Abiding in Christ: The Foundation of Our Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truths of our faith and the essence of our belief in Jesus Christ. We affirmed together that our faith is not a product of our own making but a gift from God. We cannot muster faith through sheer will; it is God who stirs our hearts and draws us near to Him. We acknowledged the difficulty in growing our faith, yet we recognized its immeasurable value. Our faith is not placed in the transient things of this world but solely in Christ, who sustains us.
We were reminded that the church is not confined to a building but is active and alive in our communities and across the globe. We must resist the lie that our faith is limited to a physical space or a set time. Our faith is lived out daily in our interactions, our work, and our relationships.
We explored the teachings of 1 John, focusing on the importance of abiding in Christ. We were cautioned against false teachings and the seductive allure of those who would lead us astray with a distorted view of Jesus. We learned that true followers of Jesus stay connected to the church, discern truth from lies through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and abide in Jesus, making their home with Him.
We were encouraged to be vigilant and to hold fast to the truth of who Jesus is: the Son of God, the Savior of the world, who lived, died, and rose again for our sins. We were called to live in the light of His return, preparing ourselves by abiding in Him and His word.
Key Takeaways:
- True followers of Jesus stay connected to the church, understanding that their faith is not a solitary journey but one that is enriched and authenticated within the community of believers. This connection is vital for spiritual growth and for standing against the deception of false teachings. [47:09]
- The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a gift to every believer, enabling us to discern truth from falsehood. This anointing is not reserved for a select few but is poured out upon all who follow Christ, equipping us with the knowledge necessary to navigate a world filled with competing voices and ideologies. [58:06]
- Abiding in Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. It is not a fleeting visitation but a permanent residence. As we make our home with Christ, we are transformed and empowered to live lives that reflect His love and truth. This abiding presence is our assurance and our strength. [01:03:12]
- The promise of eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present reality. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live abundantly now, embracing the fullness of life that Christ offers. This abundant life is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. [01:04:03]
- Knowing Jesus is the foundation upon which our faith is built. We must continually remind ourselves of who He is and what He has done for us. This knowledge is not just intellectual but deeply personal, shaping our identity and our purpose. [01:00:42]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 John 2:18-27 (ESV)
> 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. 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. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 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. 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. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 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. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 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.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John mean by "the last hour" in 1 John 2:18? How does this concept frame the urgency of his message?
2. According to 1 John 2:19, what is the significance of those who "went out from us"?
3. How does John describe the anointing believers have received in 1 John 2:20 and 27? What is its purpose?
4. What is the promise mentioned in 1 John 2:25, and how does it relate to abiding in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does John emphasize the importance of abiding in what believers have heard from the beginning (1 John 2:24)? How does this protect against deception? [43:38]
2. How does the concept of the "antichrist" in 1 John 2:22-23 help believers discern false teachings? What are some modern examples of teachings that might fit this description? [45:07]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers discern truth from falsehood according to 1 John 2:20 and 27? How can believers rely on this anointing in their daily lives? [57:01]
4. How does the promise of eternal life in 1 John 2:25 influence the way believers live now? What does it mean to live abundantly in the present? [01:04:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily interactions and relationships. How can you ensure that your faith is lived out daily and not confined to a physical space or set time? [26:05]
2. Have you ever encountered teachings or ideologies that seemed to distort the truth about Jesus? How did you respond, and what steps can you take to be more vigilant against such deceptions? [45:07]
3. In what ways can you stay connected to the church community to enrich and authenticate your faith journey? How can this connection help you stand against false teachings? [47:09]
4. Think about a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you in discerning truth from falsehood. How did this experience strengthen your faith, and how can you be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in the future? [58:06]
5. What does it mean for you personally to "abide in Jesus"? Identify specific practices or habits that can help you make your home with Christ and reflect His love and truth in your life. [01:03:12]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of knowing who Jesus is and what He has done for us. How can you continually remind yourself of these truths, and how can this knowledge shape your identity and purpose? [01:00:42]
7. How can you embrace the promise of eternal life as a present reality and live abundantly now? What specific actions can you take to reflect the transformative power of the gospel in your daily life? [01:04:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Community Strengthens Faith
Believers are not meant to walk their spiritual journey in isolation. The Christian faith flourishes within the context of community, where individuals can support, encourage, and hold each other accountable. This communal aspect of faith is essential for spiritual growth and for safeguarding against the deception of false teachings. Within the community of believers, one finds a place to question, learn, and mature in faith. It is in the gathering of the faithful that the body of Christ is most visible and active, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:23-25
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of someone in your faith community this week?
