Remaining Anchored in Truth: Confronting False Teachings in the Last Hour
Notes
Transcript
Good afternoon! Today we are continuing in our current series looking at 1 John. In todays passage John addresses a crucial issue that was affecting the early Christian community: the presence of false teachers and their deceptive teachings.
Just as the early believers faced challenges to their faith, we too live in a world where false ideologies abound, it is vital for us to be rooted firmly in the Word of God.
All of us here today deal with the world and can always learn how to do so just a bit better. So, let’s look at our passage and see how John deals with the struggles of false doctrine and worldly influence within the church.
John begins this section by addressing his readers with the phrase, “children” this term of endearment shows his fatherly concern for their spiritual wellbeing and the urgency of the message that he is about to deliver. We read in verse eighteen.
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
The Antichrists and the Last Hour
The Antichrists and the Last Hour
John boldly declares, "It is the last hour." While some interpret this phrase as a short period of time, John's usage suggests a broader perspective. He speaks of the last hour as a period within the last days, encompassing the time between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. Early Christians understood this period as the final phase of world history, inaugurated by the coming of our Savior.
It is important to note that John's perception of the last hour is not bound by a specific timetable. He does not provide us with a precise date for the culmination of all things. Instead, he emphasizes the urgency and imminence of the times in which they lived. John's primary concern was to equip his readers with discernment and vigilance, so they would not be led astray by the false teachings and deceptive tactics of the antichrists.
But who are these antichrists? John describes them as those who deny that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah sent by God. They stand opposed to the true teaching about Christ and seek to undermine the foundation of our faith. While the term "antichrist" may also refer to those who claim to be Christ or substitute themselves for Him, John focuses on those who deny Jesus' divine nature and messianic identity.
The roots of John's language can be traced back to the teachings of Jesus Himself. In His discourse on the future, Jesus warned of false Christs and false prophets who would come, performing signs and miracles to deceive even the elect if possible (Mark 13:22; Matthew 24:24).
We must all consider the implications of these realities for our own lives as believers. The presence of false teachers and antichrists remains a relevant issue in our own time as well. We encounter ideologies and philosophies that deny the lordship and divinity of Jesus Christ all the time. The allure of secular humanism, relativism, and syncretistic worldviews can deceive even the most devoted believers.
In verse nineteen we read.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
John reveals the identity of the antichrists who had caused disruption within the church. These individuals were not external enemies, but rather they were individuals who had once been part of the community of believers. They had gone out from among the believers and formed their own group, advocating teachings that were contrary to the one true gospel.
It is important to note that their departure from the church indicated that they were never truly part of the body of Christ. They may have made a superficial profession of faith, but their actions and teachings revealed their true nature. This distinction highlights the difference between the visible church, consisting of those who outwardly associate themselves with the faith, and what is often times referred to as the invisible church, comprising those whom the Lord truly knows to be His own.
John asserts that if these individuals had truly been genuine believers, they would have remained within the fellowship of believers. Their departure from the church served as evidence of their true allegiance. It is a sobering reminder that not all who appear to be part of the church are genuinely committed to Christ. Genuine believers, on the other hand, demonstrate their authenticity through their perseverance in the faith.
This passage serves as a cautionary message for us today. We must be discerning and critical in evaluating the teachings and actions of those who claim to be part of the church. We should not be surprised if there are those who depart from the faith, as their departure reveals the insincerity of their confession. It reminds us to hold fast to the truth, remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ and His Word.
In verse twenty we read.
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
The Anointing and Abiding in the Truth
The Anointing and Abiding in the Truth
John continues to address the contrast between the antichrists who have departed from the church and the true believers to whom he is writing. The conjunction used at the beginning of the verse can also be translated as "and," rather than “but” and this would emphasize the additional knowledge that the true members possess.
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
It is possible that the false teachers claimed to possess special sources of knowledge or enlightenment. However, John reassures us that we have an anointing from God, which grants us spiritual insight and discernment. The term "anointing" is significant as it connects with the name "Christ" and points to the reception of the Spirit. In the Old Testament, anointing symbolized the reception of the Spirit, and Jesus Himself was anointed with the Spirit at His baptism. Therefore, it is likely that the anointing mentioned here refers to the Holy Spirit who teaches and guides believers into all truth.
