1 John 2:15-27
Q.1. How did John explain what he meant by the world? What should be our attitude to the world? What will happen to the world? – (1 Jn.2:15-17 c.f. Jms.4:4)
The world system is dominated by – all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life … (1 Jn.2:16). Pride is the cloak of the experts, the powerful, and the wealthy. The technology of the day feeds on lust. John said that we cannot love the world and the Father at the same time, because they are diametrically opposed to each other. We must decide which one we want to follow. We need to remember that – the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever (1 Jn.2:17). Jesus said – If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you (Jn.15:19).
Q.2. How could the spirit of Antichrist be present in the church? What does his growing activity tell us? What are the characteristics of Antichrist? – (1 Jn.2:18-23)
John was aware that the current age would end with the activity of the Antichrist. His spirit already was present and manifested itself in the church when – they went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us (1 Jn.2:19). Though none of us knows exactly how late it is, the growing activity of Antichrist indicates that we are nearing the last hour (1 Jn.2.18). The characteristic of Antichrist is denial that God the Father sent Jesus to be the Saviour (that religious performance makes us acceptable to God) – 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. John declared plainly – 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also (1 Jn.2:22-23).
Q.3. What protection has God given us to discern Antichrist? How does this He help us? Does this mean we don’t need to be taught? – (1 Jn.2:20-27 c.f. Heb.13:7 & 17)
John stated that the believer can have the true assurance that the spirit of Antichrist tries to undermine – This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life (1 Jn.2:25). However, he had confidence in his readers that – you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know (1 Jn.2:20). He explained further – As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him (1 Jn.2:27). The indwelling Holy Spirit in the youngest believer will warn him when something is not right and will lead him to a safe church family. However, since God gave gifts of preaching and teaching, and appointed leaders to build up the saints, we still need the church to establish us in the truth of the Gospel (c.f. Eph.4:11-13; Heb. 13:7 & 17).