WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.220 Please do take a seat and let's pray together as we come to God's word, asking his help that we might understand it clearly, live for it fully and hear his voice in it. 00:00:12.259 --> 00:00:12.780 Let's pray. 00:00:15.660 --> 00:00:21.940 Father God, thank you that you've spoken to your people at various times in many ways. 00:00:23.100 --> 00:00:27.600 And thank you that you have spoken fully and finally in your son Jesus. 00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:31.840 And so Lord, I pray we would learn of him this morning. 00:00:31.940 --> 00:00:33.240 We would see him clearly. 00:00:34.219 --> 00:00:38.000 Father, we would love him with all of our being. 00:00:38.120 --> 00:00:41.600 We would serve him with every iota of our personhood. 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:45.560 That he would be enthroned in our lives. 00:00:46.400 --> 00:00:49.820 He would be the truth that is sweet on our lips. 00:00:51.359 --> 00:00:53.719 Lord, he would be our king. 00:00:55.140 --> 00:00:56.799 And we would be his servants. 00:00:58.039 --> 00:01:00.700 Father, help us and speak to us through this passage we pray. 00:01:01.320 --> 00:01:02.280 In Jesus' name. 00:01:03.140 --> 00:01:03.420 Amen. 00:01:05.340 --> 00:01:09.000 So we're free from the end of our series in 1 John. 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:16.400 It has been a great time as we've explored this letter that has got so much truth in it. 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:22.300 We've been seeing throughout our series in 1 John that John is writing to a church congregation. 00:01:23.300 --> 00:01:27.620 And he's writing to a church congregation who are in a lot of turmoil. 00:01:28.280 --> 00:01:29.560 They're very disturbed. 00:01:29.560 --> 00:01:33.219 And the reason that they're disturbed is that the church has split. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:35.859 And a faction of the church have left. 00:01:35.859 --> 00:01:43.019 And the reason that they've split and that they've left is that there's one group within the church who say we are superior. 00:01:43.019 --> 00:01:46.319 We are better in every way. 00:01:46.500 --> 00:01:48.519 We have a better anointing of the spirit. 00:01:48.519 --> 00:01:50.560 We have more profound knowledge of God. 00:01:50.719 --> 00:01:52.859 We're actually living sinless lives. 00:01:53.199 --> 00:01:54.219 You're holding us back. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:56.799 So we need to get out of here so we can fulfill our potential. 00:01:56.799 --> 00:02:00.959 And so John writes this letter. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:04.379 And he writes it to reassure them. 00:02:04.759 --> 00:02:07.479 And he says to them, you are the real deal. 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:13.900 To the people that remained who have been so unsettled, he's written to them and said, you're the real deal. 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:15.460 You really do know God. 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:19.800 You can have confidence that you really know that you really know God. 00:02:20.879 --> 00:02:23.139 And so he gives them three tests. 00:02:23.139 --> 00:02:30.919 And the three tests he gives them are that you really know God if you're within the apostolic gospel. 00:02:31.539 --> 00:02:34.359 If you believe the right things about God. 00:02:35.019 --> 00:02:40.219 He says you really know God if you're obeying Jesus' commands. 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:45.539 And he says you really know that you know God if you're loving the brothers. 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:51.099 You really know you know God if you're within the apostolic gospel, you're obeying Jesus' command. 00:02:51.099 --> 00:02:53.739 And particularly his command to love the brothers. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:59.180 But John is very clear that he doesn't want us to see that this is three tests. 00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:02.579 He wants us to see that it's one test. 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:09.939 So if you look in your Bibles to 1 John 3 verse 23, you'll see that he lumps them all together. 00:03:11.079 --> 00:03:13.159 He says, and this is his command. 00:03:13.159 --> 00:03:21.639 Do you see how he puts them all together? 00:03:22.439 --> 00:03:24.439 You believe the apostolic gospel. 00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:26.439 You love one another. 00:03:26.659 --> 00:03:27.960 And you obey his commands. 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:31.500 It's one test with three modules. 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:34.099 And we need to pass them all. 00:03:34.759 --> 00:03:38.300 You can't say, well I'm a real Christian because I believe the right things and obey Jesus. 00:03:38.300 --> 00:03:40.580 But I hate my brothers and sisters. 00:03:41.660 --> 00:03:43.800 He's saying it's one command. 00:03:44.840 --> 00:03:48.300 And then if you read below 3.23 we get 3.24 surprisingly. 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:52.520 And he says there's another way you can know you know God. 00:03:52.600 --> 00:03:53.300 A re-emphasis. 00:03:54.660 --> 00:03:58.500 A further swelling to your confidence. 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:01.919 That you know you know God. 00:04:03.599 --> 00:04:06.360 Because the Holy Spirit lives in you. 00:04:07.180 --> 00:04:10.379 And he testifies that God really is your father. 00:04:10.379 --> 00:04:13.979 That he testifies that you really know God. 00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:18.839 And he helps you obey his commands and do all that God says. 00:04:19.860 --> 00:04:22.720 And this is what links to our passage this morning. 00:04:23.339 --> 00:04:24.560 Is this word spirit. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:30.199 But John is almost pre-empting that they're going to have questions about the Holy Spirit. 00:04:30.280 --> 00:04:33.480 That if the Holy Spirit is the one who says that we really know God. 00:04:33.560 --> 00:04:35.519 Then how do we know that it's the real Holy Spirit? 00:04:36.759 --> 00:04:40.079 How do we know that what this person is saying is really from the Spirit. 00:04:40.180 --> 00:04:42.019 Or are they just making it up out of their head? 00:04:43.139 --> 00:04:45.579 And so please turn to 1 John 4. 00:04:46.340 --> 00:04:47.860 And we'll read the first six verses. 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:50.220 John is telling them. 00:04:50.460 --> 00:04:52.000 Giving them a reason. 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:53.340 Giving them a test. 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:56.980 To discern whether this is the authentic bona fide Holy Spirit. 00:04:57.060 --> 00:04:58.379 The third member of the Trinity. 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:01.360 Or this is bogus. 00:05:02.280 --> 00:05:02.720 Counterfeit. 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:03.879 And wrong. 00:05:05.240 --> 00:05:06.080 John writes this. 00:05:06.139 --> 00:05:07.439 1 John 4 verse 1. 00:05:07.580 --> 00:05:08.360 Dear friends. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:10.620 Do not believe every spirit. 00:05:10.740 --> 00:05:12.060 But test the spirits. 