John again warns about the "spirit of antichrist," that corrupting influence which seeks to infiltrate the church. That spirit can be recognized by its denial that Jesus is God come in the flesh (4:1-3). That denial wells up from the world and its evil ruler and is recognized as a falsehood by those who know God (vv. 4-6). But again, the prime directive for believers is to love one another. Love comes from God, is revealed in Christ, and is to be lived by Jesus' people (vv. 7-12). God has given us His Spirit, for we acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, and rely fully on His love (vv. 13-16). God is love, and walking in the love of God drives out the fear of punishment (vv. 17-18). If anyone claims to love God, and fails to love others, that person is a liar. Our love for God is expressed in our love for others (vv. 19-21).
The believer’s personal application: Share God's love, and let love quiet your fears.
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
"The spirits" (4:1-3):
In the 1st century it was common for people to claim special inspiration for their teachings, as the apostles claimed the Holy Spirit as the source of their teaching. Now John warns the church to test teachers who claim to give inspired teaching for that teaching's source. And the key test? Whether or not the teacher will say "that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh." Many through church history have praised Jesus as a good man, or a messenger from God. But only those who acknowledge Jesus as God Himself, with us in human flesh, merit any trust.
“The Holy Spirit's presence” (4:4):
The Christian is guaranteed victory over false teachers, whose origins are demonic, because while Satan energizes those under his control, God's Spirit, who lives in us, is "greater than he who is in the world."
“Demons” (4:4):
The Gospels speak of demon possession and oppression. The Book of Acts reports a number of cases of exorcism. Although demons are mentioned infrequently in the New Testament, many Christians have been concerned that we might be vulnerable to demonic attack. For those who are concerned, this verse should provide great consolation. It is hard to imagine a demon, or Satan, making himself at home in the life of a person indwelt by the Spirit of God.
“Propitiation: love's atoning sacrifice” (4:10):
Divine love by its nature is unselfish. It is even more; it is self-sacrificing. John proves this by pointing to Christ's sacrifice. In the Old Testament the concept emphasizes the covering of sins by the offering of the life of a substitute in place of the life of the sinner. Jesus' death for us averted the punishment our sins deserve and enables God to shower blessings on us.
“Love an ought?” (4:11):
This ought is not a moral obligation, but a case of simple appropriateness. We have been loved and so it is only fitting that we be loving.
“Love made complete” (4:12):
God's love finds its fulfillment on earth when we love others as He has loved us.
“Love and fear” (4:17-18):
Love and fear are not compatible. When we experience God's love for us our whole attitude toward Him is transformed. We still stand in awe of Him, but that awe is without terror or fear of punishment. The more we live in love—and living in love means expressing as well as receiving love—the more confident we become in our relationship with the Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment