1 John 4:1-6

GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE THO DISTORT GOD’S TEACHINGS IN THE BIBLE

The Bible is referred to as God’s Word for good reason, yet man, out of ignorance, being misguided, or perhaps for spite, distort and at times re-write the very words of our Lord. In 1 John 4 we are warned of this.

As the co-leader of a teen Bible Study group, I recall playing a game one evening called “Is it from the Bible?” We were all to write down three verses, sayings, or phrases. One was to be from the bible, and two not from the bible. As each selection was read, the group was to determine whether or not they were taken directly from the Bible.

Though there were many that caused thought and discussion, I recall two that resulted in a great deal of debate;

1^st: “God helps those who help themselves.”

2^nd: “God will never give you more than you can handle.”

Without being able to reference their Bible for the game it was amazing to see those teens think, attempt to reference similar scripture, and genuinely seek the correct answer because they honestly wanted the truth revealed.

Sometimes only portions of God's word are quoted, but the missing portion of the verse is what makes the biblical impact. These types of misleading phrases are seen as basically harmless, yet wrong is wrong and truth is truth. When the only exposure some have to God’s word are untruths, they can be very easily lead astray.

John warns us not to believe every spirit “but test the spirits we see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

What we believe and how we think will affect what we do and how we act. So let’s be very cautious about what we take in, what we share and how we share it. 

Speaking of the spirit of the antichrist, John says; “You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4: 4)

Read/Listen to: 1 John 4:1-6

Read Lyrics to: Greater by Mercy Me

1 John 2:28-3:10

Children of God

The love of the Father is unfathomable for us, however attempting to view ourselves as children and thinking about the way we love and adore our own gives us a glimpse.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!

In the song Children of God, Third Day sings:                                                          

“We are the saints, we are the children.                                             We’ve been redeemed, we’ve been forgiven.                   

We are the sons and the daughters of our God.”

All Christ followers have their own style of learning scripture and gaining knowledge and insight as to who Christ is. We approach the word of God uniquely. I personally, gain great knowledge of the scripture through music.

We are free to receive the gift of Christian music through the airways, computers, CD’s, MP3’s or I-Pods. If you don’t already, I urge you to turn your radio to a local Christian station in your vehicle, at home and at work if possible. The inspiration of the talented artists who write the lyrics comes directly from the Word.

1 John 3:7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.

Mercy Me sings these words in the song Greater:     

“Greater is the one living inside of me, than he who is living in the world.”

       

We know the world is sinful and corrupt. Focusing on the word of God rather than the things of this world puts a barrier between us and sin. Our mission is to stay strong in Him and focus on what is good and right and true!

When we humble ourselves to the status of “children” and feel the Grace and Mercy of our God, we will sense the confidence and peace that comes with being a “good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

1 John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

Read/Listen to 1 John 2:28-3:10