staying in the truth - I John 2:18-27

Recognizing the Antichrists... In today's passage the Apostle John continues to identify false Christians for us. He has already shown that those who live in disobedience and hatred are false, now he argues that those who deny that Jesus is the Christ are not only false but are antichrists- enemies of Jesus (vs's. 18-19 & 22-23).

Remembering the Truth... John provides two ways for true Christians to protect themselves from the deception of the antichrists. The first is that they allow the message of the apostles which they heard in the beginning to abide in them (vs's. 24-25). They must not look for a new and improved Jesus, but keep their trust in the unchanging message they have had from the beginning.

Realizing your Anointing... Secondly, John reminds the true Christians that they are anointed with the Holy Spirit who enables them to know and discern the truth. They do not need the antichrists to teach them anything.

*Questions for Discussion & Reflection:

1. What are some modern-day examples of antichrists?

2. How have you unintentionally drawn conclusions about God from sources other than Scripture?

3. In the passage, what is the Christian's relationship to the truth?

(Reading/Meditation Assignment: I John 2:28-3:10)