1 John Part 7

Religious people will try to lead you astray. 1 John 2:18-28

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 1 John 2:26

Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:22-23

I am encouraged when I read passages that emphasize doctrine. It is important what you believe. John would not repeat the warning to remain in Christ over and over if doctrine was not important. And if doctrine was not constantly being twisted by religious people trying to lead true Christians astray.


Don't fall into temptation to doubt; Trust God and your calling .

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. 1 John 2:27

John was concerned about doctrine, and he encouraged these believers to be confident in their faith and to trust God. Satan loves to sow seeds of doubt in our minds and hearts, and then attack with all that he has. If we remain confident in our faith, then the seeds of doubt will not grow and serve their evil purpose.


What's at stake?

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is what he promised us—even eternal life. 1 John 2:24-25

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

We have glorious promises to look forward to if we remain in him. Conversely we have much to lose if we allow ourselves to be led astray. You will remain in the Son and in the Father which is unfathomably great in itself. We will receive eternal life, and how can the importance of eternal life be diminished?

Do you ever wonder what it will be like when you see Jesus face to face for the first time? Do you think it is possible to be confident and unashamed when you see him? If we continue in him we can be confident and unashamed, while face to face with Jesus! Amazing.