By Ariel
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Focus Keyphrase Testing the Spirits 1 John 4:1–6
- Truth honors Jesus as God come in the flesh and grows love, humility, and courage.
- Discernment strengthens families through Scripture, prayer, and wise conversation.
- Kind questions uncover truth better than quick assumptions or fear.
Hi friends! Ariel here, and today I want to share something my family and I explored from 1 John 4:1–6. This part of the Bible really opened our eyes to something important—how to tell the difference between what’s truly from God and what isn’t. That might sound tricky, especially in a world where we hear so many different opinions and ideas every single day. But guess what? God doesn’t leave us to figure it out alone!
This passage reminds us to be careful and thoughtful with what we listen to. Not every message we hear reflects God’s truth, so He encourages us to test those messages—to ask, Does this line up with what the Bible says? Does this point us to Jesus? God has given us the tools we need—His Word and the Holy Spirit—to help us stay grounded and wise as we walk with Him. (Alice wrote something really helpful about this in her post on staying grounded in God’s truth—it’s a perfect match for today’s message!)
Download the Family Study PDF
Kid-ready prompts, journaling space, and a gentle, step-by-step flow.
And here’s something I love: We’re not meant to do this alone. Talking about our faith with our family, our friends, or even in church helps us grow stronger and more confident in understanding God’s truth. Every question we ask, every Bible verse we study together, and every time we pray for wisdom—it all helps build a life that reflects God’s love.
So let’s dive into this together, with open hearts and listening ears. Let’s become truth-seekers who shine God’s light by living wisely, boldly, and faithfully in a world that needs Him more than ever.
TL;DR
John invites careful listening, gentle questions, and Scripture checks. Discernment grows where Jesus is honored as God-with-us and love shapes actions. Families thrive when truth and kindness travel together.
Testing the Spirits
One of the verses that really made us stop and think was 1 John 4:1—
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
When Daddy read that out loud, I tilted my head and asked, “Is testing the spirits kind of like taking a quiz at school?”
Daddy chuckled and said, “In a way, yes—but it’s even more important. Testing the spirits means using God’s Word to check whether what we hear or see is really from Him. (As GotQuestions.org explains, this process helps believers develop discernment through God’s Word and Spirit.) Every day, we’re surrounded by different messages—on TV, online, at school, or even in conversations—and not all of them point to God’s truth. Some may sound nice or feel good, but we can’t just accept everything without checking it against the Bible.”
He leaned in closer and continued, “If a message denies that Jesus is fully God and fully man, or goes against what He taught, that’s a big red flag. No matter how popular or pretty it sounds, it isn’t from God.”
Alice, who was cuddling Mr. Fluffernutter as usual, raised her hand like she does in class. “So, we hold up the Bible like a magnifying glass,” she said excitedly, “and use it to check every message we hear?”
Yaya smiled at her and said, “Exactly! The Bible is our spiritual compass—it helps us navigate through life’s confusing voices. Just like a traveler needs a map to stay on course, we need Scripture to show us what’s true and what’s not. When we read the Bible and pray regularly, we get better at hearing God’s voice and recognizing when something feels off.”
She explained how some teachings may look shiny and impressive on the outside—but when we look closer, they’re missing something essential. That’s why we need prayer, study, and a heart that stays close to Jesus.
Alice grew quiet for a moment, then said softly, “So testing the spirits isn’t just a rule—it’s something I do to protect my heart and honor God.”
My heart swelled a little when she said that, because I felt the same way. This lesson wasn’t just about guarding ourselves—it was about growing wiser, stronger, and closer to the truth. Testing the spirits means we’re serious about knowing God and standing on His Word, even when the world says something different.
It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it—because every time we choose truth over confusion, we take one more step in our walk with Jesus.
Fun Fact
Greek wording behind “test” pictures careful examination, similar to checking coins for purity. Discernment acts like a truth-detector shaped by Scripture.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What does “spirit” mean in this passage?
John refers to messages and influences behind teachings. Discernment asks whether those messages align with Jesus revealed in Scripture.
Recognizing God’s Truth
One of the most powerful truths in the Bible is found in 1 John 4:2—
“Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.”
At first glance, that might sound simple. But Daddy helped me understand just how important it really is.
“This verse,” he said gently, “is one of the clearest ways to know whether a teaching comes from God. If someone says that Jesus came in the flesh—that He is both fully God and fully man—then that message is from Him. That’s one of the deepest, most essential truths of our faith.”
I thought about that for a second and then asked Yaya, “Why does it matter so much that Jesus came in the flesh?”
Yaya’s eyes sparkled as she leaned in to explain. “Because Jesus had to be fully human and fully divine to save us. If He wasn’t human, He couldn’t have taken our place. He wouldn’t have felt pain, or sadness, or the weight of our sin on the cross. And if He wasn’t God, He wouldn’t have had the power to defeat sin and death forever. It’s His divine power and human sacrifice working together that make salvation possible.”
