TESTING THE SPIRITS (9 OF 14)

Testing the Spirits (9 of 14)
THE BOOK OF I JOHN
Dan Rodgers
1 John 4:1-21
Wednesday, October 18, 2006


INTRODUCTION: In our lesson last week, the title of our message was "Contrasting Love and Hate." John begins in (3:11), discussing the hate that caused Cain to kill his brother. He killed Able in a jealous rage because
his offering was not accepted by God, but Able's was (vs. 12). John called Cain a child of the devil...he "was of that wicked one." In John 8:44, Jesus said to the Pharisees, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

In contrast, John said we will recognize a true believer by the love he shows for other Christians—those in the same family, the family of God: (vs. 14).

This evening, we begin chapter four, as John once again picks up the discussion concerning false prophets, lying spirits and antichrists. Remember in (2:18), he said, Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Let's take a look at three things:

I. Testing the Spirits
II. Loving the Brethren
III. Showing the Difference

I. TESTING THE SPIRITS

The days in which we live are no doubt, the last days. The earmarks of the last days are everywhere. Men are committing evil crimes of every sort. There is no longer a desire for the things of God; rather, there is an insatiable desire for the things of the world. People are seeking to satisfy themselves, both in material pleasure and in the physical cravings of the flesh.

In addition; one of the signs of the last days will be Satan's effort to turn men from God. He will be working his evil magic through demons and men who are called to do his bidding. That's ...

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