In this world we will hear many voices, often saying very different and contradictory things. The challenge is to know which voice to listen to.

John urges his hearers not be taken In by false teaching (v1). John was the apostle so full of love, but here he calls for a bit of steel from believers. He is clear there are many false prophets who have gone out into the world. Often they went out from the church (2 v19).

All prophets are led by a spirit, true prophets by the Holy Spirit and false prophets by evil spirits, fallen angels. We must remember that there is a real spiritual war going on around us. This is a battle for minds.

Sometimes people see this as negative and quote, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matt. 7v1)  Those who quote that verse rarely quote what Jesus says just a few verses later, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7 v15-16)

We’re not to be going around with a critical condemnatory spirit, but we have to be discerning as there are false prophets.