00:05:12.680 --> 00:05:14.220 To see whether they are from God. 00:05:14.220 --> 00:05:18.100 Because many false prophets have gone into the world. 00:05:18.980 --> 00:05:21.240 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God. 00:05:21.640 --> 00:05:26.060 Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. 00:05:27.020 --> 00:05:30.220 But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. 00:05:30.500 --> 00:05:32.520 This is the spirit of the Antichrist. 00:05:33.180 --> 00:05:36.480 Which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 00:05:37.220 --> 00:05:39.640 You, dear children, are from God. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:41.079 And have overcome them. 00:05:41.139 --> 00:05:45.539 Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 00:05:46.500 --> 00:05:47.819 They are from the world. 00:05:47.919 --> 00:05:50.060 And therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world. 00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:52.099 And the world listens to them. 00:05:53.219 --> 00:05:54.719 We are from God. 00:05:55.339 --> 00:05:57.800 And whoever knows God listens to us. 00:05:57.899 --> 00:06:00.699 But whoever is not from God does not listen to us. 00:06:01.479 --> 00:06:03.779 This is how we recognize the spirit of truth. 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:06.639 And the spirit of falsehood. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:07.159 Falsehood. 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:12.419 John is telling them how they tell the difference between the real deal. 00:06:13.019 --> 00:06:14.919 When it comes to the spirit and the fake. 00:06:16.039 --> 00:06:23.259 And so knowing the difference between what is authentic and what is fake is absolutely crucial in life. 00:06:23.919 --> 00:06:27.639 Knowing the difference between real and false. 00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:35.319 So discerning whether the email that will arrive in your inbox tomorrow morning saying that you've won a lottery that you didn't even enter. 00:06:35.899 --> 00:06:39.399 Discerning whether that is true or not is vitally important. 00:06:39.539 --> 00:06:43.459 Particularly for your identity and your bank balance. 00:06:44.740 --> 00:06:50.500 Discerning whether the Rolex watch that the person is selling you at your holiday resort saying special price. 00:06:51.339 --> 00:06:52.259 Real Rolex. 00:06:52.259 --> 00:06:56.479 Discerning whether that's the real watch is vitally important. 00:06:56.480 --> 00:07:03.640 Deciding whether the manifesto of party leaders is achievable is real promises. 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:08.520 Or just to get popular opinion is very important. 00:07:10.200 --> 00:07:14.300 And so last Sunday night at 2.47am in the morning. 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:17.800 Mrs. G and myself are awakened by the smoke alarm. 00:07:17.800 --> 00:07:25.060 I was fast asleep but I got that nudge which in our house is secret code for I really think you should go and investigate. 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:28.740 And so bleary eyed I got out of bed. 00:07:29.520 --> 00:07:33.060 Smoke alarms going off and I did what any good discerning man does in that moment. 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:36.460 Is I got the step ladder climbed up and pulled the battery out and went back to bed. 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:45.439 I then didn't sleep for two hours petrified that there was a real fire and that this wasn't a false alarm and we were all going to die in our sleep. 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:52.779 There is a real importance knowing the difference between right and wrong, true and false, counterfeit or real. 00:07:53.719 --> 00:07:56.120 In the art world this is particularly true. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:08:00.500 Millions of dollars are spent every year on fakes. 00:08:01.680 --> 00:08:05.160 Astounding amounts of money on doodles that aren't real. 00:08:05.240 --> 00:08:06.519 This is Jackson Pollock. 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:13.519 The one on the right is worth $58.3 million bought at auction. 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:19.120 But last year the one on the left was bought for $17 million and is an absolute fake. 00:08:19.840 --> 00:08:23.360 That it was actually painted nearly 30 years after Jackson Pollock died. 00:08:23.360 --> 00:08:25.639 What a waste of money. 00:08:27.460 --> 00:08:28.540 Or these two. 00:08:29.240 --> 00:08:30.439 Clifford Stills. 00:08:31.319 --> 00:08:33.060 That one bought for $61 million. 00:08:35.539 --> 00:08:38.899 The one on the left, $24.3 million and is an absolute fake. 00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:43.399 It was actually painted by a 17-year-old art student from California. 00:08:45.240 --> 00:08:47.440 Or these two by Mark Rothko. 00:08:50.220 --> 00:08:51.639 $86.8 million. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:56.300 This one an absolute fake, $28.3 million. 00:08:57.220 --> 00:09:00.860 But of course you're all discerning art figures so you know that that's actually the other way around. 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:03.180 You wouldn't have known that, would you? 00:09:03.560 --> 00:09:04.940 Al was ready to get his checkbook out. 00:09:06.600 --> 00:09:08.519 Or these two by Piet Mandarin. 00:09:08.919 --> 00:09:11.220 Works in the neoplasticism style. 00:09:12.220 --> 00:09:14.500 The one on the left, $50.6 million. 00:09:14.500 --> 00:09:17.799 The one on the right, absolutely worthless. 00:09:17.940 --> 00:09:19.679 I painted it in three minutes on my computer. 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:27.379 There's a real importance between knowing the difference between real and fake. 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:33.759 And nothing could be truer about the importance of real and fake. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:37.899 When it comes to discerning what is the truth about God. 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:41.080 And what is falsehood about God. 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:48.200 Nothing could be more important than discerning whether what people are saying about God is true or false. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:53.940 Whether it's reality that we can build our life around or they're just making it up out of their head. 00:09:55.080 --> 00:09:56.379 And so how do we tell? 00:09:57.100 --> 00:10:00.640 Not everything that sounds spiritual is true. 00:10:00.639 --> 00:10:06.179 Not everything that uses spiritual terminology is genuine. 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:11.179 Not everyone claiming spiritual insight is authentic. 00:10:12.919 --> 00:10:19.620 And so what John is laying out for us in these six verses is our duty to exercise discernment. 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:21.819 Each of our duty. 00:10:23.319 --> 00:10:25.500 To listen and to think. 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:29.840 To use our Bibles and our brains to see whether this is true or not. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:35.059 Now some of you have already switched off this morning. 00:10:35.559 --> 00:10:39.679 Some of you are already thinking about lunch or what lies next week. 00:10:40.059 --> 00:10:45.139 And you have already put yourself and others in danger. 