Bible Study - Dark Side (4) - Fear Not - 1 John 4:1-6 - September 24, 2017

Bible Study – Dark Side (4) – Fear Not – September 24, 2017

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “The Dark Side.”

Our focus scripture is 1 John 4:1-6:

We don’t need to fear evil forces when we’re in CHRIST.

The Devil, Satan, evil spirits, demons and their like were defeated when JESUS gave HIS perfect, sinless life upon the cross. JESUS shed HIS blood for the atonement of sin, which paid the penalty for sin and its consequence eternal death, for all who will place their faith in JESUS.

JESUS won the victory and because HE won the victory so has everyone who places their faith in HIM.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:7-8:

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."

The passion of JESUS extended GOD’S Grace to every person. GOD’S Grace to all mankind is that all have access to HIM through faith in JESUS. But to accept GOD’S Grace every person must accept JESUS as GOD’S Son Who chose to come to earth to live as 100% human. HE willingly gave HIS life for the redemption of mankind by the shedding of HIS blood. HE died and was buried as a human. But HE trusted GOD to raise HIM from the physically dead as proof that HE conquered both sin and its consequence eternal death. This is proof of eternal life for all who place their faith in HIM.

Christians are washed clean of their sin, covered and protected by the shed blood of JESUS. Christians are victorious over the Devil, Satan, and the spirit world because JESUS, The CHRIST has won the victory. The Apostle John wanted all Christians to know that fact and live victorious lives.

Christians must keep in mind that the indwelling Holy Spirit guarantees that victory has been won because every Christian is the temple where GOD resides. This earth is no longer the home of Christians but GOD has chosen for us to remain upon earth as HIS ambassadors.

Christians are to live in victory under the authority of GOD.

The flag of victory flies over GOD’S Embassy for all who come to eternal salvation and security through faith in JESUS. JESUS told us that life upon earth would not be easy but it will be rewarding as Christians walk in obedience to GOD’S leadership through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

We read in 1 Corinthians 3:16:

16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

So how do we live in victory? Let’s explore!

Christians, although born into GOD’S Family, live in a world that still contains the Devil, Satan and evil that is fighting for the souls of mankind. As Christians, we have become the enemy of this evil world we live in. Christians are GOD’S soldiers who are to suit up each day for battle. The Good News is that GOD has our backs and we have direct access to GOD!

Let’s read 1 John 4:1-3:

The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

First, let’s consider spirit. We often speak of “school spirit” or “team spirit” or “the spirit of an event” or “the spirit we may sense when we worship.” The Apostle John was drawing the attention of Christians to those who appeal to our belief system.

Many of us observe a spirit or nature in others that can either draw us to that person and their position on spiritual matters or repel us. Such reactions are the result of discernment based upon what we have experienced or, as in the case of the spiritual realm, GOD equipping us with the gift of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error.

There are two sources of discernment: (1) based upon human knowledge or (2) the gift of the Holy Spirit. Human discernment can be faulty, whereas, discernment gifted from GOD is 100 percent accurate. Often, the problem arises when Christians ignore the warnings of GOD and choose not to take action. When that happens it is a learning experience and it is one that we keep in our minds.

Discernment is a vital part for determining the truth or error of the things we encounter. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. A Christian may or may not have the gift of discernment but every Christian can test the source of what they encounter regarding spiritual matters.

In Matthew 7:15, JESUS stated - 15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

That is what our lesson is all about. Let’s explore how we can test the spirits as we read our next verse ---

2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.

3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.

The Spirit of GOD is the Holy Spirit and presents truth which is confirmed in the Bible. Those who preach or teach truth do so from the Spiritual foundation that JESUS came to earth and was born 100% human. HE left HIS Glory in Heaven and depended completely upon GOD to supply all of HIS needs. HE was 100% human and yet 100% Divine.

JESUS was the example for all who will place their faith in HIM. No person comes to GOD, The Father, except through JESUS.

JESUS was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet HE did not sin. If HE hurt Himself as HE worked in HIS earthly dad’s carpenter business he said “ouch” or bled. HE completed HIS passion upon earth by being crucified on a cross and HE died a physical death. HE was buried as 100% human. As proof that HE accomplished all that GOD intended for HIM and for all who will place their faith in HIM, GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to live eternally with GOD. At any point along HIS earthly life’s journey HE could have called 10,000 angels to come to HIS rescue but HE trusted GOD. Just as all Christians must trust JESUS and GOD as they walk with them.

The Apostle John was writing to Christians who had been ravaged by false teaching by some who were former Christians.

There was a group of false teachers who had been in the Christian church but had left the Christian church to preach and teach that JESUS did not come in the flesh. They taught that JESUS was a spirit.

