Abiding in Truth: Discernment in the Last Hour
Summary
In my recent sermon, I focused on the importance of abiding in the truth of God's Word and the dangers of being led astray by false teachings and the spirit of antichrist. I emphasized that we are living in the last hour, a time when many antichrists, or usurpers of Christ's rightful position, have emerged. These individuals, who may have once been part of the Christian community, have departed to reveal that they were not truly of us. Their departure serves as a warning to us about the seductive power of false teachings that claim special knowledge or insight.
I reminded the congregation that as believers, we have been anointed by the Holy One and possess the knowledge of the truth through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This anointing teaches us about everything and is true, negating the need for human teachers who claim elite status or special revelation. Our focus should be on the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all truth and will never lead us astray.
The sermon also touched on the concept of eternal life, which is not merely about living forever but about knowing and experiencing God for eternity. This quality of life begins at salvation when we start to know the Lord, but it will be fully realized when Jesus returns. Eternal life is equated with knowing God intimately, a knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit and not from human teaching.
I encouraged the congregation to practice discernment and to test everything they hear against the Word of God. By doing so, we can avoid deception and remain steadfast in the truth. I also spoke about the importance of living a life that glorifies God, warning that at the return of Christ, our works will be tested by fire. Those who have lived for self rather than for God's glory may be saved, but they will suffer loss and possibly experience shame for the opportunities missed to build up the kingdom of God.
In conclusion, I urged everyone to abide in Christ, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame. Our righteousness and the practice of it are evidence of our new birth and our connection to Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- The anointing of the Holy Spirit in every believer equips us with the knowledge of truth, negating the need for human teachers who claim exclusive revelation. This anointing is a gift from God that teaches us about everything that is true and encourages us to abide in Christ. [43:36]
- Eternal life is not just about the duration of existence but about the quality of knowing and experiencing God. This profound relationship begins at salvation and will be fully realized in eternity, where we will continue to explore the infinite depths of God's nature. [37:01]
- The spirit of antichrist is already at work through individuals who usurp Christ's authority by offering alternative teachings. These false teachers often come from within the Christian community, making their deception particularly dangerous. We must remain vigilant and rooted in the true teachings of Scripture. [11:54]
- Our works as believers will be tested by the presence of God, which is likened to fire. Living a life that glorifies God in all aspects ensures that our works will withstand this test and bring us rewards, rather than shame and loss. [51:48]
- Practicing righteousness is a sign of being born of God. It is not about possessing special knowledge or insight but about emulating Jesus as evidence of our new birth. We must be wary of teachings that appeal to the flesh and pride rather than the spirit. [54:09]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 John 2:18-29 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:18, what evidence does John provide to show that it is the "last hour"? ([00:36])
2. What does John say about those who "went out from us" in 1 John 2:19? What does their departure signify? ([01:13])
3. How does John describe the anointing believers have received in 1 John 2:20 and 27? ([01:55])
4. What is the promise mentioned in 1 John 2:25, and how is it related to abiding in the truth? ([34:29])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. John warns about the spirit of antichrist and false teachers. How does he suggest believers can identify and protect themselves from these deceptions? ([04:27])
2. What does John mean when he says that believers have no need for anyone to teach them because of the anointing they have received? How does this relate to the role of human teachers in the church? ([23:31])
3. How does John define eternal life in 1 John 2:25 and how does this definition differ from a common understanding of eternal life as merely living forever? ([34:29])
4. What does John mean when he says that practicing righteousness is evidence of being born of God? How does this relate to the concept of abiding in Christ? ([54:09])
#### Application Questions
1. John emphasizes the importance of abiding in the truth to avoid deception. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are rooted in the true teachings of Scripture? ([04:27])
2. Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching that claimed special knowledge or insight. How did you discern whether it was true or false? What role did the Holy Spirit play in that process? ([15:07])
3. John speaks about the anointing of the Holy Spirit that teaches us all things. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to better understand and apply God's truth in your life? ([23:31])
4. Eternal life is described as knowing and experiencing God. How can you deepen your relationship with God in your daily life to experience this quality of eternal life more fully? ([34:29])
5. John warns that our works will be tested by fire and that living for self rather than for God's glory can result in shame. What areas of your life might need realignment to ensure you are living for God's glory? ([51:48])
6. Practicing righteousness is a sign of being born of God. Identify one specific way you can practice righteousness in your daily interactions this week. How can you ensure this practice is consistent and genuine? ([54:09])
7. John urges believers to abide in Christ so that they may have confidence and not shrink in shame at His coming. What does abiding in Christ look like for you personally, and how can you maintain this abiding relationship? ([49:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Anointing Teaches Truth
The Holy Spirit's anointing in every believer is a profound gift that transcends the need for human instruction claiming exclusive insight into divine matters. This anointing is not a mere touch but a comprehensive teaching that covers all aspects of truth. It is a divine tutor residing within, guiding into all truth, and empowering believers to discern and abide in Christ. This divine enablement ensures that one's spiritual education is not dependent on the fluctuating doctrines of human teachers but is anchored in the unchanging truth of God. The anointing is a seal of authenticity on one's faith, a constant reminder that the source of truth is not external but indwells within, illuminating the Scriptures and confirming the gospel in the believer's heart.