00:10:46.379 --> 00:10:52.500 Because according to 1 John 4, everybody has a responsibility to exercise discernment. 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:54.700 Whether what somebody is saying is true. 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:58.399 It's that stark. 00:10:58.399 --> 00:11:04.279 So the first thing we see is the command John gives in verse 1. 00:11:04.439 --> 00:11:05.860 Keep your Bibles open. 00:11:07.319 --> 00:11:11.519 And check that this truth about checking the truth is true. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:13.439 The command John gives. 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:17.100 The command is very straightforward. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.759 Do not believe every spirit. 00:11:20.899 --> 00:11:22.159 Don't be gullible. 00:11:22.159 --> 00:11:27.259 Don't assume that just because somebody is speaking in church. 00:11:27.699 --> 00:11:31.299 That they've been given a microphone and have some semblance of training. 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:33.159 That what's coming out of their mouth is true. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:40.519 Just because they've got a gift in speaking and have been given a platform. 00:11:40.519 --> 00:11:44.579 Doesn't necessarily mean that you should swallow everything they say. 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:47.180 You need to use discernment. 00:11:48.040 --> 00:11:50.680 You have a responsibility according to John. 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:53.500 Writing to this church but also to us. 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:56.400 To test the spirits. 00:11:57.620 --> 00:12:01.879 To check whether what is being said is true or bogus. 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:05.080 Don't be like Churchill the nodding dog. 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:07.080 Just sitting there nodding. 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:08.420 Yes, yes, yes. 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:12.539 Because according to 1 John you're letting everybody down. 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:23.620 To walk the line between superstition believing everything and suspicion believing nothing is your job. 00:12:24.579 --> 00:12:26.099 And it's very difficult. 00:12:27.319 --> 00:12:32.019 But it's your and our collective responsibility. 00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:35.299 John says test the spirits. 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:41.559 Evaluate the truth that's being said with the truth that's been revealed. 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:43.019 Absorb what is genuine. 00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:45.960 Reject and refute what isn't. 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:48.939 And John is explicit at the end of verse 1. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:53.179 Because there are many false prophets that have gone into the world. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:58.659 There are many people peddling falsehood about God. 00:12:58.659 --> 00:13:04.679 For self material gain. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:09.659 Just think the people that have left this church to whom John is writing. 00:13:10.740 --> 00:13:12.819 They're using great spiritual language. 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:16.159 They use anointing and sinlessness. 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:22.240 They use and seem to be saying that they have a profound knowledge of God. 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:25.079 And yet John is very clear. 00:13:25.080 --> 00:13:27.460 They're just making it up. 00:13:28.020 --> 00:13:29.300 Out of their heads. 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:33.300 You go to the new gathering that they've started just down the road. 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:34.800 They use lots of Greek language. 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:38.680 They sound and look very impressive. 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:43.340 And yet John says don't be taken in. 00:13:43.420 --> 00:13:44.300 Be discerning. 00:13:45.060 --> 00:13:45.540 Why? 00:13:45.660 --> 00:13:47.700 Because there are many false prophets in the world. 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:52.180 And the problem with false prophets is they're not obvious. 00:13:52.179 --> 00:13:56.719 They don't come with name badges with a warning signal. 00:13:58.719 --> 00:14:00.419 So we have to be discerning. 00:14:00.559 --> 00:14:08.339 Spurgeon writing on this passage says discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong. 00:14:09.199 --> 00:14:13.579 Rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right. 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:24.120 Things that sound feasible but it's not so much what is explicitly said but what's implied and what's left out. 00:14:25.060 --> 00:14:26.800 Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:30.220 Watch out for false prophets. 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:34.820 They come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ferocious wolves. 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:38.400 If you're having a lamb for dinner. 00:14:40.640 --> 00:14:42.140 You bought it from the supermarket. 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:45.820 You were very impressed by this cuddly little lamb you were about to devour. 00:14:46.840 --> 00:14:49.840 But you cut in and it doesn't have the anatomy of a little sheep. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:52.740 It has the anatomy of a ferocious wolf. 00:14:52.820 --> 00:14:53.960 That's what John is saying. 00:14:55.180 --> 00:14:56.860 You can't really tell the difference. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:15:00.940 They look like warm cuddly fuzzy guys. 00:15:01.820 --> 00:15:04.779 Who wouldn't hurt a fly but inwardly they want to eat you. 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:06.879 That's what John is saying. 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:09.519 You need to be really discerning. 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:14.100 Jesus again Matthew 24 talking about now. 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:16.840 At that time many will turn away from the faith. 00:15:17.539 --> 00:15:19.360 And will betray and hate each other. 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:21.279 And many false prophets will appear. 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.620 And deceive many people. 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:27.100 Paul writing to the Ephesian elders. 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:30.860 I know that after I leave savage wolves will come in among you. 00:15:30.960 --> 00:15:32.200 And will not spare the flock. 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:36.620 Even from your own number men will arise. 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:41.120 And distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:47.320 False prophets are a reality. 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:51.639 The scary thing about what Paul says to the Ephesian elders. 