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 Teachers--men who come to you in the guise of sheep, but at heart they are ravenous wolves.

Jesus replied to them as follows: "See that no one leads you astray;

For such persons are not serving Christ, our Master, but are slaves to their own appetites; and, by their smooth words and flattery, they deceive simple-minded people.

But there were false prophets also in the nation, just as there will be false teachers among you, men who will secretly introduce ruinous divisions, disowning even the Lord who bought them, and bringing speedy Ruin upon themselves.

Try

Why do not you yourselves decide what is right?

These Jews of Beroea were better disposed than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the Message with great readiness, and daily examined the Scriptures to see if what was said was true.

Every one has heard of your ready obedience. It is true that I am very happy about you, but I want you to be well versed in all that is good, and innocent of all that is bad.

Of preachers two or three should speak, and the rest should weigh well what is said.

Bring everything to the test; cling to what is good;

I know your life, your toil and endurance, and I know that you cannot tolerate evil-doers. I know, too, how you tested those who declare that they are Apostles, though they are not, and how you proved them false.

General references

Many false Prophets, also, will appear and lead many astray;

He who comes from God listens to God's teaching; the reason why you do not listen is because you do not come from God."

(The spirit that moves the preachers is within the preachers' control;