HIGHLIGHT
1 John 2:26–27 (ESV): 26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 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.
EXPLAIN
John wrote this letter to assure a church that was experiencing the aftermath of conflict with false teachers. Various ones had come in the church teaching false doctrine. The church leaders had combatted the heresy. The conflict was ugly. Love seemed to be forgotten. The false teachers and those who accepted their deception left the church.
Now, John wrote to assure the believers that their hope in Jesus was true and to assure them that the love of Christ is demonstrated in how we treat one another.
Sincere followers of Jesus Christ desire to be always growing deeper in their knowledge about and of Christ. John was not saying that these believers had no more need to be taught spiritually (or else why did he write this letter?) or to grow spiritually.
Rather, John was assuring them that these false teachers who had come suggesting they had a secret knowledge were truly hucksters. Why? The Holy Spirit within us teaches all that we need to live in the light.
APPLY
If we listen closely to the Spirit’s voice and obey His command, we can be assured that we are where we need to be spiritually. We don’t need to worry about some special knowledge or insight others profess to have. Walking in step with the Spirit, we have full assurance of our salvation.
I love to learn more about God and His Word. I love, most of all, to learn Christ more deeply. But I need not feel unsure of my spirituality. If I abide with the Spirit, He will teach me all I need to know.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for Holy Spirit who lives with me and in me. May I develop an increasing sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit and be quick to follow His lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.