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:56.220 Is even those regarded people in your own church can turn feral. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:16:00.000 And distort the truth. 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:03.199 And twist it and gather a following from themselves. 00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:05.759 Which is incredibly dangerous. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:08.240 And deadly. 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:13.460 And John here is not exhibiting some deep filled paranoia. 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:18.799 He's not seeing heretical bogey men at every street corner. 00:16:18.799 --> 00:16:23.620 He's giving us warning of a clear and present danger to churches. 00:16:24.919 --> 00:16:27.620 He is warning his readers and us. 00:16:28.199 --> 00:16:32.079 That there really is falsehood propagated by false prophets. 00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:35.039 And therefore everybody needs to be on their guard. 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:39.179 Sometimes we need to realise. 00:16:40.459 --> 00:16:43.599 That granny's big teeth, bushy tail and furry face. 00:16:43.719 --> 00:16:45.679 Point to the truth that granny's not there anymore. 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.519 But it's a wolf. 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:52.759 What is the greatest threat to our church? 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:57.399 It's not the secularism pouring in from outside. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:17:01.500 It's not the new atheism and the air time that that's getting. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:05.559 It's not even the redefinition of traditional values and norms in society. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:08.839 The biggest threat to our church family. 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:17.019 Is that we start to tolerate and believe and swallow and give a platform to falsehood about God. 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:21.440 And that all of us together are led astray. 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:25.259 Because what is true starts to get distorted and twisted. 00:17:25.259 --> 00:17:27.940 And we're all responsible. 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:35.920 Very unpopular idea in the 21st century. 00:17:36.460 --> 00:17:39.099 Where the only thing that's wrong is to say that somebody's wrong. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:41.559 And John is very clear. 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.940 There's many false prophets. 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:45.960 Don't be taken astray. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:48.120 Don't believe every spirit. 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:49.539 But test the spirits. 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:51.779 To see whether they are from God. 00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:55.000 Because many false prophets have gone into the world. 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:57.880 Test the spirits. 00:17:58.960 --> 00:18:01.240 So if John commands us to test the spirits. 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:03.380 How do we test the spirits? 00:18:03.380 --> 00:18:06.620 If we've all got a responsibility to do the test. 00:18:06.700 --> 00:18:08.540 Wouldn't it be great to know what the criteria are? 00:18:09.280 --> 00:18:10.940 And so he's going to go on and tell us. 00:18:11.520 --> 00:18:14.220 The contrast that John draws. 00:18:15.340 --> 00:18:18.100 The contrast that John draws. 00:18:18.180 --> 00:18:20.620 Verses 2 and 3 and 5 and 6. 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:22.620 It's two tests. 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:25.080 But they're really the same test from two different angles. 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:27.140 And let me show you what it is. 00:18:29.280 --> 00:18:31.820 It's like the acid test that we use for gold. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:35.039 And applied to false prophecy. 00:18:38.879 --> 00:18:40.279 The first thing he says. 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:43.000 How do you know if this is true and believable? 00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:46.220 And from the authentic Holy Spirit. 00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:48.859 Well then you need to discern. 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:51.460 Is somebody telling the truth about Jesus? 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:54.339 The litmus test. 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:58.659 Is are they telling the truth about Jesus? 00:18:58.659 --> 00:19:00.799 His identity and his mission. 00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:05.980 Is what they're saying in line with what this book says. 00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:09.779 About who Jesus is and why he came. 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:15.599 And so he uses seven words to give us the litmus test. 00:19:15.679 --> 00:19:16.220 Look at them. 00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:18.679 End of verse 2. 00:19:19.639 --> 00:19:25.859 Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. 00:19:25.859 --> 00:19:27.359 Is from God. 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:32.099 Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. 00:19:32.439 --> 00:19:34.319 Is from God. 00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:38.019 It is a brilliant test. 00:19:38.979 --> 00:19:42.979 It is almost a foolproof watertight test. 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:47.359 Because it summarizes the very core of orthodox Christianity. 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:52.119 That in those seven words is condensed the truth. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:57.079 That God has been revealing to us about his glorious eternal rescue mission. 00:19:57.199 --> 00:19:59.299 To save people for his very own possession. 00:20:00.659 --> 00:20:02.939 It talks about that God himself. 00:20:03.219 --> 00:20:06.099 In the second person of the Trinity. 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:08.379 Entered into history. 00:20:08.379 --> 00:20:10.099 In the incarnation. 00:20:11.379 --> 00:20:13.139 That as Jesus. 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:14.639 He was born miraculously. 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:16.259 He lived perfectly. 00:20:16.439 --> 00:20:17.779 And died sacrificially. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:22.459 He is God's only promised anointed and eternal king. 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:24.399 Jesus is the Christ. 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:29.380 He became fully man in the flesh. 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:31.780 To save sinful rebellious humanity. 00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:34.640 By living the life we failed to live. 00:20:35.060 --> 00:20:37.280 And dying the death our sin deserved. 00:20:37.620 --> 00:20:38.860 That we might be forgiven. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.180 Freed from sin. 00:20:40.280 --> 00:20:41.580 And granted eternal life. 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:43.060 Instead of eternal punishment. 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.200 By grace. 00:20:44.560 --> 00:20:45.340 Through faith. 00:20:46.780 --> 00:20:48.860 Jesus Christ came in the flesh. 00:20:48.980 --> 00:20:50.940 That's what John says. 00:20:51.140 --> 00:20:52.640 Is the litmus test. 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:55.340 To see whether you open or close your ears. 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:59.040 Whether you say I'll come back to the evening service. 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.360 Or whether I'll go home. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:02.620 And go somewhere else. 00:21:04.280 --> 00:21:06.320 How do you know whether someone is saying. 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:08.840 What someone is saying should be accepted or rejected. 00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:09.360 He says. 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:11.400 Are they telling the truth about Jesus. 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:14.360 The whole truth. 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.780 About Jesus. 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:17.820 And this word acknowledge is an interesting word. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:21.500 Because it's not just about what comes out of their mouth. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:23.599 It's what's portrayed with their lives as well. 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:28.099 Are they living the life of the gospel. 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:29.819 Both through what they say. 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.779 And how they live. 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:33.839 Is there an authenticity there. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:37.059 Or is it just bubble and froth. 00:21:38.339 --> 00:21:38.940 Superficial. 00:21:39.539 --> 00:21:40.980 To gain an understanding. 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:44.039 The ministry of the spirit. 00:21:44.140 --> 00:21:45.759 Throughout John's gospel and letters. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:47.640 Is to teach. 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:48.339 Illuminate. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.960 And confirm the truth about Jesus. 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:52.359 And conform our lives to it. 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:54.039 How do you know if they're real? 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:58.140 Real people speaking about God properly. 00:21:58.559 --> 00:22:00.279 Because they tell the truth about Jesus. 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:03.660 See the negative verse 3. 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:06.480 But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus. 00:22:06.619 --> 00:22:07.339 Is not from God. 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:10.960 Acknowledge Jesus in the way that he's acknowledged in verse 2. 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:14.640 It's not just whether they mention Jesus. 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:17.059 But do they mention Jesus as he really is. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.500 And if they don't. 00:22:20.620 --> 00:22:22.519 This is the spirit of the antichrist. 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:24.620 Now don't think. 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:27.160 666 tattooed on your forehead. 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.559 With your head. 00:22:28.640 --> 00:22:31.120 Are able to spin around 360 degrees. 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:32.420 That's not what he means. 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.680 This word anti. 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:35.579 Is the instead of Jesus people. 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:38.340 The in place of Jesus people. 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:41.139 And why are they the instead of Jesus people. 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:42.639 Because they're giving a different gospel. 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:43.980 That doesn't involve Jesus. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:47.319 To draw attention to themselves. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:50.619 To draw people away from Jesus. 00:22:50.839 --> 00:22:53.079 To their own following. 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:57.139 People who use spiritual language. 00:22:57.139 --> 00:22:58.099 As a top trump. 00:22:58.199 --> 00:22:59.519 To justify themselves. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:01.579 And to try and pedestal themselves. 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:02.980 Above everyone else. 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.919 Do you see from this. 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.299 That doctrine is vital. 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:11.079 That we need to dig into this word. 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:12.419 So we know what the truth is. 00:23:12.439 --> 00:23:13.379 And can stand on it. 00:23:13.439 --> 00:23:14.799 And refute that which is wrong. 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:20.359 John says test the spirits. 00:23:20.439 --> 00:23:21.439 And the first test. 00:23:22.439 --> 00:23:23.419 The litmus test. 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:25.079 Is do they tell the truth of Jesus. 00:23:26.199 --> 00:23:28.220 But see verses 5 and 6. 00:23:29.679 --> 00:23:30.779 They are from the world. 00:23:30.839 --> 00:23:31.779 This is the false teachers. 00:23:31.859 --> 00:23:33.859 And they speak from the viewpoint of the world. 00:23:33.899 --> 00:23:35.139 And the world listens to them. 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:36.399 We are from God. 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:37.780 That's the apostolic we. 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.700 We apostles. 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:41.060 Are from God. 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:42.220 And whoever knows God. 00:23:42.360 --> 00:23:43.340 Listens to us. 00:23:43.620 --> 00:23:45.340 But whoever is not from God. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.660 Does not listen to us. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:49.680 The second test. 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.860 Which is really the same test. 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:51.800 From another side. 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.200 Is what they say. 00:23:53.360 --> 00:23:54.900 Telling the truth about Jesus. 00:23:55.280 --> 00:23:57.480 In a way that it says the same. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.660 As what the apostle said. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:03.180 Two sides of the same coin. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:05.480 Do they tell about the truth about Jesus. 