Because relationships matter most of all #10: we can know the truth

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognise the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.  1 John 4: 1-6

As we found yesterday, John is again reiterating here what he has talked about before in this letter. One of his main purposes for writing is to set the believers straight about the incarnation of Jesus. Some of them were beginning to question this and live as if it was not important that Jesus walked the earth as fully human and fully God at the same time. Incarnation means ‘made flesh’. Jesus was God made flesh. Jesus was God in human form. John does not doubt this because he was there.

Anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong, John says, and not to be trusted.

It’s therefore important to approach everything you hear and read with discernment. You can have the confidence to do this because God’s truth is in you because God lives in you.

We do not have to be afraid. We have nothing to fear. The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. What an incredible truth! Take a moment to take that in. Actually, it will undoubtedly take more than a moment – it’s a big truth!

The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

However clever the argument, however persuasive the message, however skilled the speaker, you’ve got this. You have the wisdom you need. You have everything you need. You have God on your side, guiding you in the path of truth.

Get to know Jesus, get to know God, and you will know the truth.

(If you missed the one that explored antichrists, it’s Because relationships matter most of all #7: knowing what and who to believe.)