1 John Chapter 4: Test the Doctrines, False Prophets, Jesus’ Mission, Love
Feb 8th, 2010 | By admin | Category: 1st & 2nd & 3rd John, Verse by Verse --Studies led by Br. Frank Shallieu (Click on Book name)Basically the word “spirits” pertains to doctrine, but it is like the word “conversation” in the King James, which we change to “conduct.” Therefore, it is helpful to think of “spirits” as being both the doctrine and the disposition, or character, of the one who is pronouncing the message. The false element professed to be prophets, taking the position that they were speaking the truth. However, the listener had to be cautious. Since John spoke so much about “love” in this epistle, we can add the thought of “conduct” as well. Thus the listener was to test the doctrine of the speaker and observe his character, conversation, and conduct to see if they squared with Scripture and the qualifications of a bona fide Christian. Both the doctrine and the spirit that accompanied the doctrine were to be tested. In fact, testing and careful consideration were essential “because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” We are not to be too trustful of what we hear and of what one professes to be.