Some argue that the concept of anointing could be derived from an actual act of anointing with oil, while others suggest it may have been influenced by heretical practices that claimed special anointing. However, there is no definitive evidence of such practices in the first century. An alternative interpretation suggests that the anointing refers to the Word of God, which objectively teaches the truth to believers. By receiving and knowing the Word of God, true believers possess the antidote to false teaching.
It is challenging to solely view the anointing as the Word of God transmitted through the church. The parallels between the anointing and the activity of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John cannot be ignored. I personally believe that it is best to understand what John is saying by combining both interpretations. The anointing represents the Word of God taught to believers before their baptism and received through the work of the Spirit in their hearts. This perspective acknowledges the inward reception of the Word of God, confirmed by the Spirit's transformative work.
The gift of the anointing comes from the "Holy One." While it could refer to God the Father as the Holy One of Israel, in this context, it most likely points to Jesus, the Holy One of God. Jesus is the One who gives the Spirit, who is here associated with the Word.
As a result of this divine gift, John affirms that all the readers possess knowledge of the truth. Though the verb in the Greek does not have an object, it is more probable that John is emphasizing that all his readers know the truth rather than claiming they know all things. The false teachers may have boasted of their superior knowledge, but every true Christian has the privilege of knowing the truth through the Holy Spirit.
John highlights the contrast between the false teachers who claim special knowledge and the true believers who possess the anointing from God. This anointing, whether understood as the Holy Spirit or the Word of God, grants believers spiritual insight and discernment. It is a gift from Jesus, the Holy One, enabling all true Christians to know the truth. We should cherish this divine privilege, remaining rooted in the Word of God and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern and refute false teachings that may arise within and outside the church.
Then in verse twenty-one we read.
I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
John strengthens his message by reaffirming what he has previously stated. The tone of warning he employs indicates his concern that his readers may doubt their own knowledge of the truth in light of the presence of heretics within the church. He understands that they may be tempted to question, "Is it me?" As a result, he reassures them and affirms their standing as those who do possess knowledge of the truth.
John addresses his readers not as individuals lacking understanding, but as those who have received the truth. It is crucial for them to recognize that falsehood does not originate from the truth itself. When individuals speak heretical statements, it serves as a clear indication that they lack the divine anointing. As a result, the discerning readers should be able to identify such individuals for who they truly are. Their teachings and assertions are devoid of divine reality and are, therefore, false.
In a world where false teachings and deceptive ideologies abound, it is imperative for us to hold fast to the truth that we have received. We must remember that our knowledge and understanding come from God Himself, through His Word and by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. This knowledge equips us to discern the difference between truth and falsehood, enabling us to identify and refute heretical teachings.
The presence of false teachers should not cause us to doubt our own faith or truth. Instead, it should reinforce our commitment to the unchanging and infallible Word of God. We need to be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings and claims against the truth of Scripture. By doing so, we can protect ourselves and our fellow believers from being led astray by false doctrines.
Also, we should extend compassion and grace to those who have been deceived by false teachings, recognizing that they are in need of the transformative power of the true Gospel. As we engage with others, both within and outside the church, we should strive to present the truth with love, gentleness, and respect, seeking to bring them into a genuine understanding of God's divine reality.
John continues in verse twenty-two and writes.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
John now highlights a very specific falsehood that characterizes those who do not come from the truth. It is a blatant falsehood, so obvious that John expects his readers to recognize it as such. By drawing attention to this falsehood, he intends for his readers to conclude that those who hold to it cannot possibly have any share in God the Father.
To emphasize his point, John poses a rhetorical question: Who is the ultimate liar? It is the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. In the following verse, he refers to those who deny "the Son," and it is likely that he considers "Christ" and "Son" as essentially the same terms. John employs similar expressions in other passages when addressing heretical teachings. In chapter four John writes, "Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God" (4:2-3).
In these quotations, we discover that John is not primarily combatting a Jewish denial that Jesus is the Messiah, as depicted in the Gospel of John. Rather, his controversy is directed towards those who were once members of the church but have deviated from the truth. Scholars have identified connections between John's opponents and the heretical views of individuals like Cerinthus, who denied the true incarnation of the Son of God in Jesus. These heretics held that the heavenly Christ only descended upon Jesus temporarily, not experiencing suffering, death, or the shedding of blood for our salvation.