[43:36]
1 John 2:27 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: How does the anointing of the Holy Spirit guide your daily decisions and understanding of Scripture?
Day 2: Eternal Life Through Knowing God
Eternal life is often misconstrued as an unending timeline, yet its essence is found in the intimate knowledge of God. This life is not a future promise but a present reality that begins at the moment of salvation. It is an experiential knowledge that deepens over time, a relationship with the Creator that grows more profound with each passing day. The Holy Spirit is the conduit through which this knowledge flows, revealing the nature and character of God to the believer's heart. This relationship is not static; it is dynamic and ever-expanding, promising an eternity of discovery in the presence of God. The quality of this eternal life is measured not in years but in the depth of communion with the Divine.
[37:01]
John 17:3 (ESV)
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Reflection: In what ways are you actively seeking to deepen your knowledge of God on a daily basis?
Day 3: Vigilance Against the Spirit of Antichrist
The spirit of antichrist is a pervasive force that seeks to undermine the authority of Christ by propagating false doctrines. These teachings often originate from within the Christian community, making them particularly insidious. Believers are called to exercise discernment, to be vigilant against the allure of such teachings that may appear benign or even enlightened. The Scriptures serve as the benchmark against which all teachings must be measured. It is through a steadfast commitment to the Word of God that one can resist the seductive pull of the spirit of antichrist and remain anchored in the truth.
[11:54]
2 John 1:7 (ESV)
"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your beliefs and teachings align with Scripture rather than popular or persuasive ideologies?
Day 4: Works Tested by Fire
The life of a believer is marked by works that either glorify God or serve self. At the return of Christ, these works will be subjected to a divine test, likened to fire, revealing their true nature and worth. To live a life that glorifies God is to build with materials that will withstand this test—acts of love, obedience, and service that reflect the character of Christ. Such a life is not lived in pursuit of personal gain but in the earnest endeavor to contribute to the kingdom of God. The challenge is to live with eternity in mind, to invest in what is imperishable, and to seek the rewards that come from a life well-lived in the sight of God.
[51:48]
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (ESV)
"Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."
Reflection: How are you building your life in a way that reflects God's glory and will endure the test of His presence?
Day 5: Righteousness as Evidence of New Birth
Practicing righteousness is the tangible evidence of being born of God. It is not about possessing esoteric knowledge or adhering to a set of rules but about emulating the life of Jesus. This practice of righteousness is a daily commitment to living out the values and principles taught by Christ. It is a life that shuns the appeals of the flesh and pride, focusing instead on the spiritual transformation that comes from a genuine relationship with God. The call to righteousness is a call to authenticity, to live in a manner that is consistent with one's identity as a child of God.
[54:09]
1 John 3:7 (ESV)
"Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to practice righteousness and demonstrate the reality of your new birth in Christ?
Quotes
1) "What God wants you to know he has given you in the scriptures and as you open your heart to the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to do what he does best, he leads you into all truth and you don't have to go find some guy meditating on a mountaintop who knows who has the inside track that nobody else has." [22:55]
2) "We have been given a down payment of eternal life today; we've begun to know the Lord today. We will know him even more when he returns and that's when our eternal life will be fully realized. We talk about eternal life as if it's a done deal, but the Bible also talks about Jesus coming and bringing salvation for those who are waiting." [41:12]
3) "Deception is a powerful tool of the enemy and it is possible for a Christian, a born-again Christian, to be deceived. That's why there are so many warnings in the Bible. So abide in the truth, hang on, don't depart, hold fast to the truth that God has given." [42:24]
4) "The anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. As his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him." [43:36]
5) "The quality of eternal life is a difficult thing to define, but throughout the New Testament, eternal life is always equated with knowing God. Jesus defined the quality of eternal life as knowing and experiencing God for eternity." [36:20]
6) "The Holy Spirit has no limitation on what he can speak to you. I'm not talking about something he's going to reveal that's going to be contrary to the written word. I'm talking about some of the specifics that the Holy Spirit would speak to you about regarding marriage, a job, or so many other things." [47:32]
7) "Each one's work will become manifest, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward." [51:06]
8) "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." [15:07]
9) "To practice righteousness means to follow the example of Christ, and that means he emulates Jesus as evidence of his new birth. The idea of special knowledge and special insight are very seductive and appeal not to the spirit but to the flesh, the pride of life." [54:09]
10) "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. Do not depart, do not let go, do not stray from the teaching that you have received when you came to know Christ." [31:58]
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