Definition: We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 John 4:6 together. It’s a really important one about spiritual guidance and resisting false teachings. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God wants us to follow his will. But, if we don’t listen to God, we’re not following him at all. And if we’re not listening to God, we’re falling into a trap of misleading ideas and false teachings. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “1 John 4:6 We are of God…” – This establishes that there is a divine source guiding us. It means we are connected to something bigger than ourselves, something holy and good. “…he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.” - This is the key part. It says that those who know God – those who understand and respect God’s truth – will obey and listen to what He wants. But those who don't know God – those who are misled, confused, or living according to false beliefs – they don't listen. “Hereby know we the spirit of truth…” - This is a warning. It means that those who understand God’s way are guided by something positive and righteous. “…and the spirit of error.” – This describes what happens when we don’t listen to God's guidance. It’s about being led astray by false ideas, doubts, and misleading teachings. In short: This verse is a call to stay true to God's word and to resist anything that doesn’t align with His will. It emphasizes the importance of seeking genuine understanding and following what we know is right. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re walking down a path. If you’re following the light, leading you towards goodness, you'll be happy and safe. But if you start wandering off into shadows – led by misleading thoughts or false beliefs – you could get lost and possibly harm yourself. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to recognize the spirit of error?