1 John Chapter 4 (AMPC) “Testing the Spirits” and “God is Love”

I have been writing on The Book of 1 John, and I hadn’t given any background. The book attributed to the apostle John, is a letter written to early Christian communities in Asia Minor. It addresses various theological and ethical issues facing these believers. In 1 John Chapter 4, two crucial themes emerge, "Testing the Spirits" and "God is Love." These themes remain profoundly relevant to today's believers as they navigate their faith and interactions within the modern world.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

1 John 4:1-6 (AMPC): Testing the Spirits

"Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world. By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source]; And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world. Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. They proceed from the world and are of the world; therefore it is out of the world [its whole economy morally considered] that they speak, and the world listens (pays attention) to them. We are [children] of God. Whoever is learning to know God [progressively to perceive, recognize, and understand God by observation and experience, and to get an ever-clearer knowledge of Him] listens to us; and he who is not of God does not listen or pay attention to us. By this we know (recognize) the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error."

Relevance to Today's Believers

Discerning False Teachings: In an era where various belief systems and teachings abound, John's exhortation to test the spirits is essential. Today's believers must discern the authenticity of spiritual messages, ensuring they align with the core truth that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This emphasis remains pertinent in a world filled with false prophets and distorted doctrines.

The Antichrist Spirit: The concept of the antichrist spirit is still relevant today, as forces opposing Christ's message persist. Christians should be vigilant, recognizing that this spirit can manifest in subtle ways within society, promoting values contrary to the teachings of Christ.

Victory in Christ: John reminds believers that they have the power to overcome the influence of false spirits because the Spirit of God resides within them. This message encourages modern Christians to rely on their faith and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit when facing challenges and false teachings.

1 John 4:7-21 (AMPC): God is Love

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another. No man has at any time [yet] seen God. But if we love one another, God abides (lives and remains) in us and His love (that love which is essentially His) is brought to completion (to its full maturity, runs its full course, is perfected) in us. By this we come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us of His [Holy] Spirit. And [besides] we ourselves have seen (have deliberately and steadfastly contemplated) and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son [as the] Savior of the world. Anyone who confesses (acknowledges, owns) that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides (lives, makes His home) in him and he [abides, lives, makes his home] in God. And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him. In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. We love Him, because He first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [believer] also."

Relevance to Today's Believers:

The Essence of God's Nature: In a world marked by division and animosity, the message that "God is love" serves as a powerful reminder of the core attribute of God. Today's believers should reflect this love in their interactions with others, both within and outside the faith.

Love as the Litmus Test: John emphasizes that love is the litmus test of a genuine relationship with God. Believers should assess their love for one another as evidence of their spiritual connection. This call for genuine love remains essential in a world often marked by selfishness and hatred.

Fear and Love: The chapter highlights that perfect love casts out fear. In a world filled with anxieties and uncertainties, the message of God's love provides solace and empowers believers to face life's challenges with confidence and assurance.

The Command to Love: John reinforces the commandment to love one another, underscoring its significance in the Christian faith. This mandate remains relevant today, challenging believers to live out their faith by actively loving and caring for others.

In conclusion, 1 John Chapter 4 in the AMPC provides timeless teachings for today's believers. It calls for discernment in testing the spirits and emphasizes the profound truth that "God is love." These teachings challenge Christians to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a strong foundation in their faith and a commitment to love one another, thereby reflecting the very nature of God.

If You Have Ears to Hear, Then Hear it!