Distinguishing Between the Spirits of Truth and Error

The Christians' victory over such false teachers is assured because they are on God's side (Romans 8:31). The false teachers had abiding in them the spirit of the devil who is the prince of this world (Ephesians 2:1-2; Ephesians 6:10-13). They followed worldly ways and said things pleasing to worldly minded people. Thus, they met with success and approval from the worldly. This helps us understand why false teachers meet with great success. They are saying what the world wants to hear (1 John 4:4-5).

John said he, the other apostles, and all those who teach the truth like them are of God. All those who are in intimate relationship with God through the obedience of righteousness will recognize their teachings and follow them, but those who are not will fail to follow (John 8:47). This is yet another test of the true Spirit in the teachers of truth versus the false spirit that was in the heart of the false teachers (1 John 4:6).

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