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 the false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but within they are ravening wolves.

"Take care," Jesus answered, "that no one mislead you;

Turn away from them. For men of that stamp are not the slaves of Christ, but are slaves to their own appetites. By their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

But there were false prophets, too, among the people, just as among you also there will be false teachers. These will secretly bring in destructive sects, denying even the Master who bought them, and bringing swift ruin upon themselves.

Try

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

The Jews of Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they very readily received the message with all readiness of mind, and day after day searched the Scriptures to see whether these things were so.

I say this, for the tidings of your obedience have been told throughout the world. On your own behalf, then, I rejoice; but I want you to be wise unto the good, but innocents in evil.

Let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others exercise their judgment.

But try all, holding fast to the good.

I know your works and your toil and stedfastness, and that you cannot endure evil men, and that you tested those who called themselves apostles, though they are not, and how you found them false.

General references

Many false prophets will rise up and mislead many;

"He who is from God listens to God's words. For this reason you do not listen, because you are not from God."

The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets,