Good morning dear Church family and friends,
Have you ever met someone in authority who either didn’t know what they were talking about or were intentionally misleading others? The motives don’t affect the impact that someone with authority has when they proclaim opinions as fact and lies as truth.
Gayla and I really enjoy going to the Farmers Market on Saturday morning. We especially like the fact that we are supporting local farmers, vendors and artists. We typically park as far north on Main as we can and make our way south. We start our purchases by buying green chile kettle corn from Brian, then stop by Jeremiah’s and Lisa’s bread store for some green chile cheese sourdough bread and maybe some red-chile honey to go with it. After heading back north we end our purchases by buying a sugar free lemonade from Emily.
Most of the products we buy are practical and things we use weekly, except for one random purchase Gayla made from a very convincing vendor. She got talked into buying a special balm that would help with rashes, joint pain, her complexion, as a sunscreen, moisturizer, keep her ageless and cure everything in between. Of course, now I’m the one exaggerating. What I’m not exaggerating is the fact that she paid a hefty amount for the ointment that did not help with anything! Actually, the only thing it did for me was remind me of an “Old West” hacker. He was good at getting you to buy his stuff.
Sadly this kind of deception is present in God’s Church today as there are many who hold authority and are either ill-prepared, ill-intentioned, or both. Either way the result is the same —God’s people buy into spiritual garbage that is of no value and no help. They are just empty words. What are we to do? We are to be discerning. God’s people should measure teachers against the truth of Christ to see if they are genuine.
But what about those among us who simply say, “I just need Jesus, I don’t need to iron out any other beliefs.”? That’s okay, but understand that what you know about God leads you to right and proper worship of God. So that approach significantly impairs your ability to worship and follow Jesus. However, if one is to say “I just need Jesus” then the natural question is “Which Jesus?” or “What do you believe about Jesus?”.
Ice Breaker: What is the biggest lie you’ve ever bought into. How did it affect you?
Overview: 1 John 4:1-6 – (read the text)
What people believe about Jesus matters spiritually. He is the core of your entire faith. He is our Savior and Lord. He is the object of our worship and praise. What we believe about Him drives how we trust, pray, and worship Him.
What people believe about Jesus matters practically. If you don’t believe Jesus is God then why would you worship a man? When He declares you forgiven how can you trust Him? Having a false view of Jesus entraps you into a life that doesn’t reap the full joy, rewards, and freedom that is accomplished on your behalf by Christ.
Application Questions:
- (v. 1a) Why do you believe that John is asking his audience to “… not believe every spirit?”
- (v. 1b) What do you think John means by “… test the spirits to see whether they are from God?” How do you test the spirits?
- (v. 2-3) What is the proof that “… you know the Spirit of God?”
- (v. 4) This verse is quoted quite often by Christians: “… for he who is in you is greater that he who is in the world.” What truth do you think John is trying to make?
- (v. 5) What is the evidence that we truly know God? Why is the obedience John is talking about so important? How are you at practicing this obedience?
May the Lord find you faithful in studying His word! Gayla and I are praying you have a good rest of the week and look forward to seeing Sunday in worship service. Bring someone with you!