1 John 4:1

There is a great deal of reiteration in this chapter, but additional truth appears with regard to testing the spirits (1 John 4:1-6), and there is more extended teaching on love. God is love, love as a test, love of one another, love of God, God's love of us, etc. are all stressed (1 John 4:7-21). One of the features of this whole epistle is the presentation of a number of tests regarding the genuineness of Christian life. These have been organized by some and classified as the tests of: (1) obedience; (2) love; and (3) faith.[1] However, they are not separate tests, but each partakes of the nature of the others. Note the following:

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The Test What is Proved

Everyone that doeth Is begotten of him righteousness (1 John 2:29). (1 John 2:29).

By the Spirit which he gave us We know that he abideth in us (1 John 3:24). (1 John 3:24).

Everyone that loveth Is begotten of God, and (1 John 4:7) knoweth God (1 John 4:7).

If we love one another God abideth in us, and his (1 John 4:12) love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12).

Because he has given us of his We know that we abide in him Spirit (1 John 4:13). and he in us (1 John 4:13).

Confessing Jesus as the Son of God abides in him, and he in God (1 John 4:15). God (1 John 4:15).

Believing that Jesus is the That one is begotten of God Christ (1 John 5:1). (1 John 5:1).

If we keep his commandments We love God (1 John 5:3). (1 John 5:3).MONO>

It will be noted that such tests have a prominent place in this chapter. They are not separate tests, actually, but a composite, each of the above Scriptures being, in a sense, commentary on each one of the others. What is Proved in each test, for example, being exactly the same thing that is proved by all the others. Likewise, the unity of the tests is seen in the fact that "keeping his commandments," "loving one another, ... doing righteousness," "possessing the Holy Spirit," etc., all amount to one and the same thing.