1 John 3:23-4:6
There are beliefs that deny the divinity of Jesus.
There are beliefs that deny the humanity of Jesus.
There are beliefs that deny the existence of Jesus.
There are beliefs that deny the exclusivity of Jesus.
There are beliefs that deny the authority of Jesus.
1 John 3:23-24
1 John 4:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Discern the spirit behind any teaching, knowing the Holy Spirit always speaks God’s Word and upholds the truth of Jesus.

Going Deeper Questions

Ice Breaker Question: What are the most common scams out there these days, and have you been fooled by any of them?

Review 1 John 3:23-4:6

John instructs us to “test the spirits” because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). What are some modern examples of spiritual or cultural messages that might sound appealing but actually mislead people because they contradict the core truth about Jesus Christ mentioned in verses 2-3?

The central test for distinguishing between the “Spirit of truth and the spirit of error” is one’s confession about Jesus Christ being of God and having come in the flesh (1 John 4:2-3, 6).

Why is the doctrine of Jesus’ full humanity and full divinity so essential to the Christian faith? Which of the two aspects (Jesus’ humanity vs Jesus’ divinity) is harder to grasp or believe for you?

Whenever a teaching about Jesus denies his humanity, his divinity, his existence, his exclusivity or his authority, it’s false teaching. It isn’t REAL TRUTH.

Which of these five do you think cause people the most confusion about Jesus?

Are there people you encounter in life that have belief systems which fall into one or more of these categories? Explain.

Key Idea: Discern the spirit behind any teaching, knowing the Holy Spirit always speaks God’s Word and upholds the truth of Jesus.

What are the most common conflicts with the REAL TRUTH of Jesus and God’s Word that you encounter regularly? 

1 John 4:4 says “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 

How does this promise of the Holy Spirit’s power help us live with confidence and overcome deception or fear in a world full of conflicting messages about Jesus?

How does acknowledging this truth shape your daily life and interactions?

Prayer – Pray for greater discernment of the truth in your life, and for the ability to help others navigate confusion and error about Jesus.