By denying that Jesus is the Christ, these opponents adopt an antichrist position. Anyone who takes this stance can be considered antichrist, just as Jesus individually addressed Simon Peter with the words, "Get behind me, Satan!" when he tempted him to deviate from the path of the cross (Mark 8:33). However, denying Jesus as the Christ is tantamount to denying that he is the Son of God. As a result, the term antichrist can be further defined as someone who denies the Son. John goes a step further and speaks of the denial of both "the Father and the Son."
Reducing Jesus to the status of a mere man or allowing only a temporary indwelling of some divine power undermines the very essence of Christianity. While contemporary thinkers may express similar denials of the reality of the incarnation in more sophisticated ways, we must recognize that they too risk depleting Christianity of its core essence. John's insight remains relevant for today, and we must guard against any attempts to diminish the significance of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God.
It is our duty to uphold the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. We stand firm in the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who willingly took on human flesh, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins, and rose again triumphantly. This is the very foundation of our faith, and we must be vigilant against any teachings or ideologies that seek to undermine or distort this truth.
In a world where various philosophies and ideologies vie for our attention, we need to hold fast to the unchanging truth of Scripture. We need to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern and refute any teachings that deny the full deity and incarnation of Jesus Christ.
The denial of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God strikes at the core of Christianity. We must remain steadfast in our confession and proclamation of Jesus' divine identity and redemptive work. As we do so, we uphold the truth, we honor the Father and the Son, and we bring glory to God in all that we say and do.
Then in verse twenty-three we read,
No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
In verse 23, John unequivocally states, "For the person who denies that Jesus is the Son has no share in God the Father." This powerful declaration leaves no room for ambiguity or compromise. It is a clear message to those who think they can have a relationship with God while rejecting the deity of Jesus Christ. John wants to correct any mistaken beliefs held by the heretics and affirm the essential truth that it is only through the Son that we truly know God as Father.
We must understand that the denial of Jesus as the Son is not a mere theological disagreement or a minor deviation from the truth. It strikes at the very heart of the Christian doctrine of God. The revelation of God given in Jesus Christ is what assures us of God's fatherly nature, His personal and intimate relationship with His children. By denying Jesus as the Son, one effectively undermines and deprives the Christian understanding of God of its foundational basis.
To deny Jesus as the Son is to reject the means by which we have access to God as Father. It is through the Son and His sacrificial death that we find forgiveness, reconciliation, and communion with the Father. Those who reject Jesus as the source of knowledge of God find themselves cut off from the true nature of God, left only with a vague and impersonal conception of deity. The revelation of God's love, grace, and mercy is intimately tied to the person of Jesus Christ.
Also, accepting Jesus as the Son automatically leads to a profound and personal communion with God as Father. It is through our faith in Jesus that we enter into a transformative relationship with God, experiencing His love, guidance, and provision in our lives. The confession of Jesus as the Son of God is not a mere formality; it is a heartfelt declaration of our faith and allegiance. What we confess with our lips reflects what we truly believe in our hearts.
The Promise of Eternal Life and Abiding in Christ
The Promise of Eternal Life and Abiding in Christ
John now shifts and is going to in the next several verses discuss the promise of eternal life and abiding in Christ Jesus.
In verse twenty four we read
Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
We now encounter an emphatic statement from John, as he addresses the readers directly, saying, "as for you." Wait a second that’s not up there. For some reason this Greek phrase has been lost in nearly every New Testament translation that exists. Trust me these words begin this verse in the original Greek. The phrase “as for you” introduces us to a significant contrast, it distinguishes the faithful believers from the false teachers who have strayed from the truth. John urges us to remain steadfast in the teaching we have received in the past, allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions. The phrase "from the beginning" likely refers to the inception of our own Christian journey. In the face of heresy, the answer is to return to the foundational teaching that we received at the start.
It is crucial to note two important aspects. First, John is not suggesting that anything passed down from the past is automatically true or reliable simply because of its age. Rather, he views the teaching given at the beginning as originating from the Lord through the apostles, carrying the weight of divine revelation. It is the "word of Christ" that is to dwell richly within believers.
Second, while the writer opposes false doctrines and innovations, he acknowledges that the timeless truths handed down may require fresh expressions to resonate with modern readers as they did with the initial recipients.
Such is the significance of this emphasis on holding fast to the original Christian message that John repeats it for emphasis, stating, "if what you have heard from the beginning remains in you." In the NIV, this repetition is elegantly rephrased as "if it does." This adherence to the Christian doctrine results in believers themselves abiding in the Son and the Father. The intentional use of the term "remain" underscores the importance of an ongoing relationship. Merely having heard and assented to the message in the past is insufficient. The message must remain active and alive within the lives of those who have received it. Continually recalling and applying it is vital.
