He lays out a litmus test for our discernment: “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (4:2-3). The key phrase here is “come in the flesh.” In other words, did the eternal Son of God take on real flesh and blood humanity, as John asserted to begin his epistle (1:1)? 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit (1 John 4:1, NKJV)

One of the jobs of parents is to protect their kids, whatever the stage of life, whether as a baby rolling off the changing table, or a toddler running out in street, or the poor decision-making of the teenage years. The nature of that protection will change over the years as their children become more independent.

In his letter, John has taken on the role of spiritual father. He has often addressed his readers as “children” or “little children.” Here at the start of chapter four he addresses us with a term of endearment he has used previously, “beloved.” As believers, we are loved ones. John is expressing his affection as a spiritual father but more pointedly, he is recognizing us as loved by God.

The protective concern for our safety comes ultimately from our Father in heaven who has led His servant, John, to write these words and by His providence has included them in the canon of Scripture for our spiritual wellbeing. John urges us to discernment: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).

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