Berean Literal Bible Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. King James Bible Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. New King James Version Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. New American Standard Bible Beloved, do 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. NASB 1995 Beloved, do 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. NASB 1977 Beloved, do 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. Legacy Standard Bible Beloved, do 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. Amplified Bible Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. Berean Annotated Bible Beloved {Agapētoi}, do not believe every spirit {pneumati}, but test the spirits {pneumata} to see whether they are from God {Theou}. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. Christian Standard Bible Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Holman Christian Standard Bible Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. American Standard Version Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Contemporary English Version Dear friends, don't believe everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God. Test them all to find out if they really do come from God. Many false prophets have already gone out into the world, English Revised Version Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. GOD'S WORD® Translation Dear friends, don't believe all people who say that they have the Spirit. Instead, test them. See whether the spirit they have is from God, because there are many false prophets in the world. Good News Translation My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. International Standard Version Dear friends, stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. NET Bible Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. New Heart English Bible Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Webster's Bible Translation Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Weymouth New Testament Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but put the spirits to the test to see whether they are from God; for many false teachers have gone out into the world. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBeloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. World English Bible Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBeloved, do not believe every spirit, but prove the spirits, if they are of God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. Berean Literal Bible Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Young's Literal Translation Beloved, every spirit believe not, but prove the spirits, if of God they are, because many false prophets have gone forth to the world; Smith's Literal Translation Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they are of God: for many false prophets have come out into the world. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Catholic Public Domain Version Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. New American Bible Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. New Revised Standard Version Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMY beloved, do not believe every prophecy, but examine the prophecies to find out if they are of God: because many false prophets have appeared in the world. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Beloved, do not believe all spirits, but be distinguishing between the spirits whether they are from God, because many false Prophets have gone out into the world. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBeloved, believe not every spirit; but prove the spirits, whether they are from God: for many false prophets have gone out into the world. Godbey New Testament Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits if they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Haweis New Testament BELOVED, believe not every pretender to inspiration, but bring these spirits to the trial whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone forth into the world. Mace New Testament Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Weymouth New Testament Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but put the spirits to the test to see whether they are from God; for many false teachers have gone out into the world. Worrell New Testament Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. Worsley New Testament Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God: for many false prophets are gone out into the world. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Testing the Spirits1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,… Cross References Beloved, 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. 2 Peter 3:1 Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking do not believe every spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. but test the spirits Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. 1 Corinthians 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. to see whether they are from God. John 7:17 If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. 1 Corinthians 2:15 The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. 2 Peter 2:1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. Treasury of Scripture Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. believe not. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, … Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? try. Luke 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. many. 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. Matthew 24:5,23-26 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many… Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: Jump to Previous Believe Beloved Dear Forth Friends Great Loved Ones Prophets Prove Spirit Spirits Teachers Test Try Whether WorldJump to Next Believe Beloved Dear Forth Friends Great Loved Ones Prophets Prove Spirit Spirits Teachers Test Try Whether World1 John 4 1. He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;7. and exhorts to brotherly love. Beloved, John addresses his readers with pastoral affection, treating them as fellow members of God’s family who must be guarded from error. 3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper… do not believe every spirit, Not every claim of spiritual authority comes from God. Teachers, prophets, and movements may present themselves as spiritual while being influenced by deception. 