January 24, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:24-29
24As for you, 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—eternal life.
26I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27As 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.
28And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
29If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
Questions for Reflection:
The original readers were struggling with a division within the church created by false teachers. In this passage, John prescribes two ways in which they can find the truth. First, John instructs them to keep what they “heard from the beginning.” As we’ve already noted previously, this phrase “from the beginning” is central to John’s teaching. He has already used it four other times in the book and will use it nearly that many more times later. Do you remember what John was referring to?
The Bible is filled with themes that wrap themselves throughout the Scriptures. These themes and teachings provide a foundation on which we can build our lives. Gary Burge notes, “The earliest objective teachings, the things grounded in Jesus’ historical ministry, serve as anchors when theological storms sweep across the church’s deck.” It’s important to know and recognize these themes. One of the themes of Scripture is God’s provision of hope through the Messiah. Take a moment and watch the video below to see how this theme plays out in Scripture.
How would understanding core themes, like the promise and provision of the Messiah, help you distinguish between true and false teaching? How well do you think you understand the message of the Bible? What can you do to get a better grasp of its message?
The second way that John tells his church that they can find truth is by listening to the Spirit speak in their life. John’s opponents were claiming that they had special revelation. They claimed to know something that John’s followers did not know. John answers that claim by pointing to the anointing they had received. Reread the passage above. Note how many times John references “anointing.” Remember, repeated words often give insight into core messages that the authors are trying to communicate.
John is reminding his church that they have what they need to discern between truth and falsehood. They can listen to the Spirit speak into their life. They can compare the teaching against what they have heard from the beginning, God’s Word. How can you weigh teaching that you receive (whether its from these readings, a sermon you listen to or someone talking in your growth group)? If you felt that the teaching did not align with Scripture, how would you respond? End your reading today by spending time in prayer. Thank God for His Word and His Spirit. Ask Him to make you more open to both in your life. Ask Him to give you ears to hear them both as they speak into your life.