1 John 2:18-27 : Beware...Antichrist(s) Ahead
1 John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 37:00
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· 184 viewsToday's sermon discusses John's warning to believers regarding antichrists.
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Introduction:
Born in 1889, Adolf Hitler, has been named among the cruelest leaders of all time. What many do not realize is that he grew up in a home with a Catholic mother. His father, however, was not practicing the faith. Hitler went along with his mother and took the sacraments until he left home and never again practiced an organized religious faith. Instead, he railed against the church and was turned off by the meekness of it. He asserted that Islam would be a better fit for the country of Germany due to its more militant nature.
Privately Hitler called Christianity absurdity and nonsense. Yet publically he saw Christianity as a way to leverage political influence. He would praise the Christian religion but added that he believed in an Aryan (or white) Jesus who fought against the Jews. Subtly he caused a large group of Germans to buy into his anti-Semitic rhetoric and ignited what became the Nazi regime.
Hitler was not going to stop there, however. After going against the Jews, Hitler had Christianity in sight as well. According to a report from the US Office of Strategic Services, Hitler planned to eventually destroy the influence of Christian churches in Germany. His end goal was the total elimination of Christianity.
Hitler was a man in which the title of this message is highlighted. Beware. Beware of those who try to flatter with their mouths and twist the truth. Beware of those who stand against Christ and His Word. Hitler was a type of antichrist. He was a form of what is to come eventually.
Let’s get into the passage today and see what the Lord has for us to learn through His Word written through John’s pen:
Read Full Scripture:
18 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.
19 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.
20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
21 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.
22 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.
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 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.
25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
27 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.
Prayer
Last week, John warned us against loving the things of this world, the pleasures of this world, the pride of this world, and the progression of this world. Today he moves on to warn us about those who are of the evil world system - namely antichrists.
I. Beware of...Those Who Deviate from the Truth (2:18-21)
I. Beware of...Those Who Deviate from the Truth (2:18-21)
18 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. 19 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.
20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 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.
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18 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. 19 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 lets us know that it is the last hour and repeats the phrase again at the end of verse 18. Interestingly, the Greek leaves out the definite article ‘the.’ This is because this isn’t a literal hour, or hōra (or-a), but instead it is a period of time. It is the period of time between Christ’s ascension and his second coming. This phrase is marking a critical season of time. It separates a season of suffering and a season of victory. It separates a season of persecution and a season of liberation.
This last hour is marked by many antichrists that come and by a singular Antichrist that is to come at the end of this last hour or season.
The term, antichristos, is only found in the epistles of John. This term was likely coined by John, himself. It means one who is opposed to Christ. One who has set themselves up against Christ. They are the antitheses of Christ.
Before we get into understanding the ways John uses this term in the passage for today, let’s take a moment to understand the Biblical view of the Antichrist and antichrists. We see three different Greek words that explain this concept.
Pseudochristos (twice in the Scripture) - Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22 mention false christs and false prophets. These verses seem to allude to the small ‘a’ antichrists that eventually lead up to the first and second beasts of Revelation 13.
24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
These are likely false signs to go along with the false christs and false prophets. The culmination of these false christs and false prophets leads to the next word:
Thērion (the-ree-on)- wild animal, beast or wicked person (See Book of Revelation). This is the first and second beast that is seen in chapter 13 which are representative of the Antichrist and the False Prophet of the Tribulation.
This usually refers to wild animals throughout the Scripture but almost always refers to the Antichrist or False Prophet in the book of Revelation (this word is found 41 times in Revelation alone - with all but around two of the references referring to the Antichrist and False Prophet.
Antichristos (five times in Scripture and only found in the letters of John (1 John 2:18 [2x], 1 John 2:22, 4:3, 2 Jn 7)
John appears to mention both types of antichrists here. We see him mention the Antichrist that is to come - this should likely be capitalized in our translation. It actually isn’t capitalized in the KJV or even the NASB. It is capitalized in the NKJV which is below:
18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
This appears to be a more proper translation. We know that the culmination of the antichrists and false prophets will reach a climax in the Tribulation. These two demonic individuals will make Hitler look like an opening act.
After explaining the antichrists John warns us about them in the following verse:
19 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.
Some may look the part and play the part but not be the real deal.
