Overview:
1 John 4:1–6
Cults and false religions abound in this generation. Thousands of “churches” exist that are led by deceptive but convincing individuals whose knowledge of sound doctrine and biblical truth is dubious and often even dangerous. To exacerbate the problem, our postmodern times are marked by such an extreme emphasis on tolerance and pluralism that anyone who takes a stand against false teaching is labeled “bigoted” and “judgmental.” The proliferation of religious error should not surprise us, because the Adversary fuels its fire. Paul clearly warned that “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Therefore, it’s easy to see how up-to-date John’s command is today: “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).
Message Summary:
Message Key Facts:
- The "Superman" Pastor: Swindoll cites author David Wells and his book The Courage to Be Protestant to illustrate the absurdity of modern "church biz." He recounts a true story of a pastor dressing as Superman to preach on overcoming discouragement, criticizing this as the "deliberate dumbing down of historic Christianity" into entertainment [8–11].
- Love Must Be Discriminate: Swindoll quotes Charles Ryrie, noting that "love is like a river and it flows between the banks of Truth and discernment." If love floods over those banks and accepts everything, it becomes dangerous. Therefore, John commands believers to stop believing every spirit.
- The Doberman Instinct: To illustrate the command to "test" (dokimazo), Swindoll uses the image of a Doberman Pinscher. Unlike a lazy dog that ignores noises, the Doberman is instantly alert, looking to determine if a threat is real. Christians must possess this same intensity when hearing spiritual teaching [15–16].
- The Litmus Test: The specific test for distinguishing truth from error is theological. Swindoll states that if a teacher or spirit does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (affirming His deity and humanity), they are of the spirit of the antichrist. This is the dividing line with cults and false religions [24–25].
- Satan as an Angel of Light: Referencing C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, Swindoll explains that Satan does not appear as a comic figure in red tights with a pitchfork. Instead, he masquerades as an "angel of light"—brilliant, winsome, and educated—to deceive the unwary [22–24].
- "Christianity Light": Swindoll uses the analogy of Miller Lite beer ("tastes great, less filling") to describe the modern trend of "Christianity Light." He warns that in an effort to be engaging and likable, churches are cutting the "calories" of seriousness and theology, leaving people spiritually malnourished.
- The Principle of Investigation: Swindoll offers a practical rule for searching for truth: "Listen carefully to the one who is teaching and look closely at those who are following." He advises checking if the followers are serious about their faith, carrying Bibles, and sharing Christ [29–30].
- A Personal Credo: Swindoll ends with six convictions, including the belief that "treacherous times" require discernment and that each generation has a responsibility to "forge out its beliefs anchored in the unchanging doctrines" of Scripture [30–32].
Message References:
- 1 John 4:1–6: The primary text commanding believers to test the spirits and giving the assurance that "greater is He who is in you".
- Acts 17:10–11: The example of the Bereans, who were "noble-minded" because they examined the Scriptures daily to verify what Paul was teaching [17–18].
- 2 Corinthians 11:13–15: The warning that Satan disguises himself as an "angel of light" and his servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21: "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good".
- Matthew 24:11 & 24: Jesus’ warning that "many false prophets will arise and will mislead many" through signs and wonders.
- 2 Timothy 4:3–4: Paul’s prediction that people will not endure sound doctrine but will accumulate teachers to "tickle their ears".
