How can we apply 1 John 4:6 in evaluating modern teachings? The Verse in Focus “We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.” (1 John 4:6) Why This Matters Right Now Every new book, podcast, or viral post claims to speak for God. 1 John 4:6 gives a simple filter: Compare every message with the apostolic teaching recorded in Scripture. Truth resonates with God’s Word; error resists it. Listening for the Spirit of Truth Today • The “we” in the verse refers to the inspired apostles whose writings form the New Testament. • Their words are not suggestions but the final measuring rod (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • When a modern voice aligns with Scripture, the Spirit of truth is speaking. When it clashes, the spirit of deception is exposed. Practical Steps for Testing Teachings 1. Open your Bible first. • Acts 17:11—The Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” 2. Check Christology. • 1 John 4:2-3—Confession that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” is non-negotiable. • Any teaching that distorts Jesus’ deity, humanity, or atoning work fails the test. 3. Trace the gospel message. • Galatians 1:8—Even an angel preaching “a gospel contrary to the one we preached” is accursed. • The true gospel centers on grace, the cross, and resurrection. 4. Observe fruit and obedience. • 1 John 2:3—“By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” • Consistent holiness in the teacher’s life confirms, while persistent sin disqualifies (Matthew 7:15-20). 5. Listen for Scripture’s authority. • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns of teachers who “accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires.” • Sound teachers submit to Scripture rather than bending it to culture. Warning Signs of Error • Selective quoting or twisting passages (2 Peter 3:16). • Claims of “new revelation” that supersedes the Bible. • Diminishing sin or redefining morality (Isaiah 5:20). • Commercializing the gospel for profit (2 Peter 2:3). • Pressure to accept teaching without personal study. Encouragement to Stand Firm • John 10:4-5—Sheep know the Shepherd’s voice and flee from strangers. • Stay in fellowship with other believers devoted to Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Rely on the indwelling Spirit who “guides you into all truth” (John 16:13). When Scripture is your tuning fork, 1 John 4:6 becomes a steady compass. Listen, test, and hold fast to what rings true. |
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