Part 6 of the sermon series on the Letters of John.
Not everyone who says they know God truly knows God. Those who truly know God do not practice sin habitually and intentionally, for that is living in darkness. Fellowship with the Father and Son means living in the light, not in darkness. Genuine believers fellowship with God and with one another, not in sin, but in obedience. But if they do sin, they can confess their sin, meaning to admit the guilt, and God is faithful and just to forgive them their sins. Why? Because of the blood of Jesus, which means because of His suffering and death.
John explained that there are false believers who say they know God, but they do not obey Him. These are liars. Genuine believers love and do not hate. Those who hate their brother are still in darkness. John was addressing bad behavior that resulted in false teaching. John would also encourage the community to remain faithful, even if some have left due to false teachings. He explained that they were never really one of us. Although John encouraged them to love one another, he made a clear separation from those who left.
Antichrists at the Last Hour
John warns that it is the last hour. The last hour does not necessarily mean that it is the last few moments. Similar to the concept of the last days, the last hour is the era where Jesus is proclaimed yet oppositions occur. One clear sign that it is the last hour is the presence of the antichrists who deny the fundamental truths about Christ. They distort the truth about Him.
1 John 2:18: 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.
The last hour is marked by intense doctrinal deception and sinful behavior. Thus, believers must exercise discernment by ensuring they know the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. The other apostles warned against false teachers in the last days (Mt 24:11 and 1 Tim 4:1-3). John’s call is a call to vigilance.
They Do Not Belong
John declared that those who went out did not truly belong. It may seem that they did, but since they did not continue in the apostle’s teachings, they did not belong. According to John, those who truly belong will continue in the teaching. There could be no unity with them since they were not one of us.
1 John 2:19: 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.
The author tried to help the readers to interpret what was happening. The community was losing members to false teaching. The community might have felt shocked and destabilized. However, John encourages them to abide in His word and to love one another.
Anointed with Understanding
After warning of the deception of the departed, John comforts the faithful. He stated that they were anointed with knowledge. It was God who anointed them so that they remained in the truth. The anointing gives understanding and discernment.
1 John 2:20: But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
What does it mean to be anointed? The context reveals that the anointed will remain in the doctrines that Christ and His apostles taught. They would not deviate, and they will continue to obey His will. The behavior must reflect love for the other disciples, not hate.
Application
1. Be on your guard because it is the last hour. These are the days of fulfilling the plan of God to gather people from every tongue, tribe, and nation. As we work on the mission, let us protect the flock.
2. Those who depart from the teachings of Christ and His apostles are considered not to be part of us. Aside from the doctrines, they would exhibit hatred and disobedience to God’s will. Let us remain in His word.
3. The Holy One gives us understanding; it is a gift, an anointing. Let us trust the work of the Holy Spirit through His word. Yet let us diligently study God’s word. Through His word, let us protect the people from antichrists.
Poem
The Last Hour
by Ed Pilapil Jr.
The last hour, amazing times
Deception is one of the signs
Beware, false teachings will abound
They’re persistent; always around
The last hour, amazing times
More disciples, one of the signs
The believers overcoming
Worldly desires will be fading
The last hour, amazing times
Antichrists, it’s one of the signs
False beliefs, evil behavior
Contrary to our dear Savior
The last hour, amazing times
Steadfastness is one of the signs
Remain in the truth of His Word
And never give in to the world
Study Guide
1. What does the last hour mean?
2. What was John’s explanation about those who left the community?
3. What comfort did John give those who remained?
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