1 John 2v26-29

26 These things I Awrite-a to yous concerning the ones Aleading yous astray.

  • This is another reason John is writing the letter;
  • There were people trying to lead those he was writing to astray;
  • They were denying that Jesus is the Christ (v22) and that Jesus Christ had come in flesh (Ch4v2).

27 And the anointing which yous Areceive-2a from him, Aabides in yous, and yous have no need that anyone might Ateach yous, but as the same anointing Ateaches yous concerning all and is true and is no lie and according as it Ateach-a yous, yous will Aabide in him.

The anointing:

  • This word anointing only appears 3 times in the NT;
  • Once in Ch2v20 and twice in this verse;
  • ‘him’ most likely Jesus – same as holy one in v20;
  • What can you be anointed with, which abides in you?
  • The person of the Holy Spirit can come upon believers but it is ‘holy spirit’ that abides within.

Background:

  • Old Testament background to anointing:
  • Only specific people at specific times received an anointing;
  • The anointing was without not within;
  • The majority of the Israelites were taught by anointed leaders, not directly from God;
  • This changes when we come to the NT.

What is the work of (the) holy spirit?

  1. Conviction (John 16v8);
  2. Prayer (Rom 8v26);
  3. Advocate/helper/comforter (John 14v26);
  4. Teaching/knowing truth (1 John 2v20);
  5. Fruit (Gal 5v22);
  6. Gifts (1 Cor 12).
  • The anointing (noun) is only used in the NT with respect to knowing truth;
  • When gifts, fruit etc are spoken of it is ‘filled’ or ‘baptised’;
  • Easy to think of gifts and fruit and not teaching/knowing truth;
  • The anointing teaches concerning ‘all,’ not just that Jesus is the Christ or that Jesus had come in flesh.

This was first taught by Jesus in John 14v26:

Moreover, the advocate/comforter/helper, the spirit, the holy one, whom the father will Asend in the name of me, he will Ateach yous all and will Aremind yous all that I Asay-2a to yous.

Division:

  • Why is there so much division in Christendom – Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant?
  • In addition, why so many different denominations within Protestantism?
  • If 2 Christians do not agree what does this mean?
  • Either 1 is right and 1 is wrong or they are both wrong?
  • Does this mean that 1 or both lack the anointing of holy spirit?
  • Has accuracy of translation and theological traditions played a role in all of the division?

Does this verse mean Christians don’t need to be taught?

  • Great benefit from Christian teachers if what they are teaching is correct;
  • Teaching is a gift from the Holy Spirit;
  • However, we need to search the scriptures to see if what they are saying is correct;
  • This takes time and we need the help/power of holy spirit;

Outcome of letting the anointing teach you is abiding in Jesus:

  • Abiding in Jesus allows us to produce fruit (John 15 Vine and the branches);
  • Sadly many false teachings/doctrines i.e. leaven will produce apathy not fruit.

28 And now, little children, Aabide in him,

  • The instruction from John is ‘abide in Jesus.’

that when he might Pmanifest-a we might Ahave boldness and we might not Pfeel shame-a from him in the presence of him.

  • Why does he say ‘might’ be manifest-a?  Will Jesus not return?
  • Is this because some might not be alive and might not be resurrected in the 1st resurrection?
  • If we keep abiding in Him, then we will have boldness and will not feel shame in His presence; 
  • We will feel shame if we have not been abiding in Him, not been faithful, not been obedient etc.

29 If yous (might) have Aknown3 that he is righteous, yous Aknow1 that every(the)one Adoing the righteousness has been MorPborn out of him.

  • The gospels show that Jesus lived a righteous life;
  • Therefore, if we have been born out of Him, we will be doing the righteousness i.e. living righteous lives just like Jesus;
  • If someone is not doing the righteousness does this mean they are not a Christian?
  • Not necessarily – being born out of him or God is a continual repeating occurrence (more to come on this subject in Ch3).