Daily Devotions
1 John
"We are of God."
Text: 1 John 4:6
THE CONTRAST CONTINUES
The Apostle John extended the contrast further in the following text.
“We are of God. He who knows God hears us;
he who is not of God does not hear us.
By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
1 John 4:6
1. “We are of God”
a) This was already stated in 1 John 4:4.
b) It is stated again for emphasis.
c) Its significance must not be lost!
2. “He who knows God hears us”
a) The word “hear”
i) It is more than a reference to acoustics.
ii) It involves “reception” of the Word of God.
iii) We are reminded of how Jesus often said,
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:9)
b) The word “know”
i) More than just knowledge content.
ii) It connotes believing in God.
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Those who truly have believed in God would “hear” the word of the Apostle(s).
3. “He who is not of God does not hear us”
a) This is a foregone conclusion.
b) This is a reference to those who are of the world.
c) They will not hear nor heed the apostolic message.
A CAREFUL DISTINCTION MADE
John repeated himself on purpose. A clear and careful distinction was made for the protection of those who are of God!