1. How to recognize the Spirit of God (1-3)

We are engaged in a spiritual conflict. We are not fighting people, but the devil. He is a liar and a deceiver, and he gives his lying spirit to false prophets. John gives us a sure test: the Spirit of God is in one who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Jesus is the Christ; he is God; and he came in the flesh. He was tempted in every way as we are; he learned obedience from what he suffered. Those who ignore Jesus' example of prayer and his spiritual struggle, and refuse to apply God's word to themselves are antichrists.

2. The Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood (4-6)

Worldly people speak from the viewpoint of the world. They sound reasonable. They encourage us to seek small, selfish benefits. But they are full of a spirit of falsehood. Those who know God listen to God's word. They have the Spirit of truth.

Application: Lord, fill me with your Spirit. Help me to have spiritual discernment.
One Word: God's Spirit overcomes the world