Day 2: Discernment Through the Spirit
The Holy Spirit's anointing is a profound gift that empowers believers to discern truth amidst a cacophony of falsehoods. This divine enablement is not exclusive but is generously given to all who follow Christ. It is through the Holy Spirit that believers can navigate the complexities of modern ideologies and recognize the voice of truth. The Spirit's guidance is crucial in a world where truth is often obscured or distorted. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can grow in wisdom and understanding, ensuring that their faith remains anchored in the truth of the gospel.
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." - John 14:26
Reflection: In what situation this week do you need to seek the Holy Spirit's discernment, and how will you make space to listen?
Day 3: Abiding in Christ's Presence
Abiding in Jesus is not a temporary state but a continuous, life-giving connection. It is in making a permanent residence with Christ that believers find their true identity and purpose. This abiding presence transforms lives, empowering individuals to reflect Christ's love and truth in every aspect of their existence. It is through this deep, intimate relationship with Jesus that believers gain strength and assurance, knowing that they are never alone. The call to abide in Christ is a call to a life of constant communion with the Savior, a life that bears fruit in accordance with His will.
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." - John 15:4
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to deepen your abiding relationship with Jesus?
Day 4: Embracing Abundant Life Now
The promise of eternal life begins not in the distant future but in the present moment. Believers are called to live life to the fullest, embracing the abundance that comes from a relationship with Christ. This abundant life is not defined by material wealth or worldly success but by the richness of a life lived in close fellowship with Jesus. It is a life marked by joy, peace, and purpose, regardless of external circumstances. The transformative power of the gospel is evident in the lives of those who grasp this present reality of eternal life, showcasing the depth and breadth of God's love.
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can start experiencing more of the abundant life Jesus offers?
Day 5: Knowing Jesus as the Foundation
The foundation of Christian faith is a personal and profound knowledge of Jesus Christ. This knowledge goes beyond intellectual assent to a deep relational understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done. It is this knowledge that shapes a believer's identity and directs their purpose. Knowing Jesus intimately affects every aspect of life, providing clarity and conviction in one's calling. It is through this relationship that believers are equipped to navigate life's challenges and triumphs, always anchored in the truth of Christ's love and sacrifice.
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper personal knowledge of Jesus in your daily routine?
Quotes
- "True followers of Jesus remain connected to the fellowship of other believers. That's the idea. Because if they are an anti-Christ, they're leaving actually divides people because there are people who are going to turn their back on the real Jesus to follow this false one." [47:09] (Download | )
- "The idea of abiding is really important. Because what it means, it literally means to make home. To end well. To remain. Like that's important. Because this isn't about visiting Jesus. It's about making our home with him." [01:01:44] (Download | )
- "We abide in his word. And Jesus abides in us. And that's this beautiful thing. Because all of this comes from this idea of preparing for Christ. Because that happens through abiding in him." [01:03:12] (Download | )
- "That eternal life, that abundant life starts now. He saved you for now. Not just for then, for now. You're saved not just to get out of hell. You're saved not just to have fire insurance. You're saved for now." [01:04:03] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "We don't need a secret knowledge because that was the big thing. In John's day was this idea of Gnosticism that said there was higher knowledge secret knowledge. There's these things you had to reach. We don't need that because we have him. We have Jesus." [58:55] (Download | )
- "Jesus calls himself I'm the bread of life and John six thirty five. He says I'm the light of the world and John eight twelve. He says I'm the door of the sheep and John ten seven. I'm the good shepherd and John ten eleven. I am the resurrection and the life and John eleven twenty five and John fourteen six. I am the way the truth and the life. And in John fifteen he says I am the true vine." [59:48] (Download | )
- "We're not on the planning committee of Jesus' return. We're on the welcoming committee. And that's a very different role. We don't need to know the time and date and details. Instead, what we need to know is that he's coming and we need to be prepared for when he comes." [44:44] (Download | )
- "Satan can't create something new, but he can twist it. He can mix it up. He can malign it. And that's something that he's been doing from the very beginning all the way back to the garden." [46:29] (Download | )
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