1 John 2

Bible Passage:  1 John 2

Today’s reading brims with so many precious gems that I run the risk of understating all the good teachings with just a few words. Nevertheless, as we have read from elder John’s message to the brethren, every verse can apply to us in some way or the other. What makes this epistle even more important is the universal application of the teachings on pure Christian living and the pure truth of the Lord.

Really Knowing God (?)

The test of knowing God is laid bare and it is really a simple but challenging one. “We know that we love Him if we keep His commandments” (v3). All at once, how many of us dare say we pass the test? I would probably keep my hand down. It’s embarrassing and disheartening to know that I can’t even say for certain that I know God.

Is it that harsh? In some ways, yes. This IS the standard that God desires, and surely, John the apostle would know the expectations of Jesus. While we might try to comfort ourselves and think that this might possibly be just the perfect standard to attain, it is still the requirement of God. He wants us to be perfect just as He is perfect (Matt 5:48). John was only making it clearer for us, in practical ways and realistic means.

We still have the opportunity as long as we’re breathing. So for every day that we have, let us try our very best to be that good Christian that Christ desires us to be. Whether it be keeping the word (v5), being in the light (v 10), loving our fellow brothers and sisters (v10). In a recent sermon, a preacher also exhorted us to really be the new creation in Christ, to actually do the above things to show that we are really made new in Him.

Be On Guard

John was especially careful to note down some warnings of the antichrists of the last day. Naturally, he ought to know clearly because he was present when Jesus mentioned of them in Matt 24:5. Up till this point, John was faithful to Jesus’ warnings and teachings and he repeats it to the believers (and us).

It is a common belief that the antichrist will be one that is ENTIRE reverse of what Christ is like. But this is not necessarily so. They can come in the form of false believers who were never sincere in the first place, having come into the church to wreak havoc (v19). Also, they might be liars who deny Jesus. Of course, in today’s context, lies have become more and more and more complex, deceptive and sly. We ought to therefore be on our guard, and defend the church from Satan’s stealthy attacks.

This chapter is all the more sobering because John is frank and explicit about his target audience: Us, the mature believers (v21). We therefore need to be careful about such deceptions in these last days as they will surely increase.

Cherish the Anointing

While this chapter is heavy on theology and practical, sensible Christian application, it is heartening and sincere as well because we are given comfort in the reminder that we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit (v27).

Beyond all things, this is the really, really precious. And I believe it really cannot be stressed enough. In the True Jesus Church, we are definitely blessed to have the abidance of the true Holy Spirit. We often neglect this as we go about our daily, stressful living. But this timeless truth reminds us that we are a special people, chosen out of the rest of the world to be God’s special elect (1 Pet 2:9). Each time we kneel down to pray and commune with God, this special anointing manifests, and we are reminded of our precious status. Let the Spirit therefore teach us things that are of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:11-12)!

This anointing is important because it is only with the Spirit that the truth can be revealed (John 16:13). And only when the truth is set in us can we really abide in Him. This truth is what the true church has, and is what sets us apart as the church of God. I feel really strongly for this each time I hear of an elderly member professing that he or she cannot wait to go home and be with the Lord. In my mind, I believe that this can only be attributed to the confidence in the Holy Spirit, testifying that they are the children of God, that they abide in Him without fear or shame (v27-28), and that they are in the right church that will save them to home above.

May we all learn from the eternal word of God!