Be Alert!

1 John 2:11-27

We live in a day when there are many false teachers of religion. As Christians, we need to be discerning as to who's teachings we follow. John is calling us to be alert as to who is teaching the truth and who is not.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - Vs. 18

a.. John acknowledges that we are living in the "last time". 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Peter 3:8-9
b.. John acknowledges that there are many antichrists around. We have heard that the Antichrist is coming. His activity is described in the Book of Revelation. However there are many antichrists already present. The word "anti" has two meanings, therefore the word antichrist has two meanings. "Anti" can mean "against". There are many that teach against Christ with false doctrine. These are cults or false religions. The word "anti" can also mean "instead of". So, the antichrist is an imitation of Christ. Today many false religions do not offer the true Christ, but an imitation.
ABSENCE - Vs. 19

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us…

Many false teachers grow up in legitimate churches, but because they are not truly Christian, they often leave, showing that their teaching is false. Many cult founders and members begin in good churches, but then forsake the truth.

ASSESSMENT - Vss. 20-23

Vs. 20 - We have an unction, which is an anointing. False teachers in the days of John had a couple of words that they used to describe their experience. The words were "unction" and knowledge. As Christians we have a better anointing and knowledge than any false teacher. Our anointing is by the Holy Spirit of God (Romans 8:1-9). Our knowledge is by the Spirit of God (John 16:13).

Vs. 21 - Christians are expected to discern or assess false teaching because they know the truth.

Vs. 22 - John reminds his readers how to spot a liar. A false teacher will deny that Jesus in the Messiah, the Son of God. He will deny the deity of Christ.

Vs. 23 - People often say, "We worship the same God". If a person does not acknowledge the deity of the Son, we do not worship the same God. We worship a triune God.

If a person denies the deity of Christ, he has also denied the Father.

ABIDING - Vs. 24

If a person is truly born again, he or she will abide in the truth.

ASSURANCE - Vss. 25-26

a.. Of eternal life - Vs. 25
b.. Of Discernment - Vss. 26-27