1. God’s Spirit at work – 1John 4:1-12 Many people are searching for spiritual truth “When people abandon the truth, they don’t believe in nothing, they believe in anything” ( G.K.Chesterton) The Spirit of God helps us in our search for the Truth

2. 1. The Spirit of Truth –v.1-6 a. Don’t be gullible – v.1 Something may look good, but it could be wrong 1. False prophets may do amazing things – Mt.24:24; Acts 8:11 2. Test what you see and hear - what is said – 1 Thess.5:21 - the character of people – Mt.5:15,16,21-23

3. The Spirit of truth b. Examine the teaching – v.2,3 What do they say about Jesus? 1. Who he is – Divine & Human 2. What he did – Cross & Resurrection c. Don’t be intimidated – v.4-6 1. We have all we need – Spirit of God, Bible & the Church 2. False views are popular – v.5,6

4. 2. The Spirit of love – v.7-12 a. God is love – v.8,16 b. God’s love was displayed in Jesus – v.9,10; John 3:16 This love was:- 1. Costly 2. Undeserved 3. Powerful c. God’s love is displayed through the Church – v.7,11,12

5. God’s love displayed through the Church 1. We are to follow God’s example –v.11 2. We are empowered to love –v.7,12 - born into God’s family - God lives in us 3. We carry out God’s great purpose-v.12 - Jesus showed God’s love- his life&death - We show it as a community of love

6. 3. Responding to God’s Spirit a. Come to Jesus - who loves you deeply b. Be discerning. Ask questions. Examine c. The Church is like a BIG MAGNET attracting people to Jesus when we:- 1. Know the Truth 2. Are full of God’s love d. Never separate Truth & Love Truth without love – proud, harsh, deadly Love without truth – blind, lost, easily led