Day 13: 1 John 2:26-28
26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.27 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.
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
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We often look at the first century church and think that it was far better and purer than our modern church. But this passage suggests that the first century church had significant problems of its own.
In this section of John’s letter he addresses one such problem. Teachers often followed the apostles to try to persuade the new Christians to believe things that were contrary to the gospel. These teachers were crafty and shrewd. John, being separated from these new Christians, wanted to keep them from deception.
John appealed to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This anointing of the Holy Spirit reveals truth just as Jesus had promised.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. (John 16:13-15)
John is certain of the work of the Holy Spirit. He desperately wants these early believers to believe this, too.
This is true as much for us as it was in the first century. Jesus has given the Holy Spirit to live in us and teach us.
Embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in your life today.
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Doug Boquist | Lead Pastor, Lima Community Church