This is precisely why the regular study of God's Word and active participation in Christian instruction are of utmost importance for our perseverance in the faith. As we engage in the study of Scripture, immersing ourselves in its teachings and seeking understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we ensure that the message remains vibrant and transformative in our lives. The Word of God has the power to shape our thinking, guide our actions, and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and the Father.
Then in verse 25 we read.
And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
For those who allow God's Word to dwell in them, there awaits a fitting reward. John reveals to us the promise of Jesus Himself: eternal life. This is the only instance of the word "promise" within Johns writings, a term often associated with the prophetic declarations of the Old Testament that have already been fulfilled or are assured of fulfillment. In other parts of the New Testament, particularly in the Pastoral Epistles, we encounter references to the promise of life (1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:1), which is said to have been promised by God (Titus 1:2; James 1:12). The concept encompasses the eternal life of heaven that God pledges to those who faithfully serve Him in this present life.
It is important to note that here, the promise of eternal life is likely traced back to Jesus Himself (John 10:10, 28). In the Gospel of John, eternal life is a blessing that begins to be enjoyed in the here and now (John 3:36; 6:40, 47). It also corresponds to John's definition of eternal life in John 17:3 as knowing the Father and the Son.
This promise of eternal life is not merely a distant hope or a reward confined to the future; rather, it is a transformative reality that begins to unfold in our lives as we abide in Christ. Eternal life is not solely a matter of quantity, an infinite duration, but also of quality—a deep, intimate relationship with the Father and the Son, marked by knowing them personally. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are granted access to this abundant life, where we experience the joy, peace, and purpose that come from being in fellowship with our Creator.
We need to lay hold of this promise with unwavering faith. As we allow God's Word to remain in us, saturating our hearts and minds, we participate in the eternal life offered by our Savior. This promise is not limited to a future reward; it is a present reality that shapes our lives here and now. We need to treasure the gift of eternal life and diligently cultivate our relationship with the Father and the Son, knowing that our faithfulness will be met with the fulfillment of God's promise.
John continues in verse 26 and writes.
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
John has presented his argument clearly, but to ensure that his readers are left with no uncertainty, he repeats and summarizes his message. He addresses both the heretics and the spiritual resources available to his readers. When John says, "I am writing," it can be understood as a reference to what he has already written in verses 18-25. However, there is a new element in this summary.
John describes the heretics as "those who are trying to deceive you," further emphasizing their deceptive nature (cf. 2 John 7). Previously, he had identified them simply as opponents of Christ and bearers of falsehood. But now, he highlights what was implicit in his earlier description: these heretics posed a danger to the faithful members of the church as well. It was not enough for the readers to acknowledge the presence of heretics; it was crucial for them to recognize the personal threat these individuals pose. The prophecy of Jesus regarding false Christs and false prophets who would arise to deceive even the elect (Mark 13:22) was being fulfilled within their midst. The church needed to heed the Master's warning: "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time" (Mark 13:23).
Finally, in verse 27 we read.
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
John now provides a compelling reason for the readers not to be deceived by the false teachers who sought to lead them astray. He reminds them that he himself has warned them of the dangers posed by these deceivers. However, there is an even stronger reason for their protection: they have received the anointing from Jesus, and this anointing continues to work within their hearts.
The anointing refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believers. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell in us as a guarantee of our salvation and as our divine Helper, Comforter, and Teacher. Through the power of the Spirit, the Word of God is conveyed to our hearts, illuminating our understanding and enabling us to discern truth from falsehood. This anointing is the ultimate safeguard against falling into the snares of heresy.
It is important to note that in verse 24, the readers were urged to ensure that their initial teaching remained in them. Here in verse 27, John affirms that it indeed does remain in them. This truth is not to be taken lightly. The anointing of the Holy Spirit, working through the Word of God, enables believers to have a personal and intimate knowledge of the truth.
John makes a fascinating statement when he says that those who possess this inward instruction do not need anyone to teach them. This does not imply a rejection of all external teaching or the role of appointed teachers within the Church. Rather, it emphasizes the indispensable work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. We are called to mutually instruct and edify one another in the truth, recognizing that no single individual can fully grasp the entirety of God's truth alone.
