1 John Chapter 4

John uses the word love (or it’s equivalent) 27 times in this chapter — John is the apostle of love indeed. Yet why would John (whose reputation as the apostle of love surely must have preceded him) continue to hammer on his point? Easy — John understands three rules of teaching:

1. Tell them what you’re going to tell them.
2. Tell them.
3. Tell them what you’ve told them.

People only remember a small amount of what they hear; by using repetition John hopes at least some of his points will be remembered.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1 KJV)

First, the spirit world exists. We frequently get our worlds mixed up, but a quick trip to the world of quantum land illustrates where we get confused. Physicists tell us we live in (at least) 10 dimensions; we experience only 4 (3 spatial dimensions plus time). Thus, we experience only a part of the world around us. It’s easy to dismiss the other dimensions as part of a strange science fiction novel, but they are no less real than the dimensions we commonly experience. For example, we think of tables, chairs, etc as “solid”, yet physics tells us this isn’t so. Much more emptiness is inside an atom than matter — matter is almost entirely empty space. So our concept of “solid” is only a reality of our perception, the “real” reality is much different. So to with the physical verses spiritual realms. The spiritual realm is the permanent, real one and we need to remember that.

Second, other spirits DO exist and are not friendly. The idea of benevolent space beings here to help us is pure fantasy. It may be popular in the media and science fiction movies, but it’s pure junk. This brings us to a common question with regards to UFO’s. What is the Biblical perspective on UFO’s? For a considerable time I believed UFO’s were just the result of psychologically unstable people making up strange tales of abduction in order to appear on the cover of the Enquirer. As to mass sightings, some natural or other phenomena must be the result, after all, no serious scientist would believe in such things.

I’ve since modified my view.

Two men for whom I have much respect published a book called “Alien Encounters — The Secret Behind the UFO Phenomenon.” After reading this book and doing a little digging myself I now believe UFO’s are real. However, they are not what they appear to be — they have interesting characteristics leading to the conclusion they are not just some advanced race here for some benevolent purpose, but exist completely outside our domain of time and space — in other words, from the spiritual realm.

… UFOs have been tracked on radar traveling at over 25,000 miles per hour within our atmosphere. Yet, unlike physical objects, they do not cause sonic booms and they do not burn up. They have been known to make right-angle turns at over 15,000 miles per hour, something no physical object could endure.(Eastman, Mark & Missler, Chuck “Alien Encounters The Secret Behind the UFO Phenomenon” page 67)

As a physicist and mathematician myself, I realize this cannot simply be some advanced race of beings with technology we don’t have — these crafts break the laws of physics. The only way this can occur is if they have no mass — i.e. spirit beings. This is exactly what John tells us — other spirits exist which do not have your best interests at heart. The idea that benevolent space beings exist and are here to help us is a myth propagated by deceived people who haven’t analyzed the situation logically.

John reminds us to test the spirits — all of them. “Test” is in the present imperative active voice — it’s a continuous command. You NEVER stop testing the spirits — some are out to lie and deceive you. Remember, no “new revelation” exists. God gave us the complete and total revelation in His word (Jude 3). Paul tells us if any man, or even an angel, proclaims any other gospel let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8). The word for “accursed” is anathema meaning “given up or devoted to destruction … divine condemnation” (Zodiahaties, “The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament”, page 148). This is serious stuff. Too many people are willing to compromise the Word of God — this must not be. God’s word is the same today as it was thousands of years ago; do not fall for the deceit of the enemy. Stand firm — remember always you are called to be a skeptic (1 Thessalonians 5:21, Acts 17:11).

However, we must be careful and define the use of the word skeptic. It’s sometimes used interchangeably with atheist; people are surprised when I advise them to be skeptics. But a skeptic is just someone who uses critical thinking and doesn’t accept what they are told without checking it out for themselves. We have been warned to check things out and must do so. The word John uses is a metallurgist’s term for assaying metals to determine their purity and value (McArthur, John “The McArthur Study Bible” page 1971). You’ve got to consider all information against the Word of God which does not change.

As an aside, note science is NOT the search for truth — it’s a search for a naturalistic (without God) explanation for the world. Any time evidence points to a creator science just dismisses the evidence and won’t talk about it anymore. Just the idea of the big bang violating several laws of physics should be enough to relegate evolution to the scrap heap of scientific theories that didn’t survive further analysis. Because evolution is still clung to tenaciously, it should give you a clue science is not the search for the truth about how we got here — it’s a search for an explanation that rules out the possibility of a creator God.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:2-3 KJV)

Recall the Gnostics taught Jesus didn’t have a body; as a consequence John says they aren’t from God. There are two groups — those from God and those from satan — period. It’s a black and white issue. You’re in one camp or the other; it’s your choice. It’s always interesting people will be very tolerant of Buddhists, eastern philosophy, meditation, or other religions, but simply mention Jesus Christ and an argument breaks out. Where did their tolerance go? It’s easy to understand when you realize only two groups exist: Jesus and all the others. Since all the others are really the same, they don’t express the extreme hatred toward each other (in general); they reserve the most extreme, intolerant positions towards the people who serve the true and living God.

