SPEAKER: Larry Hasmatali
DATE: March 8-9, 2025
TITLE: Check the Source
SERIES: The Father's Heart: A Journey Through 1 John
TEXT: 1 John 4:1-6

Three Responses:
1. Gracious discernment, not a critical spirit.
2. Judging rightly - not by the past, but by the present.
3. Teaching truth to all generations.

Study Questions:
1. What does it mean to 'test the spirits' according to 1 John 4:1? Why is this important in today's world? Application: This week, evaluate the sources of spiritual teachings you consume. Compare them to Scripture and pray for discernment to recognize truth from falsehood.
2. How does acknowledging Jesus as fully God and fully man protect against false teaching? Application: Reflect on your understanding of Jesus' identity. If there are doubts or misunderstandings, study Scripture and reaffirm your faith in Christ's deity and humanity.
3. What does John mean when he says, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)? Application: Identify an area of your life where fear or uncertainty has taken hold. Declare this verse over that situation and trust in God's power within you.
4. How can we recognize the spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood according to 1 John 4:5-6? Application: As you engage in conversations this week, listen carefully to the messages you hear. Ask yourself, 'Does this align with God's Word?' and practice speaking truth with love in your interactions.