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.720 And the truth about Jesus. 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:08.840 Is what the apostles said to us. 00:24:09.040 --> 00:24:11.340 In God's word. 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:14.840 Does it match up with those who saw. 00:24:15.040 --> 00:24:15.880 And heard. 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:16.880 And touched. 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.720 And looked upon Jesus. 00:24:20.820 --> 00:24:21.940 And if it does. 00:24:22.040 --> 00:24:23.240 We can say no that's true. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:26.180 That is truth about God. 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:27.500 And I need to learn it. 00:24:27.779 --> 00:24:28.400 Absorb it. 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.279 Ask that the Holy Spirit. 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:30.799 Would sear it on my heart. 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:32.160 And transform my life. 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:33.339 Through it. 00:24:36.120 --> 00:24:37.880 Are they telling the truth about Jesus. 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.279 In a way that says the same. 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:39.940 As the apostles. 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.940 And do you see. 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:43.779 How explicitly. 00:24:43.779 --> 00:24:45.639 He talks about anything else. 00:24:46.539 --> 00:24:47.799 It's from the world. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.420 It's worldly wisdom. 00:24:51.920 --> 00:24:52.819 Dressed up. 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:54.220 In spiritual language. 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:56.399 That is packaged by the world. 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.779 Communicated to the world. 00:24:57.859 --> 00:24:58.980 And loved by the world. 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:01.399 It's self-help. 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:03.920 Or self-advancement. 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.339 Disguised. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:09.079 As spiritual language. 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:10.139 And the world listens. 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:15.279 This splinter group. 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:16.460 Down the road. 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:17.639 Sharing this. 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.539 Kind of. 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:19.379 Message. 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.700 The world gathers to hear it. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.759 And they love it. 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:24.759 And they applaud it. 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:26.019 And they swallow it. 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:29.240 But it's not true. 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.639 It's from. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.220 The world. 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.299 It's a message. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.859 But it's not a true message. 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:42.519 About what God is really like. 00:25:42.639 --> 00:25:43.379 Dear friends. 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.839 Do not believe every spirit. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.759 But test the spirits. 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:48.279 Because there are many false prophets. 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.500 How do we test? 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:53.299 One test from two sides. 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:55.000 Do they tell the truth about Jesus. 00:25:55.319 --> 00:25:57.480 In a way that says the same as the apostles. 00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:01.359 In a way that communicates the gospel. 00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:02.259 As it's revealed. 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.279 Fully. 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:04.480 And totally. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.500 And finally. 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:07.240 In God's word. 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:10.139 Be on guard. 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:10.799 Exercise discernment. 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:13.200 Don't be superstitious. 00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:14.160 And believe everything. 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:14.740 And everyone. 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:16.559 But don't be suspicious. 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.400 And shut down. 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:19.019 And think actually. 00:26:19.100 --> 00:26:20.620 No one can share anything with me. 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:23.940 There is a radical contrast drawn. 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:24.779 By John. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:27.480 There is truth and falsehood. 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.660 Real and fake. 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:30.559 Bogus. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.259 And authentic. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.899 There are those who speak rightly. 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.119 And those who speak falsely. 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:37.240 The lines of that are stuck. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:40.120 And we must test the spirits. 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.440 So just finishing verse 4. 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:44.259 Is crucial. 00:26:45.400 --> 00:26:46.799 You dear children are from God. 00:26:46.859 --> 00:26:47.819 And have overcome them. 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.839 Because the one who is in you. 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:51.660 Is greater than the one who is in the world. 00:26:51.880 --> 00:26:53.940 We've all got a calendar with this verse on. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.440 Haven't we? 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.460 The one who is in you. 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:58.140 Is greater than he that is in the world. 00:26:58.380 --> 00:26:59.980 But in context. 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:03.620 John is saying that. 00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:05.539 The reason that we know the truth. 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:08.220 Is not because we're cleverer. 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:10.559 Not because we've got theological credentials. 00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:14.700 Not because we were less sinful. 