1. To Whom Are You Listening?
1John 4:1-6
To Whom Are You Listening?
1John 4:1-6
We normally want to know the source of statements or facts.
The validity of a statement often depends on the source
This is even more important with matters of the soul
What is the source of your soul’s directives?
To whom do you listen?
This Is No Inconsequential Matter
Our “source” will dictate our actions
Many sources available today
Televangelists, Pastor, Denomination, Many Religions, Science, Family Members or Friends, even Self—a trust their own conscience
Different advice leads to different actions
Some may feel justified because some "authority" approved it
2Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Human beings seem supremely qualified in finding different ways to rationalize behavior they desire to perform

2. 2Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
To Whom Are You Listening?
1John 4:1-6
We normally want to know the source of statements or facts.
The validity of a statement often depends on the source
This is even more important with matters of the soul
What is the source of your soul’s directives?
To whom do you listen?
This Is No Inconsequential Matter
Our “source” will dictate our actions
Many sources available today
Televangelists, Pastor, Denomination, Many Religions, Science, Family Members or Friends, even Self—a trust their own conscience
Different advice leads to different actions
Some may feel justified because some "authority" approved it
2Timothy 4:3-4
Human beings seem supremely qualified in finding different ways to rationalize behavior they desire to perform

3. To Whom Should We Listen?
Where Should We Turn? Who Is The Source Of Authority?
As Christians, we naturally turn to God as our authority
He is our Creator, has a plan for us, loves us, and is the One True God
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Ephesians 3:11-12 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
We can pray to Him for wisdom
James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

4. Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Where Should We Turn? Who Is The Source Of Authority?
As Christians, we naturally turn to God as our authority
He is our Creator, has a plan for us, loves us, and is the One True God
Genesis 1:26-27
Ephesians 3:11-12 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
We can pray to Him for wisdom
James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

5. Ephesians 3:11-12
This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Where Should We Turn? Who Is The Source Of Authority?
As Christians, we naturally turn to God as our authority
He is our Creator, has a plan for us, loves us, and is the One True God
Genesis 1:26-27
Ephesians 3:11-12
We can pray to Him for wisdom
James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

6. James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Where Should We Turn? Who Is The Source Of Authority?
As Christians, we naturally turn to God as our authority
He is our Creator, has a plan for us, loves us, and is the One True God
Genesis 1:26-27
Ephesians 3:11-12
We can pray to Him for wisdom
James 1:5-6

7. How Can We be sure We are Listening to God?
How Can We Make Sure That We Are Truly Listening To God?
Our text 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
We cannot believe every spirit-- there are many false spirits about (v. 1)
We must, then, "test the spirits" (v. 1)
In context, the matter of dispute is the nature of Jesus-- Docetism - An opinion especially associated with the Gnostics that Jesus had no human body and only appeared to have died on the cross.
Accept that He came in the flesh speak are from God; deny that Jesus came in the flesh represent the spirit of the antichrist (v. 2-3)!
1John 4:4-6 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
John asserts the supremacy of God over the evil one (v. 4)
Those who deny Jesus in the flesh are from the world, speak as the world, and the world hears them (v. 5)
"We" are from God, and those who know God listen to "us" (v. 6)
Those who do not listen to "us" are not of God (v. 6)
Thus, one is able to discern the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (v. 6)

8. 1John 4:1-3
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
How Can We Make Sure That We Are Truly Listening To God?
Our text 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:1-3
We cannot believe every spirit-- there are many false spirits about (v. 1)
We must, then, "test the spirits" (v. 1)
In context, the matter of dispute is the nature of Jesus-- Docetism - An opinion especially associated with the Gnostics that Jesus had no human body and only appeared to have died on the cross.
Accept that He came in the flesh speak are from God; deny that Jesus came in the flesh represent the spirit of the antichrist (v. 2-3)!
1John 4:4-6 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
John asserts the supremacy of God over the evil one (v. 4)
Those who deny Jesus in the flesh are from the world, speak as the world, and the world hears them (v. 5)
"We" are from God, and those who know God listen to "us" (v. 6)
Those who do not listen to "us" are not of God (v. 6)
Thus, one is able to discern the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (v. 6)

9. 1John 4:4-6
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
How Can We Make Sure That We Are Truly Listening To God?
Our text 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:1-3
We cannot believe every spirit-- there are many false spirits about (v. 1)
We must, then, "test the spirits" (v. 1)
In context, the matter of dispute is the nature of Jesus-- Docetism - An opinion especially associated with the Gnostics that Jesus had no human body and only appeared to have died on the cross.
Accept that He came in the flesh speak are from God; deny that Jesus came in the flesh represent the spirit of the antichrist (v. 2-3)!
1John 4:4-6
John asserts the supremacy of God over the evil one (v. 4)
Those who deny Jesus in the flesh are from the world, speak as the world, and the world hears them (v. 5)
"We" are from God, and those who know God listen to "us" (v. 6)
Those who do not listen to "us" are not of God (v. 6)
Thus, one is able to discern the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (v. 6)

10. A Plan for Understanding
Applies Universally
Test by God’s Standard
Be aware of Error
Look for Truth
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
Knowledge of God manifest in whether one observes the commandments
1John 2:3-6 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Believing Jesus came in the flesh, yet practice immorality or teach false doctrine, do not really know God and 1John 4:1-6 equally applies!
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
What comes from God is of one accord, it agrees with the Bible
2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

