7.

Testing every spirit in the fellowship P2

1 John 4: 11-21

  • Session: 7
  • Week: 1
  • Day: 7
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Introduction

In this session, 1 John Chapter 4: 11-21, we focus on understanding three spirits in the fellowship of God’s people: the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of brotherly love, and the Spirit of Christ. These spirits should be tested to know if they come from God and how to integrate them where possible.

Objectives

By the end of this session, the learner will have:

  • Compared the spirit of anti-Christ with the Spirit of Christ and the spirit of brotherly love by looking at their characteristics in the verses given.
  • Described how the spirit of anti-Antichrist may affect our holy communion if not tested
  • Described how the spirit of brotherly love affects the quality of Holy communion among the believers by listing the grounds of brotherly love and the dynamics of brotherly love.

Outline

  • The Spirit of Antichrist,
  • The spirit of brotherly love and
  • The Spirit of Christ
  • Testing every spirit in the fellowship

Group Study Time

1 John 4: 11-21

Connecting

  • Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
  • Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
  • Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
  • Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.

Comprehending

  • What is the meaning of being cautious? (of a person) or being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. Why should we be mindful of the spirits in our Holy Communion?
  • What is the difference between the spirit of antichrist? the Spirit of Christ? And the spirit of brotherly love in Christ)
  • Read 1 John 4: 11-21. What is revealed about the love of GOD and
  • What do the above verses say about brotherly love?

Committing

  • Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
  • List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
  • Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
  • Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
    • Sin to confess
    • Promise to claim
    • Attitude to change
    • Command to keep
    • Error to change
    • Prayer to make
    • Example to copy
    • Truth to obey and
    • Something praiseworthy

Communicating

  • Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
  • Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
  • Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.

Post Lesson Teaching Summary

Great job completing the study! Take a moment to listen to this summary to reinforce your group’s understanding of the text and ensure you’re all on the same page. We’re here to support your learning journey!

Testing every spirit in the fellowship P2

1 John 4: 11-21

1 John 4:11-21

  • Context:
    • During Easter, John affirms Jesus’ resurrection against heresies denying His incarnation, using Luke 15 brothers to reflect Jews/Gentiles needing true fellowship.
    • Focus on testing the spirit of brotherly love as a divine mark.
  • Brotherly Love’s Source (1 John 4:11-12):
    • Since God loved us through Jesus’ sacrifice, we must love one another (v. 11); though unseen, God dwells in us when we love, perfecting His love (v. 12).
    • Mercy’s love, from God, binds fellowship.
  • Love’s Assurance (1 John 4:13-16):
    • God’s Spirit confirms mutual abiding with Him (v. 13); acknowledging Jesus as Savior ensures God’s indwelling, rooted in His love (v. 14-16).
    • Mercy fosters confidence through love’s presence.
  • Love’s Perfection (1 John 4:17-21):
    • Love perfected gives boldness for judgment, mirroring Jesus (v. 17); perfect love casts out fear, tied to punishment (v. 18).
    • We love because God loved first; hating a brother while claiming to love God is a lie—loving brothers is a command (v. 19-21).
    • Mercy’s love, a divine replica, ensures fearless fellowship.
  • Application:
    • Practice brotherly love as God’s command, reflecting His sacrificial love—let it drive out fear, host His presence, and counter heresy’s division in fellowship.