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 to outward appearance are sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Jesus answered them, take care not to be deceived by any one:

for such as these serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own selfishness; and by flourish and flattery, deceive the open-hearted simple.

As there were false prophets among the people of Israel, there will likewise be false doctors among you, who by introducing pernicious sects, and by renouncing the Lord, who bought them, will bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Try

why can't you judge what is proper to be done in your own affairs.

the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures.

your christianity is very well known in the world. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you as expert in that which is good, as unpractis'd in what is evil.

of the prophets let but two or three speak by turns, and let the others deliberate.

bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that:

I know thy works, thy labour, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear those who are evil: thou hast tried those who say they are apostles, but are not; and hast found them lyars:

General references

many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God.

the prophetic gifts are to be subservient to the prophets.