1 John 4:6 — “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.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John draws a sharp line between truth and lies, between those who belong to God and those who do not. He is writing as an apostle—someone who was personally chosen by Jesus and taught by Him. When John says, “We are from God,” he’s talking about himself and the other true teachers of the Gospel.
John explains that people who truly know God will listen to the message he and the other apostles are teaching. But those who reject God will not listen. Their refusal to hear and accept the truth shows the kind of spirit at work in them.
John then gives a simple but powerful test: the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood is seen in how people respond to God’s message. If they welcome the truth, it shows God is at work in them. If they reject it, it shows they are following lies.
Historical Context
John wrote this letter at a time when false teachers were causing confusion in the church. These teachers denied key truths about Jesus and claimed to have their own secret wisdom. Many people were being led astray by these false voices.
John wanted to give believers a clear way to recognize who spoke the truth and who did not. In a world filled with spiritual deception, John pointed to the apostolic message—the truth about Jesus that had been passed down from eyewitnesses.
This verse reassured the early Christians that they could know who to trust by seeing how people responded to God’s truth.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that truth is not up for debate. It’s not based on opinion, feelings, or popularity. Truth comes from God, and it is revealed through His Word.
It also teaches that spiritual discernment is possible. Believers can recognize the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood by how people respond to God’s message about Jesus.
Lastly, it points to the reality that not everyone will listen to the truth. Some will reject it, not because the message is unclear, but because their hearts are closed to God.
Literary Analysis
John uses straightforward language but makes strong claims. The verse begins with an affirmation: “We are from God.” Then it uses contrast: those who know God listen; those who are not from God do not listen.
The final sentence provides a key summary: this is how we recognize truth and falsehood. John’s writing here is pastoral and protective. He’s not being arrogant; he’s pointing people back to the clear, trustworthy message they’ve already heard.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 8:47 — “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
- John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 — “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God.”
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 — People will turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is both a comfort and a challenge. It reminds us that when we listen to God’s Word and respond to it, we are showing that we belong to Him.
It also encourages us not to be discouraged when people reject the truth. The world will often ignore or oppose the message of Jesus. That shouldn’t surprise us; John tells us it’s a sign of who is and isn’t listening to God.
For today’s believer, the verse is an invitation to stay anchored in God’s truth and not be swayed by the noise of the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this verse because He gives His people a clear way to know what is true. He doesn’t leave us confused or lost. He speaks through His Word and by His Spirit so that we can recognize truth from lies.
A loving God doesn’t just tell His people to figure it out on their own. He provides the truth and helps them recognize it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is rooted in the message of Jesus. Jesus called Himself “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He said that His sheep would know His voice and follow Him (John 10:27).
John is telling his readers that those who truly know Jesus will listen to the truth about Him. Rejecting the message of the apostles is the same as rejecting Jesus Himself.
Believers today can be confident that when they hold to the teaching of Jesus and His apostles, they are standing in the truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you tell the difference between someone who speaks God’s truth and someone who does not?
- Why do you think some people refuse to listen to the truth about Jesus?
- How does this verse encourage you when you feel like the world doesn’t want to hear the truth?
- What are some ways you can make sure you are listening to God’s voice and not the voice of the world?
- How does knowing God’s truth shape the way you live each day?