Discernment. 1 John 5:18-21

1 John 5 Knowing the True—Rejecting the False 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. As John is wrapping up this letter, he is reminding us to not be swayed by ungodly theology. How do we discern what it true and what is heresy? We learn the word of God. We know what our Bible says. We question what we hear that doesn't line up with what we already know. We also do research but check several sources. Read commentaries, they can be quite useful in understanding the meaning of scripture.  Why do you suppose John finished this letter reminding to stay away from idols? Maybe it is because it is so easy to have idols and not even know it. Anything that we give more attention to then we give to God is an idol. What are possible idols in your life?  Blessings, Cecilia