That made everything click in my heart.
Then Alice, with Mr. Fluffernutter perched on her lap, lit up with one of her brilliant illustrations. “Jesus is like a glowing bridge!” she exclaimed. “One side touches heaven, and the other touches earth. Because He’s both, we can cross that bridge and be with God!”
I loved that. It helped me picture Jesus as the connection we all need—a bridge of love and grace that reaches all the way into our broken world and carries us into the arms of God.
Daddy nodded thoughtfully. “That truth—the reality of who Jesus is—is the foundation of our faith. If we lose that, we lose everything. That’s why John tells us to hold tightly to it. Any teaching that denies Jesus’ nature as both God and man can lead us away from the truth.”
Yaya added something that stayed with me. “When you know that Jesus is fully God, you understand that God Himself knows your pain, your fears, your dreams. And when you know He’s fully human, you realize He gave us the perfect example to follow. He didn’t just tell us how to live—He showed us.”
As I sat there listening, I realized this wasn’t just a fact we believe—it was a truth that shapes everything: how we love, how we pray, how we treat others, and how we trust in God when life feels uncertain. Recognizing Jesus as both God and man isn’t just about knowing what’s right—it’s about knowing Him.
Family Activity — Three-Check Filter
- Pick a message you heard today.
- Ask three questions: Christ-True? Bible-True? Love-True?
- Pray for wisdom; write one sentence about what you learned.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do feelings fit with discernment?
Emotions matter, yet Scripture leads. Healthy practice brings feelings under God’s Word so love and truth stay together.
Victory Through the Holy Spirit
One of my absolute favorite parts of this passage is 1 John 4:4—
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Just reading those words fills me with so much courage! It’s like a hug from God that says, “You’re not alone. I’m with you, and I’m stronger than anything you’ll face.”
I turned to Daddy and asked, “So does this mean we don’t have to be afraid of false teachings?”
Daddy smiled and nodded. “Exactly, Ariel. God gave us His Holy Spirit to help us recognize what’s true and what isn’t. The Spirit inside you is more powerful than any confusion, lie, or fear in the world. You don’t need to worry—you just need to stay close to Him.”
His words felt like a light turning on inside my heart. I realized that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own—God has already given us what we need.
Then Yaya, with that calm, comforting voice of hers, added something beautiful. “It’s like having an anchor during a storm. The Holy Spirit keeps you grounded, even when life feels chaotic and uncertain. Storms may come, but your anchor won’t let you drift.”
Alice, who had been quietly doodling on a napkin, suddenly looked up. “I picture myself in a little boat,” she said, “and the waves are big and scary—but my anchor holds me still. That anchor is the Holy Spirit!”
We all smiled. Leave it to Alice to turn deep truth into a vivid, powerful image. I imagined that little boat, rocking but never tipping, because something stronger held it steady beneath the surface.
Yaya leaned in. “When you rely on the Holy Spirit, you won’t be tossed around by every new idea or scary moment. You’ll have peace, even when the world feels loud and confusing.”
Daddy nodded thoughtfully and added, “Remember, fear and uncertainty are part of being human—but they don’t have to control us. The Holy Spirit gives you clarity, strength, and courage. When your heart feels overwhelmed, lean into that power. Let it steady you.”
That conversation changed me. It reminded me that the strength I need isn’t something I have to find—it’s already inside me, placed there by God. The Holy Spirit isn’t just a helper—He’s a guide, a guard, and a constant source of peace.
Now, whenever I feel unsure or afraid, I pause and pray, “Holy Spirit, help me hold fast to what’s true.” Because no matter how big the waves may get, I know my anchor is stronger.
Fun Fact
Early Christians often memorized short creeds about Jesus. Simple summaries helped everyone recognize truth quickly.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What if schedules feel too busy?
Micro-habits still count. One verse at breakfast and one sentence prayer before bed keep momentum alive.
Guarding the Truth
As we read through 1 John 4:1–6, one big message stood out: Stay alert. Stay grounded. Stay faithful. John isn’t just warning us about false teachings—he’s reminding us how important it is to keep our hearts anchored in God’s truth.
So how do we actually live that out? Here are some things my family and I talked about that help us walk in truth and grow stronger in our faith:
🌿 Know God’s Word
One of the best ways to spot what’s false is to know what’s true. That’s why reading the Bible every day matters so much! The more we fill our minds and hearts with God’s Word, the easier it becomes to recognize when something doesn’t line up. I like to highlight verses that stand out and write them in my journal. And Yaya and I do devotionals together—sometimes with hot cocoa and blankets!
