John provides criteria for testing spirits, declaring that confession of Christ's incarnation distinguishes the Spirit of God from the spirit of antichrist now active in the world. The chapter culminates in the profound declaration that God is love, and that perfect love casts out fear—those who dwell in love dwell in God, making love for brothers the essential proof of love for God.
Read 1 John Chapter 4 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
Position in Book
Fellowship with GodChapters 1:1-2:17
Warning Against AntichristsChapters 2:18-27
Denying Christ, truth vs. lies.
Children of GodChapters 2:28-3:24
Testing SpiritsChapters 4:1-6
Distinguish truth from error.
God is LoveChapters 4:7-21
God's love shown in sending His Son.
Faith's VictoryChapters 5