And getting back to the UFO idea, any spirit denying Jesus Christ is not from God. It’s interesting many UFO stories speak against Jesus and toward some new-age thought. Why? They’re not from God and most certainly are not benevolent space-beings here to help us — they are from the pit of hell and sent to do the enemy’s work of deception.

John begins to speak of the spirit of Antichrist here; frequently that term is misunderstood. It doesn’t mean just against Christ, but rather in place of or a substitute for. We see so many groups who substitute some other Jesus for the real one — that’s the spirit of Antichrist and it’s been in the world since the beginning. However, John will also speak of the specific person we usually refer to as the Antichrist.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4 KJV)

In the battle between Jesus and satan you don’t need to guess who wins; no doubt exists. Satan’s destiny is clear.

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10 NKJV)

Satan has limited power, and can only use that limited power when God allows him to do so. You may recall the first chapter of Job, where satan comes before God with a complaint with regards to Job:

“Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. (Job 1:10 NKJV)

Satan could not get to Job unless God allowed.

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (1 John 4:5 KJV)

People have a tendency to associate with people like themselves. Thus if a false prophet is not from God and speaks words of the world, the world hears it and accepts it; people don’t want to hear the Word of God for it requires a change in attitude (sometimes the truth is not pleasant to hear). But if you withhold the truth from someone dying of a disease, have you helped them or hurt them? Hiding the truth and telling people want they want to hear is the cruelest form of deception.

In 1 Kings chapter 22, the King of Israel obtains counsel from the prophets whether he should go and fight the King of Syria. All the false prophets say go, God has given it to your hand. Yet the king of Judah is uneasy and asks if any other prophets exist they may inquire of. The King of Israel replies one other exists, but he hates him because he doesn’t prophecy good. Yet they do inquire of the true prophet of God, and he prophecies disaster in the battle — and that’s exactly what happens. Neither King wanted to hear the true word of God — they would rather hear what they wanted to.

The prophet Jeremiah had to deal with many false prophets during his ministry — prophets who claimed to be sent from the Lord, but weren’t.

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. (Jeremiah 14:13-14 KJV)

False prophets are popular because they say what people want to hear — yet they are not from God. See also Jeremiah chapters 27 and 28. Sometimes it’s difficult to take a stand and follow God’s word, but remember any dead fish can float downstream — it takes a live one to go against the stream. Stand firm.

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6 KJV)

Once again, false prophets easily deceive the people, for they tell the people what they want to hear. Sometimes the word of the Lord isn’t popular, yet it’s no less true simply because we don’t want to hear it. Right now many people in the U.S. wave flags and go to church after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Yet do they consider this might be the judgment of God for our many sins? Probably not. (Note: I do not mean 9-11 was the judgment of God — it could be, it might not be. However, it’s never a bad time to evaluate ourselves (both personally and nationally) to see if our actions line up with God’s law. [2 Chronicles 7:14] )

Many times in the Old Testament we see God using the enemies of Israel as a tool to perform His judgment on the nation of Israel which had fallen into sin; we in the United States are not immune to the judgment of God for our many sins. We have turned our backs on God; perhaps God is trying to get our attention and turn us back to the correct path — yet people don’t want to hear the message. Ezekiel had the same problem as he spoke to the nation of Israel.

“Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house. (Ezekiel 12:2 NKJV)

You can’t see unless God opens your eyes. Until then you have eyes yet can’t see. Recall Paul in Acts 9:18 as something like scales fell from his eyes. This was not just a physical cure; for the first time Paul saw things clearly spiritually. You also can’t hear without the spirit of God — because you’re dead (in your sins). And dead men not only tell no tales, they hear no tales. We in this country need to wake up and start listening to the voice of God. Remember God as he says:

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV)

We need to turn back to God.

Now moving to another section on love. John restates the previous to be sure it’s sinking in. (Is it?)

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7 KJV)

The true test of a Christian is love. If you don’t have it, you’re not a Christian. This is a positive outward sign. Love is agapao — we must remember love is not an emotion, it’s a commitment. You can’t stop loving someone in the agapao sense because it’s not an emotion to begin with; rather it’s a commitment between you and that other person. If more people understood what love is perhaps we might have a lower divorce rate.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8 KJV)

This is the other side of the previous verse — no matter how much money you give the church or how many Sundays you attend if you don’t have love you aren’t His. Period. Many people place their salvation on the fact of church attendance or something else, but God’s characteristics are love — and you become like the Gods you worship (Psalm 115:8, 135:18). If you aren’t beginning to acquire the characteristics and traits of God you aren’t among His children. Therefore, if you don’t love you’re not of God. But we have many different forms of love. What kind of love is God talking about? We don’t have to guess, God gave us an example, as John explains.

