What is the meaning of 1 John 4:5? They are of the world “They are of the world” (1 John 4:5a) draws a clear line between God’s people and those who operate apart from Him. John has just spoken of “the spirit of the antichrist” (v.3); here he identifies its human mouthpieces. • Origin and allegiance: Their beliefs, motives, and priorities arise from the fallen world system (John 17:14; 1 John 2:15–17). • Contrast with believers: Those born of God “overcome the world” (1 John 5:4), but these teachers are shaped by it. • Moral implication: Friendship with the world is “enmity with God” (James 4:4), so following such voices places a listener on the wrong side of that divide. They speak from the world’s perspective “That is why they speak from the world’s perspective” (1 John 4:5b). • Message shaped by culture: Like water takes the shape of its container, their teaching mirrors society’s desires (2 Timothy 4:3–4). • Content and style: – Appeals to human pride, sensuality, or self-interest (Colossians 2:8; Jude 16). – Relies on persuasive rhetoric rather than God’s revealed truth (1 Corinthians 2:4–5). • Outcome: Because they lack the Spirit of truth (John 8:23), their words cannot produce spiritual life. The world listens to them “…and the world listens to them” (1 John 4:5c). • Natural attraction: Darkness is drawn to darkness (John 3:19). False teachers gain large followings because their message requires no repentance (2 Peter 2:1–3). • Confirmation loop: – Worldly audience affirms worldly teachers. – Teachers, emboldened by applause, double down on error. • Sobering prophecy: End-times deception will intensify; many “will turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:4; cf. Matthew 24:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12). summary 1 John 4:5 exposes the pattern behind every false voice: earthly source → worldly message → eager worldly audience. The verse calls believers to sharpen discernment, cling to God’s Word, and refuse any teaching that echoes the values of a world in rebellion against its Creator. |
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