In the latter part of verse 27, John exhorts his readers to hold fast to the teaching given by the Spirit and resist the temptations presented by false teachers. He presents three compelling reasons for doing so. First, the anointing they have received is a sufficient source of knowledge, guiding them in all they need to know. Second, John emphasizes the reliability of this teaching, assuring his readers that it is not a lie. And finally, he reminds them of their initial instruction to abide in Christ. By remaining in Christ, they will remain in the true teaching.
In a world riddled with various doctrines and ideologies, it is essential for us to hold fast to the initial proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ entrusted to the apostles and confirmed in our hearts by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Our faith is grounded in a historical, once-for-all revelation, and any new understanding or doctrine must be in harmony with the Word of God. While the Lord may reveal fresh insights from His Word, we must always weigh them against the unchanging truth of Scripture, for any teaching that deviates from God's Word stands self-condemned.
So What?
So What?
I am going to only discuss one point of application this afternoon. There are many that flow from this passage. But I want to take some time in order to address what is probably the most important point of this passage. And that is how do we grow a deeper understanding and reliance on the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The Anointing
The Anointing
As we reflect on the passage from 1 John 2:18-27, we are confronted with the vital call to grow a deeper understanding and reliance on the anointing we have received as Christians. The anointing given to us by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit is not a mere symbol or an abstract concept. It is a living and transformative power that enables us to walk in truth and discernment amidst a world filled with deception.
To cultivate a deeper understanding of the anointing, we must first prioritize our relationship with God. It is in our intimate communion with Him through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word that we open ourselves to His presence and allow His anointing to work within us. We must commit ourselves to daily seeking His face, surrendering our lives to Him, and inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.
Also, we should strive to deepen our knowledge of God's Word. The Scriptures are not mere words on a page; they are living and active, carrying the power to transform our hearts and minds. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we align our thinking with God's truth, and the anointing brings illumination, helping us to discern right from wrong, falsehood from truth. All of us need to become diligent students of Scripture, allowing it to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions.
We must also cultivate an attitude of dependency on the Holy Spirit. It is through His anointing that we receive guidance, empowerment, and spiritual gifts to fulfill our calling as followers of Christ. We need to yield ourselves to His leading and trust His promptings, even when they challenge our comfort zones or go against popular opinions. We need the Holy Spirit's anointing to navigate the complexities of our world, to boldly proclaim the gospel, and to minister to those who are in need.
Finally, as we grow a deeper reliance on the anointing, we should do so in community. We are not called to walk this journey alone but as members of the body of Christ. Together, we can encourage, support, and sharpen one another. We all need to engage in meaningful fellowship, sharing our insights and experiences of the anointing, and spurring one another on towards greater faithfulness and obedience.
As we commit ourselves to growing a deeper understanding and reliance on the anointing, we can navigate the challenges of our times with confidence and with discernment. We need to seek to be a people who are led by the Spirit, rooted in God's Word, and surrendered to His will. My hope is that the anointing of the Holy Spirit flow through us, transforming our lives and impacting the world around us.
Amen.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts filled with gratitude for the truths we have explored today from Your Word. Thank You for the wisdom and guidance You have imparted to us through this passage.
Lord, as we conclude this sermon, we humbly ask for Your grace and strength to live out the implications of this message in our lives. Help us to remain rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ, never wavering in our confession of His lordship. Guard us against the influence of false teachings and the allure of compromise, that we may remain faithful to the Gospel.
Father, we recognize that the world around us is filled with ideologies that seek to diminish the exclusivity and centrality of Christ Jesus. Grant us discernment and wisdom to navigate these challenges, and embolden us to lovingly share the truth with those who are in need of redemption.
Holy Spirit we pray that you would continue to guide us, teaching us from within, so that we may grasp the deep truths of Your Word and live them out in our daily lives. Help us to be diligent students of Your Word, constantly growing in our understanding and love for You.
Lord, we pray for those who have strayed from the path of truth. May Your gentle conviction touch their hearts and lead them back to You. Give us opportunities to extend grace and truth to them, that they may experience the transformative power of Your love.
Lord, we commit ourselves to the unity of the body of Christ. Help us to stand firm together, supporting and encouraging one another in the faith. Strengthen our resolve to hold fast to the teachings received from the beginning, knowing that in doing so, we honor You and we bring glory to Your name.
We pray all of this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.
Amen.