v1: The command to test the spirits. John was concerned for his beloved brethren. We are therefore to beware, because not everything is true; there are many false prophets, which we must test and identify. John's primary concern is not the exposure and shaming of the false, but the blessing and protection of the true.

v2-3: The test, which is primarily doctrinal, is what they teach about Jesus Christ, see 2.22-23. In particular, the true message is that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, John 1.14. Some held that He was a purely 'spiritual' being who temporarily inhabited a human body. This is also inconsistent with Paul's teaching on the resurrection in 1 Cor 15.

This is an objective test, therefore we can be confident whether they are true or false. For us, a correct appreciation of Christ enables other things to fall into place properly. Those who deny this truth are actually opposed to Christ; this is the meaning of 'anti.'

v4: Since we belong to God, even as "little children" we can know His victory. Our part is;

• to realise something of God; Deut 29.29; Ps 33.6; John 1.1;
• to realise our own weakness, for example Gen 5.2-3;
• to realise something of the enemy; Gen 3; John 8.44.

There is a battle, and the victory does not always come easily and immediately. Much that opposes us is powerful, and we may begin to fear. The promises here give us strength to endure.

v5-6: The distinction between true believers and unbelievers; see John 8.43-45, 47; 10.3-5, 8, 16, 26-27. We know that we belong to God; we recognise and accept the words of other Christians. Even if things are unclear, or complicated, or confused, we accept their words, and understand them well, because we accept the person.

John draws a clear distinction between true and false; and we are not entitled to draw a different line, either to exclude some who are true believers, or to include those who follow false religion. The contrast is with unbelievers, who do not accept the things of God.

When we hear false teaching, we find we are uneasy, even if we don't fully understand what is being said.

Doctrine and devotion are consistent, and we must hold them together.

v7-21: We are commanded to love because God loves. Since we experience God's love, we are commanded to show God's love.

v7: Why we must love one another; love is of God, He 'invented' it, without God there is no love. And those who demonstrate love show that they belong to God.

The claim is not just that we are born of God ('I've been converted.'), but that we know God in a personal, moment-by-moment relationship.

v8: In contrast, the person who does not love, does not know God. As with other issues, John is clear here; there is a distinctive line that he draws.

v9: The pre-eminent demonstration of God's love; He sent His Son. Through Him we have life, and we recognise that it was the death of Jesus Christ that brought us life. This is something very wonderful; it is more than just a theological statement (although it is that), but something to be truly thrilled about.

v10: Love is demonstrated first that God loved us, and sent His Son to die for us; God so loved that He gave His Son. This was His initiative.

God gave His Son as a propitiation, an atoning sacrifice;

• the need of propitiation; Rom 1.18-25, for all are sinners, and under condemnation;
• the nature of propitiation; Rom 3.22-26; 1 John 2.2; God gave His own Son.

The source of propitiation is God Himself; and the outworking is in our loving others.

The N.T. writers link propitiation with God's righteousness (Romans) and God's love (1 John).

v11: Since God has loved us, we must love others. The emphasis here, as elsewhere, is that we love those who are of the family of God.

v12: Love is a proof of God's existence; there can be no other visible proof, since no one has ever seen God. This was crucial, since Christ had ascended into Heaven, no longer would He walk into their towns and villages; it remains crucial today.

John speaks of God living in us; we abide in Him, and He in us. Our beliefs, our experiences, our behaviour, are all part of abiding, combining to assure us that we belong to God. John expects those who know God to abide in Him.

v13: The responsibility to demonstrate God's love in our lives may not be easy, but God has equipped us by His Spirit, see also 3.24. The Spirit of God is God's gift to us, to abide with us forever, to assure us of God's love, and to enable us to love.

v14: We can testify of this truth; Acts 1.8, the Holy Spirit gives power for our testimony.

v15: Love is essential, and so is correct belief. Abiding is not just to do with love, but it is also to do with true belief, growing in understanding, and our testimony.

v16: We know and believe, for God's love is something real.

v17-18: Love is perfected in us; God has given His love to us for our strength and confidence, especially in the day of judgment, see 2.28.

John presents two opposites to fear; love and boldness.

God's love motivates us to live for Him; we represent Him in this world.

v19: The conclusion of this section; God took the initiative, and first loved us; so we can live, and therefore we must love.

v20-21: Love is opposite to hate; we must love the brethren, the family of God. This again is God's command, not John's hobby-horse.