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David Guzik commentary on 1 John 4, where John encourages the believers to abide in God and His love, which is perfected among us.
What does 1 John chapter 4 mean? Chapter 4 includes two major ideas. The first is that believers ought to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1–6). The second theme is that God both loves us and "God is love" (1 John 4:7–21), leading believers to love one another.
1 John 4 explores the profound theme of love, asserting "God is love" and urging believers to love one another. It emphasizes testing spirits, recognizing God's love through Christ, and perfect love casting out fear.
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN" Chapter Four John cautions his readers not to believe everyone who claims to be led by the Spirit, but to test them (1-6). He then exhorts them to manifest brotherly love in keeping with the character and example of God’s love as demonstrated in the sacrifice of His Son ( 7-21 ).
1 John 4 builds on the themes of love and spiritual discernment, exploring how believers can recognize the spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood, and underscoring the centrality of love in the life of a Christian.
• In chapters 3-4, He teaches about the love of God and that through His love He sent Jesus, “To destroy the works of the devil” (3:8). Therefore, believers should love each other not only with words but also, “in deed and truth” (3:18), as Jesus commanded.
