Who are the “people” John mentions in this verse?  John is speaking out against those who claim to be prophets but do not acknowledge the truth about Jesus.  Are you aware that we have leaders in our churches today that do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God and was borne into this world in human form?  They believe that Jesus was a great teacher, and they emphasize His love and compassion, but they deny His deity.

John emphasizes this truth about Jesus at the beginning of his gospel when he states the word became flesh.  (John 1:14) He had already stated that the “word” was with God and that the “word” was God in John 1:1. Therefore, if a church leader denies the truth about Jesus, they are denying essential truths of our faith with serious consequences.  Jesus cannot be your Lord and Savior if you do not believe that the Son of God was sacrificed on the cross for your sins. 

Many of these false leaders believe that you cannot know for sure that you will be saved based on your belief in Jesus Christ.  The desire to create doubt while teaching their understanding of moral truths based on the world’s understanding of morality.  But based on your commitment to God through faith in Christ, you will achieve victory because the Spirit of God that lives in you, is greater than the wisdom of this world.  Therefore, we are called to be confident of our Salvation.  And you will recognize the false narratives from those who speak with worldly knowledge, but deny the deity of Christ.

Read John 1:1-14 and 1 John 4:1-6