1 John 4:1-3 Sermon: Test the Spirits: Don’t Fall for a Counterfeit Jesus

John warns Christians in 1 John 4:1–3 to test the spirits and not believe every teacher, because many false prophets are in the world. Just as we must be cautious of scams that appear helpful but are deceptive, we must also use discernment when listening to those who claim to teach God’s Word. The primary test John gives is whether someone confesses the truth about Jesus Christ—that He is God come in the flesh. Those who deny this have the spirit of the antichrist, and their teachings must be rejected. Christians are called to grow in discernment through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, guarding themselves against false teachings and holding fast to the real Jesus revealed in Scripture.