00:27:14.819 --> 00:27:15.759 And easier to save. 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:17.519 Or our eyes were brighter. 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:19.480 So we could see the truth more clearly. 00:27:19.579 --> 00:27:20.279 He says. 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:22.079 The reason that we know the truth. 00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:23.319 Is because the Holy Spirit. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:26.079 Who God has graciously sent. 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:27.079 To open those eyes. 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.759 Is greater. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:30.119 Than the falsehood. 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.480 Of the world. 00:27:31.900 --> 00:27:33.960 God has graciously given us his spirit. 00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:35.960 Who opened our eyes to see the gospel. 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:37.839 Not as foolishness. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:39.799 Or a ridiculous stumbling block. 00:27:39.879 --> 00:27:41.180 But as the power of God. 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:45.460 We know we are from God. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:47.559 Not because we're smarter. 00:27:47.700 --> 00:27:48.579 Or worked it out. 00:27:49.400 --> 00:27:51.339 But because God in his grace. 00:27:51.660 --> 00:27:52.680 Opened our eyes. 00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:54.160 Through his Holy Spirit. 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:56.379 Who is more powerful than anybody else. 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:59.420 That we saw the difference. 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.920 Between foolishness and wisdom. 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.799 And we said. 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:04.000 That's the truth about God. 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:05.279 And I'm going to build my life. 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.619 Around it. 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.920 The one who is in us. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.579 Sent from God. 00:28:10.660 --> 00:28:11.119 Is greater. 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:12.859 More powerful than the blinding spirit. 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.579 Of the world. 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:15.400 And that our eyes are opened. 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:17.400 As God gloriously. 00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.700 Poured his gospel. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.859 Into our lives. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:23.139 So we can have real confidence. 00:28:24.979 --> 00:28:26.839 That this is the real truth about God. 00:28:26.919 --> 00:28:28.559 Because God really revealed it to us. 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:29.779 Through his real Holy Spirit. 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:34.339 Can be confident. 00:28:34.439 --> 00:28:35.339 But we must be humble. 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:39.019 Because we didn't get here ourselves. 00:28:40.359 --> 00:28:42.500 But God opened our eyes. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.879 To see him. 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:46.640 We've got to be humble. 00:28:46.640 --> 00:28:47.260 And confident. 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:48.660 So where we get to falsehood. 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:49.660 We don't think. 00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:50.660 Oh aren't we brilliant. 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.240 We got it. 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.480 But we can approach people. 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.040 With humility. 00:28:54.040 --> 00:28:54.380 And say. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.400 Well let's look at this. 00:28:57.260 --> 00:28:58.700 Because I don't think the same as you. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.780 And I think you've got it wrong. 00:28:59.860 --> 00:29:00.600 But let's look at this. 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:01.360 Because this is true. 00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:04.280 Be prayerful. 00:29:05.100 --> 00:29:06.220 Be humble and confident. 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:07.220 But be prayerful. 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:11.260 That those spiritual things. 00:29:11.340 --> 00:29:12.740 Are discerned by the spirit of God. 00:29:12.820 --> 00:29:13.780 1 Corinthians 2. 00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:15.620 For who knows a person's thoughts. 00:29:15.680 --> 00:29:17.220 Except their own spirit within them. 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:18.920 In the same way. 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:20.140 No one knows the thought of God. 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:21.360 Except the spirit of God. 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:23.740 That as we read God's word. 00:29:24.180 --> 00:29:25.640 As we share truth about him. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:27.480 Let's depend on the Holy Spirit. 00:29:27.560 --> 00:29:28.600 That he might speak. 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.900 But most of all. 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:31.760 Be discerning. 00:29:32.780 --> 00:29:34.160 Don't be an omnivore. 00:29:34.540 --> 00:29:36.120 Just eat everything like a pig. 00:29:36.340 --> 00:29:37.380 They'll eat anything. 00:29:38.820 --> 00:29:39.780 Don't be a pig. 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:40.920 Don't be a pig. 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:45.600 If you're not a Christian. 00:29:45.599 --> 00:29:45.879 Then. 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:47.579 If this is true. 00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:48.939 Then as we investigate. 00:29:48.939 --> 00:29:49.059 And read. 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:49.619 And read. 00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:51.719 And try and understand the truth of God. 00:29:51.799 --> 00:29:53.059 Let's pray that the Holy Spirit. 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:54.480 Might open our eyes to see. 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:56.199 Because without his help. 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:57.619 We'll remain blind. 00:29:57.619 --> 00:30:02.819 Be humble. 00:30:03.619 --> 00:30:04.419 And confident. 00:30:05.739 --> 00:30:06.139 Pray. 00:30:06.699 --> 00:30:07.379 And read. 00:30:07.459 --> 00:30:08.019 As God. 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:09.419 Would help us. 00:30:09.420 --> 00:30:11.360 In finishing. 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.500 I want to tell you about this guy. 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:14.000 His name is Ali Dyer. 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:16.000 In 1996. 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:18.220 He was signed by my football team. 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:19.279 Southampton Football Club. 00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:20.279 By Graham Souness. 00:30:20.940 --> 00:30:22.420 This is how he was signed. 00:30:23.080 --> 00:30:24.000 Graham Souness. 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:25.060 At the end of November. 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:26.060 Got a phone call. 00:30:27.680 --> 00:30:28.700 And on the end of the phone. 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:31.120 Was somebody pretending to be George Weyer. 00:30:31.600 --> 00:30:33.920 The Liberian World Footballer of the Year. 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:38.019 And what this alleged George Weyer said to Graham Souness. 00:30:38.440 --> 00:30:40.940 Was my cousin Ali Dyer. 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:43.080 Who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:45.060 Has played 13 times for Senegal. 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:48.000 Wants a transfer to your club. 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.680 And so Graham Souness. 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:51.380 Quite impressed. 00:30:51.539 --> 00:30:53.320 Said come along and play. 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:55.400 He turned up on Friday. 00:30:55.600 --> 00:30:56.420 On Saturday. 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:59.259 Southampton had an injury crisis. 00:31:00.360 --> 00:31:02.840 They didn't have enough people for the bench. 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:05.159 So Ali Dyer finds himself. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:08.339 Having never been seen at a football match. 00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:09.419 For Southampton. 00:31:09.939 --> 00:31:11.139 Turns up on the bench. 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:14.059 Matthew Letizia is injured in the 65th minute. 00:31:14.899 --> 00:31:17.220 And Ali Dyer gets the call from the bench. 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:20.399 65th minute he comes on. 00:31:20.699 --> 00:31:22.240 The 73rd minute. 00:31:22.439 --> 00:31:24.559 He is substituted back off. 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:27.059 Because he is horrendous. 00:31:27.699 --> 00:31:30.899 He is the worst footballer that the Premier League has ever seen. 00:31:30.899 --> 00:31:32.019 That was voted. 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:37.480 Matthew Letizia wrote this about him. 00:31:37.859 --> 00:31:40.259 He ran around like Bambi on ice. 00:31:40.839 --> 00:31:43.240 It was very embarrassing to watch. 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.720 Why was he signed? 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:46.559 Why did this happen? 00:31:46.619 --> 00:31:47.899 Because no one tested him. 00:31:48.559 --> 00:31:50.299 To see whether he could really play. 00:31:50.399 --> 00:31:51.919 And really live up to the hype. 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:53.240 That was mentioned. 00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:57.120 And so Ali Dyer. 00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:00.480 And 1 John 4. 00:32:00.660 --> 00:32:01.740 Tell us the same lesson. 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:04.299 Don't believe. 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:05.779 Everything you hear. 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:08.120 But test it. 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:09.140 Try it. 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:11.220 See whether it's true. 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.900 Spiritual things. 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:14.000 How do we test whether it's true? 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:16.359 Are they telling the truth about Jesus? 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:19.000 In a way that says the same. 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.439 As the apostles. 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.000 Let's pray. 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:21.039 Let's pray. 00:32:30.039 --> 00:32:32.219 Father God thank you that in the world of ideas. 00:32:32.379 --> 00:32:33.479 Your gospel is true. 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:35.799 And it's true forever. 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:40.799 Father God thank you that you've opened our eyes to that truth. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:43.819 That we discern it as your truth. 00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:46.740 Over and against the many lies. 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:50.079 And much falsehood about you there is in the world. 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:54.220 And so Lord I pray as those that have received your truth. 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:57.339 We might constantly cling on to that truth. 00:32:57.879 --> 00:32:59.619 That we wouldn't be led astray. 00:32:59.619 --> 00:33:06.399 Lord that you would give us a thankfulness for the work you've done in our life. 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:11.419 You would give us a prayerfulness as we continue to grow in that truth. 00:33:13.399 --> 00:33:15.939 And that you would give us a humble confidence. 00:33:17.699 --> 00:33:21.739 As we depend fully on your spirit for our spiritual development. 00:33:22.879 --> 00:33:26.819 And continued safety and perseverance in the gospel. 00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:29.980 So Lord I pray for my friends in this room. 00:33:30.139 --> 00:33:32.019 That we might all together be discerning. 00:33:32.899 --> 00:33:34.759 We might watch over one another. 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:38.019 And that every spirit. 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:40.500 That acknowledges that Jesus Christ. 00:33:41.639 --> 00:33:43.019 Has come in the flesh. 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.599 We would celebrate that truth. 00:33:44.659 --> 00:33:46.240 And it would change our lives continually. 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:49.659 Father bless us and help us the rest of this day we pray. 00:33:50.399 --> 00:33:52.559 In Jesus glorious and all conquering name. 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:53.519 Amen. 00:33:56.819 --> 00:33:58.939 Amen. 00:33:58.939 --> 00:33:59.039 Amen. 00:34:15.319 --> 00:34:15.400 Amen. 00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:16.000 Amen. 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:16.139 Amen. 00:34:16.599 --> 00:34:17.500 Amen. 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:18.299 Amen. 00:34:18.579 --> 00:34:18.880 Amen. 00:34:19.440 --> 00:34:19.599 core Fけれis. 00:34:19.599 --> 00:34:19.799 Amen. 00:34:21.779 --> 00:34:21.880 Amen. 00:34:23.380 --> 00:34:23.440 Amen. 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:24.579 Amen. 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:25.639 Amen. 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:25.900 Amen. 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.799 Amen.