New Testament Golden Nugget

This morning, like most mornings I start my day by reading passages in the Bible. I love to spend time in the Old Testament, especially the first 5 books:

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

These 5 books are considered “The Law”, or “Gods Law”

I also enjoying the first 4 books of the New Testament:

• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John

These 4 books are known as “The Gospels”

This morning, I was perusing the New Testament, and started reading 1 John. This is a letter that the Apostle John wrote almost 70 years after Jesus Christ was crucified. John’s letter was intended to re-ignite Christianity, as after Jesus death, many false teachers were teaching skewed messages about Jesus message.

I was so moved when I got to 1 John Chapter 4:1-6. The message of God’s love jumped off the pages as I read and re-read this chapter.

1 John chapter 4 is one of the most powerful passages in the New Testament, focusing on the nature of God’s love, how we should love one another, and the importance of discerning the truth.

1. Testing the Spirits (1 John 4:1-6)

• The chapter begins with a call to “test the spirits” to see if they are from God. The apostle John urges believers not to accept every teaching or spiritual message at face value, but to discern whether it aligns with the truth of God.
• False Prophets and Antichrists: John warns of false prophets and the spirit of the antichrist, which denies Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. During John’s time, Gnostic teachings that contradicted the incarnation of Christ were prevalent, and he was emphasizing the importance of holding firmly to the truth of Jesus’ humanity and divinity.
• Spirit of Truth vs. Spirit of Error: The passage contrasts the “spirit of truth” with the “spirit of error,” pointing out that those who know God will recognize His truth. Those who are of the world will not accept or understand this truth.

I was put to the test yesterday, receiving a message that was not from the spirit of truth but the spirit of error. In my attempt to follow the spirit of error direction, the spirit of truth stepped in and moved me to safety before any harm could come my way. It is very important to understand and discern the difference between the spirit of truth, versus the spirt of error.

2. The Centrality of Love (1 John 4:7-21)

• God Is Love: One of the most famous statements in the Bible, “God is love,” is found in this section (verse 8). It reveals the essence of God’s character and emphasizes that love originates from Him.
• Love as Evidence of Knowing God: John explains that if we love one another, we demonstrate that we know God. The absence of love indicates that a person does not truly know God, for love is a fundamental characteristic of His nature.
• God’s Love Revealed Through Christ: The chapter highlights that God’s love was manifested in sending His Son, Jesus, as an atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins (verse 10). This sacrificial love sets the standard for how we should love others—not merely in words, but through selfless actions.

3. Perfect Love Drives Out Fear (1 John 4:17-18)

• John describes “perfect love” as something that casts out fear. This means that when God’s love is fully realized in us, we have no need to fear judgment or punishment.
• Fear and Love: The text suggests that fear is linked to punishment, while mature, perfected love brings confidence in the day of judgment. It assures believers that through God’s love, they are saved and accepted.
• Confidence in God’s Love: Christians are encouraged to live with boldness and assurance, knowing that their relationship with God is based on love, not fear. This perfect love grows as believers continue to experience and share God’s love.

4. Loving God and Loving Others (1 John 4:19-21)

• We Love Because He First Loved Us: This verse reinforces that our ability to love others comes from experiencing God’s love for us first. God initiates this love, enabling us to reflect it in our relationships.
• The Inseparability of Loving God and Loving Others: John emphasizes that anyone who claims to love God but hates a fellow believer is not speaking the truth. True love for God must be accompanied by love for others.
• The Commandment to Love: The chapter concludes with a commandment: Whoever loves God must also love their brother or sister. This reiterates the interconnectedness of loving God and loving others as an essential aspect of Christian life.

Key Themes in 1 John Chapter 4

1. Love as the Foundation of the Christian Faith: The chapter places love at the heart of what it means to know God and live out the Christian faith. It is not merely an emotion or feeling but an action rooted in God’s character and expressed through selfless deeds.
2. Discernment and Truth: Believers are called to test spiritual teachings and practices, making sure they align with the truth about Jesus Christ. This call for discernment is vital in avoiding deception.
3. Fearless Living through God’s Love: God’s perfect love provides the confidence to live without fear, especially concerning judgment. This theme encourages believers to grow in their understanding and expression of God’s love.

Practical Applications

1. Practice Discernment in Your Faith: Be mindful of the teachings you encounter and measure them against the truth of Scripture. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and trusted spiritual mentors when evaluating spiritual claims.
2. Demonstrate Love in Your Actions: Let your faith be reflected in tangible acts of love toward others. Volunteer, help a friend in need, or simply offer a kind word—every act of love is a reflection of God’s nature.
3. Embrace God’s Perfect Love: Let go of fears that hinder your spiritual growth. Remind yourself that God’s love is complete and sufficient to drive out any fear or anxiety you may experience.

Conclusion

1 John chapter 4 challenges us to live a life of love rooted in the truth of God’s Word. It teaches us that genuine love for God will manifest in how we treat others and that our confidence comes from understanding and experiencing the depth of God’s love. By embracing this call to love and truth, we can live fearlessly and reflect the very nature of God to those around us.

Please take the time to read the entire letter of 1 John in the New Testament. John was one of the original 12 apostles, and is considered to be one of the apostles closest to Jesus. John was most likely 90 years old when he wrote this letter and 2 others. Shortly after writing these 3 letters, John was exiled to an island named Patmos, where he would later write the book of Revelation, the final prophesy.

Thank you for reading, leave any comments or questions.