Elements City Church
Spiritual Discernment - 1 John 4:1-6
In this short, yet powerful book written by the the disciple John, we can prepare to be challenged to live out our faith in obedience towards God and love for others. Throughout the chapters, he implores his readers to "walk in the light" in a world that is increasingly dark. We trust God will whisper to each of us as we spend some time examining His truth and study 1 John together.
Locations & Times
Elements City Church
1825 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
Sunday 5:00 PM
Welcome to church...
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https://connect-card.com/yr4Y0g8VLBSqzKXeubjbLast week's RECAP:
The Apostle John, having now reminded us to grow in our family resemblance of being a part of the family of God, calls us to prove this identity via our love for one another. It’s the call from the beginning, it’s not new, but it has an ongoing and lasting impact. We’re to love others - it’s to be our standard, not exception. We’re to follow the example of our Savior, Jesus. (we covered 1 John 3:11-18)
The Apostle John, having now reminded us to grow in our family resemblance of being a part of the family of God, calls us to prove this identity via our love for one another. It’s the call from the beginning, it’s not new, but it has an ongoing and lasting impact. We’re to love others - it’s to be our standard, not exception. We’re to follow the example of our Savior, Jesus. (we covered 1 John 3:11-18)
Big Idea:
What is true? What is false? These questions we’re sorting out with discernment at all moments in our lives and in all areas. The Apostle John challenges us to live with spiritual discernment as we navigate life to determine what is real, what is fake, who is telling the truth of God and who is just spewing the ways of the world. As followers of Jesus we’re to think critically as we stay focused on following after him.
What is true? What is false? These questions we’re sorting out with discernment at all moments in our lives and in all areas. The Apostle John challenges us to live with spiritual discernment as we navigate life to determine what is real, what is fake, who is telling the truth of God and who is just spewing the ways of the world. As followers of Jesus we’re to think critically as we stay focused on following after him.
The Greek word for “spirit” (pneuma) occurs 7x in the Greek text in 1 John 4:1-6. In the context of this paragraph, John uses the word “spirit” to refer to the animating force of a person.
John has already taught that there are only two groups in the world: those who are the children of God and those who are the children of the devil (cf. 1 John 3:10) - people of God and people of the world. So, every person is a voice either for God or for the world. Therefore, the “spirit” behind each person is either of God or of the world/the enemy.… - we're to use spiritual discernment to determine who/what we should listen to as we follow Jesus.
Believers must “test the spirits.” to determine whether they are speaking from God or from the perspective of the world or the enemy…
John has already taught that there are only two groups in the world: those who are the children of God and those who are the children of the devil (cf. 1 John 3:10) - people of God and people of the world. So, every person is a voice either for God or for the world. Therefore, the “spirit” behind each person is either of God or of the world/the enemy.… - we're to use spiritual discernment to determine who/what we should listen to as we follow Jesus.
Believers must “test the spirits.” to determine whether they are speaking from God or from the perspective of the world or the enemy…
Think Critically. Think Biblically.
Examining the Content of Their Teaching (4:2-3)
-John’s test is Christological. That is, the test by which truth can be discerned from error has to do with what is taught about the Person and Work of Jesus. The person teaching by the Spirit of God affirms that Jesus is fully God and fully Man in one person. (Doctrine of INCARNATION matters)
Examining the Character of Their Lives (4:4-6)
Christians should be critical thinkers, we’re not meant to be blind sheep.
Critically evaluate the things you hear. Grow spiritual DISCERNMENT…
Study God’s Word well enough to determine whether a claim or philosophy or religious teaching is true or false. God's truth permeating through someone surrendered to Christ will bear good and godly fruit through their character and life.
Examining the Content of Their Teaching (4:2-3)
-John’s test is Christological. That is, the test by which truth can be discerned from error has to do with what is taught about the Person and Work of Jesus. The person teaching by the Spirit of God affirms that Jesus is fully God and fully Man in one person. (Doctrine of INCARNATION matters)
Examining the Character of Their Lives (4:4-6)
Christians should be critical thinkers, we’re not meant to be blind sheep.
Critically evaluate the things you hear. Grow spiritual DISCERNMENT…
Study God’s Word well enough to determine whether a claim or philosophy or religious teaching is true or false. God's truth permeating through someone surrendered to Christ will bear good and godly fruit through their character and life.
This Scripture reminds us, in no uncertain terms, that we have the power of God within us (the Holy Spirit). So when adversity knocks on our door, We shouldn’t lose heart. Because the same God who created the universe, who holds the stars in His hands, lives in us. The Spirit of God longs to communicate with our spirit the truths and teachings of Jesus, continuously.
Quote:
Everyone has a set of exclusive beliefs and Christianity has exclusive beliefs.
“Take moralistic religion into the center of your life, and you’ll feel superior to the secularists. Take secularism into the center of your life, and you’ll feel superior to all those stupid religious people. Take the gospel into the center of your life, and you’ll be humbled before people who don’t believe what you believe. You’ll seek to serve the people who don’t believe what you believe, and you’ll know a man who loves people who don’t love him is what your whole life is built on.”
-Timothy Keller
Everyone has a set of exclusive beliefs and Christianity has exclusive beliefs.
“Take moralistic religion into the center of your life, and you’ll feel superior to the secularists. Take secularism into the center of your life, and you’ll feel superior to all those stupid religious people. Take the gospel into the center of your life, and you’ll be humbled before people who don’t believe what you believe. You’ll seek to serve the people who don’t believe what you believe, and you’ll know a man who loves people who don’t love him is what your whole life is built on.”
-Timothy Keller
CLOSING THOUGHT:
Examine what and who you are paying attention too - pay attention to what you're paying attention too. Is it from God? truthful? Beneficial? does it help you in growing as a follower of Jesus?
Examine what and who you are paying attention too - pay attention to what you're paying attention too. Is it from God? truthful? Beneficial? does it help you in growing as a follower of Jesus?
Thank you to all of our financial partners!
Thank you for your tithes and offerings. They enable us to be the church in our city, and they help fuel the mission of Elements City Church. Our capacity to function as a church on a daily basis is directly impacted by your support, and we are so thankful for it! You can give online at the link below, or through the Elements app.
http://elementscitychurch.org/giveHave a blessed week ahead friends and we'll see you in Egroups and back for next weekend's service as we continue to look into 1 John together - Walking in the Light...
Remember: we're collecting bags of candy to stuff Easter Eggs for our Easter Family Festival on March 23rd - so please bring in some candy for the collection here in early March on Sundays. Thank you.
Remember: we're collecting bags of candy to stuff Easter Eggs for our Easter Family Festival on March 23rd - so please bring in some candy for the collection here in early March on Sundays. Thank you.