1 John 4:5 — “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John is talking about the false teachers and those who spread lies about God and Jesus. He explains where their message comes from—they are “from the world.” That means their thinking, beliefs, and words are shaped by the world’s way of thinking, not by God’s truth.
Because they speak in a way the world understands and agrees with, the world listens to them. Their message appeals to people who don’t know God because it fits the world’s values—values like pride, selfishness, power, and comfort.
John is making a clear distinction between those who speak for God and those who speak from the world’s perspective. One speaks truth, the other speaks lies that sound good to those who don’t belong to God.
Historical Context
When John wrote this letter, the early church was surrounded by false teachers who denied who Jesus was and twisted God’s message. These teachers were popular with the world because their message was easy to swallow. It didn’t call people to repentance or require them to submit to God’s authority.
In John’s time, like today, there was a constant battle between the message of the Gospel and the message of the world. The world welcomed anyone who would tell them what they wanted to hear, but rejected the truth of Christ.
John wanted believers to understand that popularity and worldly approval are not signs of truth.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that there is a clear divide between the world’s way of thinking and God’s truth. Those who reject God will naturally be drawn to messages that fit their own desires, even if those messages are false.
It also shows that false teachers often gain followers easily because they appeal to what people already want to believe. The world listens to them because their words are comfortable, flattering, or self-serving.
For Christians, this verse is a reminder not to measure truth by how popular a message is, but by whether it lines up with God’s Word.
Literary Analysis
John uses a simple but strong contrast here. “They are from the world” versus the implication that true believers are “from God.” The verse uses repetition of the word “world” to highlight how the false teachers and their audience are deeply tied to worldly thinking.
The structure is straightforward: source → speech → audience. Their source is the world, so they speak worldly things, and the world listens.
This direct language keeps the message clear—worldly people will always be attracted to worldly teaching.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 15:18-19 — “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
- 2 Timothy 4:3 — “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
- James 4:4 — “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
- 1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or anything in the world.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning and a challenge. The world is full of voices, influencers, and teachers who speak messages that sound good but are empty of God’s truth.
This verse reminds believers that the popularity of a message doesn’t make it true. Just because a teaching is well-liked or widely accepted doesn’t mean it reflects God’s Word.
It also challenges Christians not to be drawn in by the world’s way of thinking but to stay grounded in the truth, even when it’s unpopular.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in this warning. He cares enough to tell His children the truth about the world. He doesn’t want them tricked by smooth words or empty promises.
This verse shows that God loves His people too much to let them settle for lies. He invites them to listen to His voice, which may not be popular but is always true and good.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus experienced firsthand how the world listens to its own. He came with a message of truth and was rejected by many because His words didn’t fit the world’s desires (John 1:10-11).
In John 15:19, Jesus told His followers, “You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” This verse in 1 John reflects that same truth—there is a divide between those who belong to the world and those who belong to Christ.
Believers are called to follow Jesus, even when His message is unpopular or rejected by the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever noticed how popular teachings or trends often leave God out?
- Why do you think people are drawn to messages that sound good but don’t reflect God’s truth?
- How can you guard your heart and mind against the world’s way of thinking?
- What is one example of a popular message today that conflicts with God’s Word?
- How can you speak God’s truth with love, even when the world may not want to hear it?