GULLIBLE SAINTS

John felt compelled to write his epistle primarily because of the deceptive efforts of the false teachers. These false teachers were effective in misleading some Christians in Asia Minor because of the believers’ inexperience in discerning truth from error. John lovingly warned against such gullibility, charging his beloved “children” and “friends” to “test the spirits.” Believers today need to follow this same counsel. We live in an era that features all sorts of competing philosophies and contrasting claims (even in the religious realm). On the surface many of these common ideas seem to make sense. Furthermore, they are advocated by “knowledgeable experts” and believed by many. Nevertheless, when held up to the bright light of God’s truth, these notions are shown to be wrong … and dangerous. Critically evaluate the things you hear. Study God’s Word well enough to determine whether a claim is true or false.