1 John 4:1

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

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

Believe not

Try

General references

Matthew 24:11

John 8:47

1 Corinthians 14:32

Bible References

Believe not

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

And Jesus answered them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.

For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple.

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

Try

"And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

For your obedience has become known to all, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.

But test everything; hold fast to what is good.

I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot bear evil men, but you have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and have found them to be false;

General references

And many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

He who is of God hears the words of God; the reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God."

and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.