The Apostle John was making it clear that JESUS was a real flesh and blood human. HE came to earth and was born as a baby. HE grew into manhood. HE was tempted but HE lived a perfect life. HE gave HIS sinless, perfect life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. The Apostle John had witnessed JESUS as a human and he had witnessed JESUS as the Divine Son of GOD and HE was his Savior.

The Apostle was educating the Christians then and now how they could discern between those who were preaching or teaching truth or error. His message and instructions were straight forward as we read in verses 2 and 3:

2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.

3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.

All Christians who listen to preachers, teachers, Bible study writers, leaders or read their material are to discern whether or not that person is presenting truth. Those whose message, either directly or indirectly, leads you to believe that JESUS did not come in the flesh are not teaching truth. Those with the gift of discernment will pick up on it quickly but others may not.

A person must be careful not to sit under false preaching or teaching because first it is false and second, they will find themselves becoming marginalized in their walk with CHRIST. In the later days, JESUS tells us in Matthew 24:11 and 24:

11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Christians are the elect but the elect must know the Bible and the truth of its contents as experienced by building an intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD through their walk with CHRIST.

As mentioned in last week’s study, the Devil, Satan, evil spirits, demons and their ilk do not want you to believe that JESUS is the true Son of GOD Who came to earth in the flesh. Why? It is because by JESUS being sinless flesh HE was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all who will place their faith in HIM. There is nothing else to be done for a person to receive salvation. This thwarts those who represent various religions and those who attempt to make Christianity a religion. As you know, true Christianity is CHRIST in you and not what religious denomination you attend.

GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead as proof that JESUS paid the price, in full, for sin and that HE conquered not only sin but its consequence, eternal death.

We are to test the spirits to determine whether or not they are from GOD. 

When we discern the truth, we are to take appropriate action. If you discover that you are under false teaching, regardless of the number of credentials he or she may have, get out from under the teaching of that person and pray that he or she will see the truth and be delivered from heresy.

Keep in mind that false teaching may not be blatant but very subtle. The accuracy of the preaching, teaching and Bible studies must be 100% accurate according to scripture.

The Apostle stated verse 3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.

Anti is against and if JESUS is not lifted up as the true Son of GOD and came in the flesh then what you are hearing is from the antichrist, who was in the world at this writing of John, and for sure is in the world today. Christians beware!

Keep in mind that “the elect” must stay vigilant or else they can be duped. So what can keep Christians on target? Let’s read on----

Let’s read 1 John 4:4-6:

4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

This is a tender moment. The Apostle John referred to those who know the truth and embrace the truth as precious “little children” on their way to Spiritual maturity.

The Apostle John made reference to the world. The world offers the things that appeal to the physical/the flesh. Once a person receives JESUS as his or her Savior, he or she focuses upon the things of the Spirit and the things that have eternal value. This is the result of being born into GOD’S Family through faith in JESUS and the renewing of our minds by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Yes, even Christians are enticed and lured by the things the world has to offer. Many of us fail and the Devil wants us to remain defeated but GOD tells us to confess our sins, repent and keep on obediently serving HIM.

No Christian is perfect. We are all sinners saved by GOD’S Grace. Embrace GOD’S Grace and keep on keeping on!

5 They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them.

There are those who are motivated and enticed by the power and wisdom the world offers. The world knows how to present the things that those with their minds focused upon earthly things love to hear, do and follow. But beware because if you have received JESUS as your Savior, you have a different mindset. The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian and creates in each Christian a new mind that is shaped by the wisdom of GOD.

6 We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

As a Christian, you have the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who enlightens, warns, teaches, reveals, comforts and guarantees your eternal security. The Apostle John told Christians how to test the spirits to verify truth from error. It is up to us to put into practice what the Holy Spirit teaches and reveals.

If you feel foolish testing the spirits, guess who wants you to feel foolish? Don’t be fooled, test the spirits and beware of diversions designed to lead you away from probing for truth.

Some may say that JESUS was a prophet, a good man, or a great preacher. The question is, “Did JESUS come to earth in the flesh as 100% man?”

As stated earlier, JESUS left HIS Glory in Heaven as recorded in John 15:5:

5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

JESUS left HIS Glory in Heaven. JESUS came to earth as 100% human, yet 100% Divine. When HIS Glory was restored HIS Divinity was restored. Thus GOD placed all judgment into HIS hands. Why? Because Christians have a Savior Who knows what it means to live as a human and to be tempted in all ways as we are tempted, yet HE was without sin.

JESUS intercedes for all Christians today and has to remind our accuser, Satan, that we have been redeemed by HIS shed blood and we are GOD’S Sons or Daughters. Christians live under GOD’S Grace. Fear Not!

Do you know GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS? If not, now is the moment when you can ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your heart believing that HE gave HIS life for you to have eternal life.   Blessings!!!