4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.REFLECTIONSWritten by Keith HengpoonthanaThe previous passage spoke of false prophets and the spirit of the antichrist being in the world attempting to lead us astray. This is a very real challenge to our faith, and at times it will feel like the rest of the world has a completely different viewpoint to us. The popular world views, for example: legalising same sex marriage, abortion and voluntary euthanasia, are very enticing and many will indeed listen to them and be misled.  We are reminded however from this passage that the Spirit of God within us allows us to discern the truth (v6), and because we are from God (v4), listening to his word will help us overcome the misleading spirit of the antichrist by which the world has been influenced .Do not be disheartened when people around you question your faith and your beliefs, pray for God’s Spirit of truth to continue to work in you and keep reading and listening to God’s word to reinforce this. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. Why not take the time this moment to thank Jesus for showing you the truth?ABOUT THE AUTHORKeith is a member of our Bossley Park Morning Service.