⁶ We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.^(A) This is how we recognize the Spirit^[a] of truth^(B) and the spirit of falsehood.^(C)

¹⁷ the Spirit of truth.^(A) The world cannot accept him,^(B) because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[a] in you.

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them,^(A) and they follow me.^(B)

¹² What we have received is not the spirit^(A) of the world,^(B) but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³ This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom^(C) but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.^{[a] 14} The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God^(D) but considers them foolishness,^(E) and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

²⁶ “When the Advocate^(A) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father^(B)—the Spirit of truth^(C) who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.^(D)

On Denying the Incarnation

4 Dear friends,^(A) do not believe every spirit,^(B) but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.^(C)

⁴⁵ Yet because I tell the truth,^(A) you do not believe me! ⁴⁶ Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.^(B) The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

Jesus’ Claims About Himself

⁴⁸ The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan^(C) and demon-possessed?”^(D)

⁴⁹ “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not seeking glory for myself;^(E) but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.

⁴ You, dear children,^(A) are from God and have overcome them,^(B) because the one who is in you^(C) is greater than the one who is in the world.^(D)

³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet^(A) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,^(B) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.^(C)