There are starting to be divisions now in church history.
In John 18 Pilate asks "what is truth?" Many times we go to places on line or books to validate our own existing views of what is true or false - moral relativism.
John 2:18. Antichrists are many. "The last hour" - the time between the 1st and 2nd coming. Matthew 24:11 - Jesus' testimony. Christ means "the anointed one." Anti means against.
Verse 19. They went out. The broke fellowship and went on their own. Doctrine - perseverance of the saints. He's concerned with those who are teachers and active in the faith.
Verses 20-21. Now "you" not "they." Anointed. Holy Spirit in us.
Verses 22-24a. Remember the foundational truths.
Verses 24b-25. Abiding life.
The list of truth is that you have to arrim that Jesus is God - Father and Son. Fully God/fully man. To deny this is to take away the very foundation of the gospel.
Identities of false teaching. Any doctrine that elevates the role of man and diminishes the role of God. Not everything we hear and disagree with is going to be false teaching. What we are talking about is essential doctrines.
False teaching example. The word of faith to speak things into being and out of being. God only has that power. Another one: if I speak my fears aloud, the demons will know what my fears are and they can use it against me based on Job 3:25. The fear was the loss of his family and health. We fear God instead of "Pharoah."
Verses 26-27. "Need no teachers to teach you." What? He is arguing against special knowledge. The anointing abides in us - so we can know the truth of our belief. He's pressing against what these false teachers are saying. Matthew 13 - wheat and weeds. What fruit? Weeds no fruit. Wheat does. Believe the Bible. Good soil of the church can be drained of its nutrients if we are not careful about false teaching.
Verses 26-28. "Abides in you". "Abide in Him". When it says "we may have confidence", it's saying we may have assurance. See Romans 8:1. Why does John speak of abiding in Christ so much? Because Jesus did (John 15). What causes a lack of confidence? Not being prepared or equipped.
The confidence John is giving to the "little children" here is an act of rememberance: He abides in you and you abide in Him.
Core truths of Christian faith:
1. Bible-inspired word of God
2. Trinity
We are sealed in Him for eternity. No one can snatch us out of His hand.
We have no reason to shrink in shame at His coming because the penalty for sin is paid in full.
Next: Session 5: Practice righteousness, pursue love, possess assurance
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