1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy,… but test the spirits Believers are responsible to examine teaching carefully, measuring its message about Christ and its agreement with God’s revealed truth. Act 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded… to see whether they are from God. God does not contradict His own revelation. What is truly from Him honors Jesus Christ, affirms the gospel, and leads people in obedience to Him. Jhn 7:17 If anyone desires to do His will, he will know… For many false prophets have gone out into the world. False teachers were already active among the churches, spreading doctrines that distorted the person and work of Christ. Their presence required alertness and discernment among God’s people. Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you… Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. False Prophets Individuals who claim to speak for God but spread false teachings, leading believers astray. 3. The Early Church The community of believers in the first century, facing challenges from false teachings and needing guidance on discerning truth. 4. Spirits Refers to the influences or teachings that claim to be inspired by God, which believers are instructed to test. 5. The World Represents the realm outside the church where false teachings and prophets have influence. Teaching Points Discernment is EssentialBelievers must exercise discernment in evaluating teachings and influences, ensuring they align with biblical truth. The Reality of False Prophets Acknowledge the presence of false prophets and teachings in the world, and be vigilant in identifying them. Testing the Spirits Use Scripture as the standard for testing spirits, ensuring that teachings are consistent with the Word of God. The Role of the Holy Spirit Rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error, as He leads believers into all truth. Community Accountability Engage with the church community for support and accountability in discerning and confronting false teachings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 John 4:1?2. How can we "test the spirits" to discern truth from falsehood today? 3. Why is it important to "not believe every spirit" in our spiritual walk? 4. What other scriptures emphasize the need for discernment in spiritual matters? 5. How can we apply 1 John 4:1 in evaluating modern teachings? 6. What role does prayer play in discerning spirits as instructed in 1 John 4:1? 7. How does 1 John 4:1 guide Christians in discerning true from false prophets? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of 1 John 4:1? 9. How does 1 John 4:1 relate to the concept of spiritual discernment? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4? IV. (6) NOT ALL SPIRITS ARE THE RESULT OF THE SONSHIP: NECESSITY OF EXAMINING THEM (1John 4:1-6). (a)The difference among spirits (1John 4:1). (b)The measure (1John 4:2-3). (c)The encouragement (1John 4:4). . . . Verse 1-1 John 5:12. - (2) The source of son-ship. Possession of the Spirit. Verses 1-6. - Confession of the Incarnation is the assurance that the Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of truth, is working in us, and not the spirit of error. The passage seems clearly to teach that there are two rival influences contending for power over the spirits of men. We must test men's spirits to see whether they are organs of the Spirit of truth or of the spirit of error. Verse 1. - Beloved (as in 1 John 2:28 and 1 John 3:18, the apostle again breaks out with a personal appeal into an earnest exhortation suggested by the statement just made), prove the spirits δοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα. "The spirits" are principles and tendencies in religion: these need to be tested, for earnestness and fervour are no guarantee of truth. And to test these principles is the duty of the individual Christian as well as of the Church in its official capacity. Just as every Athenian was subjected to an examination δοκιμασία as to his origin and character before he could hold office, so the spirit of every religious teacher must be examined before his teaching can be accepted. This is no useless precaution; because, as Christ has come forth ἐξελήλυθε from God (John 16:28; comp. John 8:42; John 13:3; John 16:27), ninny false prophets have come forth ἐζεληύθασι from the spirit of error. But perhaps "have gone forth into the world" means no more than " have displayed themselves" in publicum prodierunt. There is probably no reference to the false teachers having "gone forth from us" (1 John 2:19). Besides Cerinthus and other Gnostics, there were the Nicolaitanes, astrologers, professors of magic, and dealers in charms, some of which seem to have had their origin in Ephesus, for they were known as "Ephesian letters." Apollonius of Tyana was eagerly welcomed at Ephesus, and it is not impossible that his visit took place during St. John's lifetime. 1 John 4:1 calls Christians who are loved by God to exercise steady discernment. Because numerous deceptive voices operate in the world, we test every teaching, influence, and messenger against the unchanging standard of Scripture and the clear confession of Christ. In doing so, we remain anchored in truth and protected from the many false prophets who seek to lead hearts astray.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Beloved,Ἀγαπητοί (Agapētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural Strong's 27: From agapao; beloved. do not believe πιστεύετε (pisteuete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. every παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. spirit, πνεύματι (pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. test δοκιμάζετε (dokimazete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1381: From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. spirits πνεύματα (pneumata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. [to see] whether εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. they are ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. many πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. false prophets ψευδοπροφῆται (pseudoprophētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5578: From pseudes and prophetes; a spurious prophet, i.e. Pretended foreteller or religious impostor. have gone out ἐξεληλύθασιν (exelēlythasin) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. into εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world. κόσμον (kosmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). Additonal Resources 1 John 4:1 Blue Letter Bible1 John 4:1 Bible Gateway 1 John 4:1 Bible.com 1 John 4:1 NIV |
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