Even joining a Bible study with your family or church group can help you go deeper. When you know Scripture well, you’re building spiritual muscles that make it easier to stand strong.
🌿 Pray for Discernment
Before I even open my Bible or face a big decision, I try to say a short prayer: “Holy Spirit, help me see what’s true.” Prayer keeps our hearts open and connected to God. And when we ask for discernment—wisdom to understand what’s right and good—He always hears us.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit speaks through a quiet thought, a sense of peace (or warning), or a verse that suddenly feels extra clear. Yaya says, “God doesn’t hide truth from us—He reveals it to those who seek it.”
🌿 Check the Message
There are so many messages out there—on the internet, at school, on TV—and not all of them point to Jesus. That’s why Daddy says, “Always ask: Does this match what the Bible says?” If something sounds off or goes against Jesus’ teachings, that’s your sign to stop and dig deeper.
The Bible is our truth filter. It’s how we check every message before letting it into our hearts. And the more we practice this, the better we get at helping others see clearly too!
🌿 Stay Anchored in Faith
Storms will come—that’s just life. But we don’t have to face them alone. The Holy Spirit is like an anchor that keeps us steady when the waves get wild. Staying rooted in your faith means surrounding yourself with people who love God, spending time in worship, and serving others with joy.
Our family has learned that having strong Christian friendships makes a big difference. When you have people who pray for you, encourage you, and remind you of God’s promises, your faith becomes even stronger.
Fun Fact
John often links truth and love in the same breath. Scripture treats them like two sides of one healthy heart.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do boundaries fit with love?
Boundaries guard people from harm. Loving wisdom corrects without shaming and protects without controlling.
Final Thought
As I finished reading 1 John 4:1–6 with my family, one message stood out like a bright light: Discernment matters. In today’s world, we’re surrounded by so many voices—some kind, some confusing, and some that sound almost right but don’t quite line up with what God teaches. That’s why John’s reminder to “test the spirits” is so important. It’s like God is gently saying, “Be careful. Stay close to Me. I’ll show you what’s true.”
We don’t have to figure it all out on our own. God gave us His Word to light our path and His Spirit to guide our hearts. When we spend time reading the Bible and talking to God through prayer, something amazing happens—we start to recognize truth more clearly. We start to feel when something is off, and we become more confident in choosing what’s right.
Discernment isn’t about being suspicious or scared—it’s about being wise and rooted. (As emphasized by Focus on the Family, training our kids to counter unbiblical ideas in the culture is a powerful way to help them build a robust faith foundation—even in a confusing world.) It’s about knowing what God sounds like, so when we hear something different, we don’t get pulled off course.
So let’s commit to staying grounded in truth together. Let’s keep opening our Bibles, asking big questions, and listening for God’s voice in the middle of life’s noise. When we do that, we’ll not only grow stronger in our faith—we’ll also become bright lights for others who are still searching.
As we walk this journey, let’s cheer each other on, share what we’re learning, and remind one another that truth isn’t something we chase alone—it’s something we walk in, hand-in-hand with Jesus.
With grace, peace, and hearts full of truth,
Ariel 💕
Explore More on Blogging4Adventure
Quick Check Quiz
1) Which question belongs in a discernment check?
2) What pairs with truth in healthy correction?
3) Faith/Character: Which response shows Christlike love?
Compare & Discern
| Approach | Goal | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Harsh reaction | Control | Fear, hiding |
| Ignore issue | Comfort | Confusion spreads |
| Truth in Love | Restoration | Clarity, growth, unity |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Discernment | Spirit-led wisdom to recognize truth from error. |
| Confession | Clear statement about who Jesus is and what He has done. |
| Doctrine | Teaching drawn from Scripture about faith and life. |
| Boundaries | Protective limits that honor God and guard people. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Accountability in Love (1 Cor 5) | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Understanding DNA | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Minecraft Zoo | Open |
| BibleGateway — 1 John 4:1–6 (KJV) | Open |
| Enduring Word — Commentary on 1 John 4 | Open |
| GotQuestions — Test the Spirits | Open |
Practice & Pray
Speak truth kindly, invite clarity, walk together. Testing the Spirits 1 John 4:1–6 helps families guard hearts, grow wisdom, and reflect Christ’s love.
Ariel — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure, blending Bible study, science, and family activities. Posts reviewed by Mom & Dad for accuracy and safety; Scripture cross-checked with trusted study tools.
FAQ
How does this apply to siblings and friends?
Honest questions and gentle words help everyone grow. Truth with love builds trust.
What if confusion remains?
Prayer, patient study, and wise counsel keep progress moving. Confidence grows over time.
Where should families start?
Begin with 1 John 4:1–6, try the Three-Check Filter, and download the PDF for easy steps.
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