11. 1John 2:3-6
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
Knowledge of God manifest in whether one observes the commandments
1John 2:3-6
Believing Jesus came in the flesh, yet practice immorality or teach false doctrine, do not really know God and 1John 4:1-6 equally applies!
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
What comes from God is of one accord, it agrees with the Bible
2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

12. A Plan for Understanding
Applies Universally
Test by God’s Standard
Be aware of Error
Look for Truth
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
What comes from God is of one accord, it agrees with the Bible
2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

13. 1John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
1John 4:1
What comes from God is of one accord, it agrees with the Bible
2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

14. 2Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
1John 4:1
What comes from God is of one accord, it agrees with the Bible
2Timothy 3:16-17
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

15. A Plan for Understanding
Applies Universally
Test by God’s Standard
Be aware of Error
Look for Truth
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

16. 1John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

17. 1John 4:6
We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1
1John 4:6
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

18. 1John 4:5
They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1
1John 4:6
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

19. 1John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Testing required because the spirit of error is present in the world
1John 4:1
1John 4:6
The error at his time, Docetism flourished because it made "more sense" to the Greek world around the Christians
1John 4:5
God "appearing" but not really being flesh was more appealing than understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!
Error is often clear because those who teach it appeal somehow to worldly desires or expectations
1John 2:15-17
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

20. A Plan for Understanding
Applies Universally
Test by God’s Standard
Be aware of Error
Look for Truth
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

21. 1John 4:4
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

22. 1John 4:6
We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

23. Galatians 1:6-9
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
What Does This All Mean?
John provides a layout for understanding – not limited to Docetism only
John establishes the need to test everything according to God's standard
Presence of Conforming Error
Truth
Those who are "of God", however, speak the truth 1John 4:1-6
1John 4:4
John speaks of "we"-- "we" speak, and those who listen to God hear
1John 4:6
While "we" in grammatical context refers to Apostle and audience, we must make sure that we are really in the "we"!
We may know if we are with Apostle by understanding to whom we listen!
"We" walk with Christ & do His commandments 1John 1:5-2:6
"We" are those who listen to God
If we are going to be a part of that "we", we must be the ones listening to God and listening to those who teach God's truths!
If we believe the truth, and preach the truth, we may know the spirit of God from the spirit of error-- those who teach the truth with us versus those who teach anything contrary
Galatians 1:6-9

24. To Whom Are You Listening?
The Question, Returns To Us -- To Whom Are We Listening?
Are we listening to a spirit of error?
Is our source of the world, speak as world, & to which world listens?
Do we uncritically just accept what is said or do we test the spirits?
Acts 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Are we listening to the spirit of truth?
Do we listen to God?
Do we listen to those who accurately convey God's truth?
Are we willing to listen, even when the message is hard to swallow, and requires us to change to conform to Christ?
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Are we willing to hear the message, even with its unpopular parts and hard expectations?
There is no middle ground-- we must choose!
Let us seek to listen to God and His Word today!
Ethan R. Longhenry

25. Acts 17:11
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
The Question, Returns To Us -- To Whom Are We Listening?
Are we listening to a spirit of error?
Is our source of the world, speak as world, & to which world listens?
Do we uncritically just accept what is said or do we test the spirits?
Acts 17:11
1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Are we listening to the spirit of truth?
Do we listen to God?
Do we listen to those who accurately convey God's truth?
Are we willing to listen, even when the message is hard to swallow, and requires us to change to conform to Christ?
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Are we willing to hear the message, even with its unpopular parts and hard expectations?
There is no middle ground-- we must choose!
Let us seek to listen to God and His Word today!
Ethan R. Longhenry

26. 1John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
The Question, Returns To Us -- To Whom Are We Listening?
Are we listening to a spirit of error?
Is our source of the world, speak as world, & to which world listens?
Do we uncritically just accept what is said or do we test the spirits?
Acts 17:11
1John 4:1
Are we listening to the spirit of truth?
Do we listen to God?
Do we listen to those who accurately convey God's truth?
Are we willing to listen, even when the message is hard to swallow, and requires us to change to conform to Christ?
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Are we willing to hear the message, even with its unpopular parts and hard expectations?
There is no middle ground-- we must choose!
Let us seek to listen to God and His Word today!
Ethan R. Longhenry

27. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The Question, Returns To Us -- To Whom Are We Listening?
Are we listening to a spirit of error?
Is our source of the world, speak as world, & to which world listens?
Do we uncritically just accept what is said or do we test the spirits?
Acts 17:11
1John 4:1
Are we listening to the spirit of truth?
Do we listen to God?
Do we listen to those who accurately convey God's truth?
Are we willing to listen, even when the message is hard to swallow, and requires us to change to conform to Christ?
Galatians 2:20
Are we willing to hear the message, even with its unpopular parts and hard expectations?
There is no middle ground-- we must choose!
Let us seek to listen to God and His Word today!
Ethan R. Longhenry

28. Listen To God!
The Question, Returns To Us -- To Whom Are We Listening?
Are we listening to a spirit of error?
Is our source of the world, speak as world, & to which world listens?
Do we uncritically just accept what is said or do we test the spirits?
Acts 17:11
1John 4:1
Are we listening to the spirit of truth?
Do we listen to God?
Do we listen to those who accurately convey God's truth?
Are we willing to listen, even when the message is hard to swallow, and requires us to change to conform to Christ?
Galatians 2:20
Are we willing to hear the message, even with its unpopular parts and hard expectations?
There is no middle ground-- we must choose!
Let us seek to listen to God and His Word today!
Ethan R. Longhenry