3/22/2023

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭6.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 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. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

John warns us that there are forces at work to oppose the message and example Jesus gave us. Christ Himself told us “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬). We must be wary of what goes on in the world that is not from God.

We are told that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”, an assurance that no matter what awful things humans do here, God is still in control. We must resist the ways of the world, staying connected to Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ. The promise is that those who call on Him in repentance will be saved.

Our task is not easy, but Jesus wants us to be part of His kingdom. We must be ready to do His will, especially when things are difficult. We stand together with the One who died and rose again for our salvation.

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and care, and that You strengthen us for the work at hand. Bless us to go in Your name to share the Good News everywhere. Amen.

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