March 21, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Johannes Chapter 4

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The First Epistle of John, Chapter 4, is a profound passage dealing with two central themes of the Christian faith: the distinction between truth and error, and the significance of divine love. John warns against false prophets and calls for the testing of spirits to distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of error. Additionally, he highlights love as the defining characteristic of a true Christian: “God is love” (v. 8).

These two themes—the testing of spirits and divine love—are closely connected. True knowledge leads to love, for whoever lives in truth is filled with God’s love. This chapter reminds us that faith is not merely a verbal confession but a lived reality, manifested in our love for God and for others.

Commentary

1.The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error (Verses 1-6)

• John urges believers not to believe every spirit but to test them (v. 1).

• The key criterion for discerning a true spirit: it confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (v. 2-3).

• The spirit of the antichrist is already at work in the world—but “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (v. 4).

• False prophets speak from the world and are accepted by the world, but the true children of God listen to the truth (v. 5-6).

➡ Lesson for us: Not everyone who speaks about God is sent by God. The Bible urges us to examine whether a teaching truly glorifies Christ.

2.God’s Love and Love for One Another (Verses 7-21)

• Love comes from God—whoever loves is born of God (v. 7).

• God is love—His love is demonstrated in sending His Son for us (v. 8-10).

• Our response to God’s love: If God has loved us, we must also love one another (v. 11-12).

• The evidence of God’s presence in us: Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God remains in God, and God remains in him (v. 15-16).

• Perfect love drives out fear—for in love, there is no fear of judgment (v. 17-18).

• Love for God is shown in love for our brothers—whoever does not love his brother cannot claim to love God (v. 19-21).

➡ Lesson for us: True love is not just an emotion but a conscious decision reflected in our actions toward others.

Summary

• Truth and Falsehood in Faith: Not everyone who speaks about God proclaims the truth. The key question is: Does the person confess Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God?

• God’s Love as a Model: God is love, and He revealed His love through the sacrifice of Jesus.

• Our Responsibility: Whoever loves God must also love others.

• Love and Fear: Perfect love drives out fear—especially the fear of divine judgment.

Message for Us Today

1.Test the Spirits—Not everything that appears “spiritual” comes from God

• Today, many false teachings claim to be Christian but are not truly based on Christ.

• We must remain vigilant and compare every teaching with the Word of God.

2.Faith Means Living Out Love

• Our Christianity is not just about professing faith but about demonstrating love to others.

• This love is not selective—it extends to everyone, even those who are difficult for us to love.

3.God’s Love Gives Us Security

• Fear of judgment and the future is cast out by God’s perfect love.

• When we remain in Christ, we can live in peace.

4.Practical Application

• Put love into action—help those in need, forgive others, show mercy.

• Remain in the truth—test what you hear and hold fast to God’s Word.

• Trust in God’s love—it is greater than any fear or uncertainty.

➡ 1 John 4 calls us to lead lives shaped by truth and love.
➡ When we recognize Christ, we will also live out true love.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 9—The Work and the Life
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 9 describes God’s selfless love as the source of all life, light, and blessing. This principle of selfless devotion is evident throughout creation, but most especially in the life of Jesus Christ. His existence was marked by sacrifice—he lived to save humanity and set an example of love and service. His followers should adopt the same attitude: a life that does not seek self-fulfillment but instead places the well-being of others at its center. This service is not only a calling but also the path to true happiness and spiritual growth.

Commentary

1.The Source of All Life and Blessing

God is the origin of life and blessing, and everything that exists receives light and joy from Him. Just as sunlight and flowing water nourish all living things, so too should humans receive and share God’s blessings. True fulfillment in life does not come from seeking personal gain but from sharing God’s love with others.

2.Christ as the Ultimate Example of Service

Jesus Christ lived a completely selfless life. His greatest concern was to save fallen humanity, even at the cost of suffering and sacrifice. Likewise, angels were not created for themselves but to serve others. The very essence of heaven is not selfishness but sacrifice and love. Those who reject this mindset separate themselves from God.

3.The Impact of God’s Love in a Person

When Christ’s love dwells in a person’s heart, it cannot remain hidden. It radiates outward and influences all who come into contact with them. A Christian’s life should be like a fresh spring in the desert—bringing refreshment and life to those in need.

4.The Joy of Serving Others

The deepest expression of love for Christ is the desire to help others. This was the principle by which Jesus lived. His life was not one of comfort and ease but of tireless service. Those who follow Him will not focus on their own desires but on the well-being of others.

5.The Importance of Sacrifice

A true disciple of Jesus is willing to make sacrifices so that others may experience the blessing of salvation. This sacrifice can take the form of time, resources, or personal dedication. Those who have received God’s grace cannot keep it to themselves—they will feel compelled to share it with others.

6.Communion with Christ Through Service

Serving others not only brings blessings to the recipients but also to the one who serves. God could have entrusted His work of salvation to angels, but He chose to involve people so that their faith could be strengthened. Anyone who dedicates themselves to God’s service will grow deeper in their experience of His love and truth.

7.The Necessity of Spiritual Growth Through Service

Christian growth does not happen through passive receiving but through active giving. Those who do not live out their faith will lose it. But those who carry out God’s mission and serve others will grow spiritually. This is a divine principle: spiritual strength comes through active engagement.

8.Every Christian is Called to Serve

The Church of Christ is called to bring the Good News to the world. This task is not only for missionaries or preachers but for every believer. Each person can be a witness for Christ through their work, behavior, and relationships. Even those who cannot travel to distant lands can still contribute through prayer, support, and serving in their immediate surroundings.

9.Imitating Christ in Everyday Life

Jesus spent most of His earthly life engaged in everyday work as a carpenter. He demonstrated that every job and every activity can be an opportunity to serve God. Even a simple worker can bear witness to Christ through faithfulness and integrity. Everyone can be a light to those around them and lead others to faith.

10.The Blessing of Selfless Service

Many people believe they are not qualified to work for God’s kingdom, but God does not only call the most talented—He calls every believer. Even the simplest tasks, when done with love, are valuable in God’s kingdom. Those who are faithful in small things will also be entrusted with greater things.

11.No Excuses – Everyone Can Serve

Many wait for a “special opportunity” to serve God, but this is a mistake. The best opportunity is the present moment—by living faithfully, showing love in daily life, and being open to the needs of others. Those who make themselves available to Christ will experience how He uses them and how their lives bear fruit.

12.The Hidden Influence of Service

Some people do not see the visible results of their efforts and feel useless. But God sees everything and will bring hidden deeds to light. Often, the effects of our actions will only be revealed in eternity. Those who remain faithful will ultimately see that no selfless act of service was in vain.

Summary

Chapter 9 teaches that true joy and fulfillment are found in selfless service. God is the source of all blessings, and He desires for us to pass these blessings on to others. Jesus is the highest example of a life of dedication and service. Those who follow Him will not live for themselves but for the good of others.

God has given us the privilege of participating in His work of salvation. This is not only a duty but also a blessing for us. Serving others strengthens our faith, brings us closer to Christ, and fills us with deep joy. Every Christian is called to be a light to others through their work, testimony, and love.

The greatest growth in faith does not come from passivity but from active participation in God’s work. Those who share God’s blessings with others will be blessed themselves. But those who remain spiritually inactive will lose their faith. Therefore, this chapter calls us not to wait but to act immediately and wholeheartedly for Christ—whether in our own homes, churches, or the world.

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