We need not look further than the tragic story of the late Ravi Zacharias. One of the seemingly greatest apologetics of the 20th and 21st century, Ravi built a large international ministry called RZIM. He spoke at huge events across the world with gatherings that seemed unfathomable. He was witty and charismatic. He seemed to have an answer for every atheistic rebuttal. He looked the part. He played the part. He must be the real deal, right?
Yet, after his death, it has become apparent that Ravi had a dark side. Countless sexual misconduct allegations have been come forward with much evidence showing they are justified. It has become obvious that this man had a very dark side underneath his bright exterior. He appeared as if he was going out “from us” - meaning from the church universal. Yet he was not of us - for as John said - if were of us he would have continued with us.
Beware of those who look the part but have no accountability. It was found that Ravi had no place in a local church body. He had no pastor or elders that he was accountable to. He was unchecked in his ministry. Beware of those who keep you at a distance and refuse to be known by you. Those who won’t have you over to their home or won’t bring their families to your home. Beware of those who never seem to have a problem or struggle. Beware of those who deviate from the truth.
Brothers and sisters, antichrists are oftentimes not what we imagine in our minds. They aren’t always the violent, aggressive, obviously evil persons. Many times they masquerade as angels of light like they see their father the devil do (2 Cor 11:14). Beware of those who speak half-truths. Those who preach in such a way that man’s ideas are exalted and the Bible’s words are diminished. Those who explain away the Scriptures in order to propagate their own morality and values. Such ones are antichrists!
John finishes this idea with the following verses:
20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 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.
How do we fight against these antichrists? John asserts that we have been anointed by the Holy One - namely Christ, Himself. This anointing refers to the Holy Spirit that has been poured out on believers.
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us. We are able to discern what is right and wrong through the work of the Holy Spirit in us and the understanding and illumination of God’s Word provided for us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Friends, Beware of those who deviate from the truth. Stand firm on the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. And Beware...
Scripture References: Matt 24:24, Mark 13:22, Rev 13, 1 John 4:3, 2 John 7, 2 Cor 11:14, 2 Cor 1:21-22
II. Beware of...Those Who Deny the Truth (2:22-25)
II. Beware of...Those Who Deny the Truth (2:22-25)
22 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. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 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. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
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22 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. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
Who is the liar? False teachers - antichrists - those who hold to false doctrines. Those who deny that Jesus is the Christ. As we discussed above - the culmination of this lie will come when the big ‘A’ Antichrist not only denies Jesus is the Christ but sets himself up in Christ’s place.
Anyone who follows after this way of thinking is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father. One must confess the Son to have the Father also:
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John has made it clear in his Gospel and letters that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Jesus is the truth.
Pilate asked what is truth?
38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.
People claim to be searching for truth, but the more that you delve into their search, it becomes apparent that many are looking for their own version of truth. Today we live in an increasingly postmodern culture. Truth is relative. What is true for you may not be true for me. Any absolute truth is denied. We live in an antichristian culture.
Sadly - there are antichrists even among some of our denominations in America.
When I was a young man I attended a Bible study with my dad and a pastor made a comment that Jesus was not necessarily the only way to God. This loosely defined pastor stated that God will likely honor Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other faiths that are sincere. Thankfully my dad stood up and rebuked this man. Yet how sad was this interchange that he had to do that. This man who was called a pastor was actually an antichrist. He did not truly confess the Son. If he truly confessed the Son then he would have believed what the Son said about Himself.
Antichrists deny that Jesus is who He says He is.
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 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. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
The end of verse 23 through verse 25 shows the opposite stance of believers in response to antichrists as mentioned in verses 22-23.
Brothers and sisters, may we be the opposite of those who deny the truth. May we embrace the truth and abide in the truth.
May we confess the truth. The Greek word confess here means to speak the same thing that another does. It means to agree with that person. This means that when we confess that Jesus is the Christ we are in agreement with the Word of God.
We who believe in the Son - namely that believe that He is the Son of God, perfect, completely God and completely man, who died on the cross for the sins of the world, rose from the dead three days later, and now sits at the right hand of God - we who repent - or turn away from - our sins and turn to this wonderful Savior - we are given something amazing.
We are given a glorious promise. What is that promise my friends. Read it with me in verse 25. And this is the…PROMISE…that he made to us---ETERNAL LIFE.
