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REVIEW
What Song Are We Listening To?
1 John 4:1–6
Demons. False teachers. Misleading spirits. Not warm, comfortable topics—but John makes clear they matter deeply for anyone who wants to abide with God (1 John 4:1).
Our souls are always humming to the rhythm of a song—either from God or from the enemies of God, those opposed to Christ. The question is: what are we listening to?
This passage gives exhortation, warning, and guidance for discernment, echoed across Scripture:
V.1 – Test, don’t fear (Acts 19; Luke 10):
There are many false prophets. We are not called to fear, but to test. Counterfeit voices often emphasize technique or formulas rather than an abiding relationship with God.
V.2 – Not everything that sounds right is right (Acts 16; Mark 1):
Some spirits declare true things about Jesus yet still oppose Him—interference masquerading as alignment. Even demons recognized Jesus’ authority, but they did not know Him.
V.3 – Truth without transformation (Mark 1; John 8):
False voices may say correct things without personal experience of Jesus, who has effortless authority over deception. What we truly believe is revealed when we are pressed—what fills us comes out.
V.4 – Identity and victory (Acts 8; 1 Corinthians 12):
We are from God. His Spirit within us is greater than any spirit in the world. Discernment flows from belonging, not striving.
V.5–6 – Who we listen to reveals who we belong to (John 8; Acts 5; Acts 20; 1 Timothy 3):
The world listens to what reflects itself. True followers of Jesus delight in His Word—bending their desires to it, not reshaping it to fit themselves.
What are we listening to? How do we discern the voice of God? Helpful tests include:
– Does it align with Scripture?
– Does it exalt Christ?
– Would mature believers affirm it?
– Does God bring it to pass?
Spiritual experiences aren’t automatically from God. True spiritual experiences must be tested by what is said about Jesus.
The mark of the Spirit of God is a clear, joyful, doctrinally faithful confession of the incarnate Jesus.
Believers can rest secure because the Spirit of God within them is greater than any false spirit in the world.
We must genuinely affirm the truth that Jesus the Son became incarnate, in the flesh.
The common thread through all the snapshots: there is an abiding presence of the Spirit within us. This abiding presence enables us to listen. There’s a clarity of identity, to know Who we belong to. There’s an expressed authority, which isn’t imitated or earned but comes from Him with effortless superiority—and we, normal people, can carry His presence, a power to which demons have no choice but to yield.
REMEMBER
Not all spiritual voices or experiences are from God. The Spirit within you gives clarity, confirms your identity, and carries authority so you can discern truth and abide in Him.
REFLECT
1 John 4:1 calls us to “test the spirits.” Where in your life are you currently receiving messages or influences that you need to slow down and test more carefully?
Looking at 1 John 4:2–3 alongside Mark 1 and Acts 16, what’s the difference between saying true things about Jesus and truly knowing Him? How can you discern that difference?
1 John 4:4 says the Spirit in us is greater than the spirit of the world. Where do you need to actively trust and live out that truth right now?
In 1 John 4:5 and John 8, we see that people listen to what reflects their nature. What does your attention and agreement reveal about what you’ve been “listening to” lately?
1 John 4:6 and Acts 5 show that God’s people receive and submit to His Word. What would it look like this week for you to bend your desires to Scripture instead of reshaping Scripture to fit your desires?
RESPOND,
Spirit of Truth,
Guide my ears to hear Your voice above all others.
Give me clarity when the world confuses,
Identity when I waver,
And authority not of my own, but Yours.
Help me test what comes my way,
Resting in the greater Spirit within me.
May my heart humbly delight in Your Word,
And may every song I follow echo only You.
Amen.
RELATE
Pay attention to the “voices” you’re hearing in your interactions—both in what people say and how you respond. Ask yourself: Does this reflect God’s truth? Am I listening to His Spirit in me, or just reacting to fear, opinion, or pressure?
Then choose one conversation where you intentionally respond with clarity, patience, and love, letting God’s Spirit guide your words rather than your impulses. This is practicing discernment and abiding in Him in real, everyday life.
READ
Revisit: 1 John 4:1-6 and additional passages
Read Ahead: 1 John 4:7-27
REJOICE
Grateful
