Reference

1 JOHN 2:18-29

Main Scripture: 1 John 2:18-27

18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 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. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 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. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us — eternal life. 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.

Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 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. - 1 John 2:18-19

1. Stay Alert.

  • The closer we get the return of Jesus the more alert we have to be.

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. - 1 John 2:20-21

2. Rely on the Holy Spirit.

  • The way to remain faithful in our fellowship with God and not cave to the opposition of be led astray by deception is by relying on the Holy Spirit.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. - John 16:13

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. - 1 Corinthians 2:12-14

 

Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 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. And this is the promise that he made to us — eternal life. - 1 John 2:22-25 ESV

3. Hold on to Truth.

'I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 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. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. - 1 John 2:26-29 ESV

4. Abide in Christ

Five-Day Reading Plan (Monday through Friday)

Monday: The Warning Against False Teachers

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Focus: Paul warns about difficult times in the last days, where people will be lovers of self and deceived by false teachings.

Reflection: How can we guard our hearts against deception and stay rooted in truth?

Tuesday: The Anointing of the Holy Spirit

Scripture: John 14:25-26

Focus: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as the Helper who teaches us all things and reminds us of His Word.

Reflection: How does the Holy Spirit guide you in understanding God’s truth?

Wednesday: The Importance of Confessing Christ

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-17

Focus: Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus affirms that this truth comes from the Father.

Reflection: Why is it crucial to recognize and confess Jesus as the Son of God?

Thursday: Abiding in Christ

Scripture: John 15:4-7

Focus: Jesus teaches about the necessity of abiding in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing.

Reflection: What does abiding in Christ look like in your daily life?

Friday: Confidence at Christ’s Coming

Scripture: Philippians 1:6 & 1 John 3:2-3

Focus: God completes the work He begins in us, and we look forward to Christ’s return in purity and righteousness.

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ’s return motivate you to live faithfully?