The beauty of this promise is that it refers to two different fulfillments. Does that statement confuse you? Let me explain. Once a person comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, eternal life begins on earth! We are given the guarantee of our salvation through the promised Holy Spirit.
As amazing as our beginning of eternal life is on earth while we house God, Himself, in our mortal bodies as the Person of the Holy Spirit indwells us, we have an even greater promise to come. We have eternal life with Jesus Christ in Heaven - a place where there will be no more tears or pain or tribulation or temptation. How glorious is that promise! This promise can help us persevere as we walk the difficult paths of this life. We know that there is victory awaiting us in eternity. The war has been won by Christ and we can walk each step knowing that He has overcome.
Brothers and sisters - let us accept and not deny the wonderful truths and promises of Christ.
We have seen that we need to beware of those who deviate and deny the truth. Yet many antichrists do not stop with only opposing Christ themselves. We must also beware of those:
Scripture References: John 14:6, John 18:38
III. Beware of...Those Who Deceive Others from Receiving the Truth (2:26-27)
III. Beware of...Those Who Deceive Others from Receiving the Truth (2:26-27)
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 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.
Antichrists do not stop with their own rebellion. They want to see you rebel as well. They hope to deceive you into believing the lies they have come to follow. Their goal is to take as many along with them. They are a direct threat to the koinonia (or community or fellowship of believers) and their threat must not be downplayed.
We see these antichrists in today’s world and even among our churches. We see leaders in our churches make statements such as our faith should yield to culture. If our government allows abortions then we should support a woman’s right to choose. Or state that our faith should yield to science. We shouldn’t believe what the Bible actually says but instead believe what man says. Or that our love for others should be greater than our love for God. Or that marriage isn’t clearly explained in the Bible. Or that it is the job of the state to care for our children and make decisions regarding their wellbeing, indoctrination, and values and not parents.
Brothers and sisters - we must stand firm against such false teachers. We must stand firm on the Word of God and the truth of the Scriptures.
Yet, we need not fear the antichrists of today’s world. True believers can fight the deception of these false teachers. No, not by their own cunning or intellect. Not by their human strength. Not even by their diligent efforts.
Verse 27 goes on to let us know an important truth.
How do you resist such strong forces of evil? By the anointing that you have recieved. This anointing here refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell you. No longer do you need taught everything in order to know what is right and wrong. The Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you step by step. This is not to negate reading and learning the Bible which is extremely important. But what this is saying is that the Holy Spirit is there to guide you in your understanding of the Scripture and to guide your conscience as you make decisions.
34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
We see here in Jeremiah 31:34 which is quoted again in Hebrews 8:11 that the Holy Spirit helps us discern the truth. We do not have to fall for the false teachings of antichrists today. We can stand firm on the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will help us discern this truth and help us continue walking uprightly as we follow Christ.
His anointing, or Holy Spirit that is poured out on us, speaks truth. There is no lie in Him. Abide in the perfect love of the Father and the Son through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Scripture References: Jer 31:34, Heb 8:11
Conclusion
Friends, as we come to a close I want to challenge us for a minute. I want us to pray through a couple of questions that I think we need to ask ourselves as we move forward.
Am I believing the teachings of antichrists?
Have I fully accepted the truth of Christ?
Am I believing the teachings of the antichrists?
This is a difficult question. We can judge this based on our understanding of God and His Word. Do we catch ourselves explaining away Scripture after Scripture. If something makes us uncomfortable do we skip over it in hopes for a more palatable verse? Or do we believe what the Word says in its entirety?
We also need to judge this based on what people we are listening to in the books we read and podcasts we listen to. Are we listening to people who twist the truths of Scripture for their own gain? Are we listening to motivational speakers such as Joel Osteen who preach a false humanistic Gospel? Are we only listening to things that make us feel good about ourselves? The Word of God is sharp and living and active. It stings as it convicts us and changes us.
Have I fully accepted the truth of Christ?
Are you truly saved? Have you remained faithful and do you see the Holy Spirit sanctifying you day by day and making you more and more like Christ? I pray that if you have not fully accepted the free gift of salvation that you do so today. Please feel free to talk with me or any other of our leaders here and we would be happy to discuss this further.
As we begin this time of prayer, feel free to come forward to pray with me or one of our other leaders about anything else that may be on your heart as well.
Prayer
Have a blessed week!