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10 KJV)

This is the definition of love — it’s our example to follow. Jesus became sin for us so that we could be saved. That’s the example of supreme love.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:11 KJV)

Follow the example — God doesn’t command anything he’s not willing to do Himself. Many people like the saying “do as I say, not as I do” because they only want the rules to apply to everyone else. But God won’t ask you to do anything He Himself won’t do. That’s unique and important. Again, if you are a follower of God, you will begin to acquire His characteristics. God is a God of love, and you also must love one another.

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12 KJV)

You can’t see God directly for several reasons; one we don’t usually think of is simple: you don’t have the correct number of dimensions in your physical being. We know we live in a world of at least 10 dimensions, yet we experience only four. God lives in more dimensions and you can’t expect to see more dimensions than you live in. But don’t let this fact discourage you — if you want to see God, just look to Jesus — He is the perfect image of God represented in four dimensions (Hebrews 1:3).

But since no one can see God, it’s up to us to be His witness since His love has been perfected in us. Jesus told us we are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5) and reflect the light and love of God to a world that desperately needs it.

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:13-14 KJV)

John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, miracles and resurrection — look back to chapter 1:1. Eyewitness testimony is credible, therefore John’s testimony in these matters is credible. John says Jesus is the savior of the world, and he should know as he spent several years with Jesus and knew Him well.

Yet some will say John’s testimony isn’t valid, that somehow all the disciples either concocted the resurrection story or were all under the same delusion when they claimed to see Jesus after He died. Yet mass delusions are NOT practical — mental delusions tend to be personal and distinct for the individual. And besides, it’s unreasonable to believe all these men would die horrific deaths, and not one of them would crack under the brutal beatings they took and admit to the fabrication of the story. No, John’s testimony is first-hand, reliable and true.

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. (1 John 4:15 KJV)

Everyone wants to know which way to God. We’ve got spiritual gurus saying meditation is the way, various so-called prophets claiming to have revelation from God, yet John says it’s simple: confess Jesus is the Son of God. You don’t need years of meditation to meet with God — God will meet with you anytime you want — just ask. Paul answers the question “what must I do to be saved” in Romans:

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NKJV)

The tragedy is not many do. Many people are seeking to find their own way to God, yet salvation comes by faith in Jesus alone. The only question at the judgment seat of God is “What do you think of Jesus?”

Was he:

• A great teacher?
• A strong moral leader?
• A crazed lunatic?
• Or God Himself in the flesh?

It’s your choice. Yet you should know he claimed to be God — (John 10:31-33, 8:56-59). Even His enemies understood His claims — it’s why he was executed! (Matthew 26:63-63). It’s bizarre to see today people who declare Jesus never claimed to be God. The so-called “Jesus seminar” even votes on what Jesus really said and did — as if their votes will somehow change history. Bizarre. It’s amazing what man will stoop to when he doesn’t want to accept the truth. (The strange notion of evolution also comes to mind, yet we’ve already looked at that).

So Jesus claimed to be God. Big deal. He either was or wasn’t.

If He wasn’t, it means He was lying. But He either knew it or not.

If He did know He was lying, He’s evil and corrupt.

If not, He’s delusional and mentally ill.

But in light of His claims, He can’t be a “good teacher” — would a good teacher lie to you? Of course not. Since He claimed to be God, He is either a crazed lunatic, liar and deceiver, or He was who he said he was. It’s your choice. (For more on C.S. Lewis’ discussion see our article Lord, Liar or Lunatic.

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:16-17 KJV)

We are of light. In John’s Gospel he explains why people don’t like the light — either the light of Jesus or the light we reflect from Him.

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:19-21 NKJV)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 KJV)

Fear is from satan. Let’s do a little math to deduce something you already know.

God = love. Love > fear. Fear = statan. Therefore, by the transitive property God > Satan. OK. Not a big deal — you already knew that. But one of satan’s favorite tricks is fear, or as we in the computer industry say, FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt). You must always be aware fear is NOT from God, God gives us power and love.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Power is dunamis or dynamic, dynamite power. We don’t have fear, but power, love and (my favorite part) a sound mind. Let’s stop being timid and go boldly forth.

We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)

A sad commentary on human love — we love in reciprocation. Our love is not an original outpouring, but a response to something. We love because we get something in return.

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:20-21 KJV)

An outward way to see if someone is truly following God. If they hate their brother, are they truly a follower of God? I don’t think so.