1. This lesson is a study of the information presented in 1 John 2:18-29. 2. In his letter John wrote at length about having fellowship with God. a. John began his letter (1:1-3) by showing that Jesus came in the flesh as the Son of God so we can have fellowship with Him and the Father. b. This is good news -- John wrote this message so our "joy may be full" (1:4). c. John continued by showing that having fellowship with God is conditional. 1) (1:5-7) We must walk in the light as God is in the light. 2) (1:8-10) We must confess our sins. 3) (2:1-2) Jesus makes it possible for us to remain in fellowship with God. 4) (2:3-6) We must keep the Lord's commandments and walk as Christ walked. 5) (2:7-11) We must love our brothers and sisters. 6) (2:12-17) We must not love the world. 3. The influence of false teachers made it necessary for John to deal with these issues.
Discussion:
I. JOHN GAVE 2 REASONS FOR WRITING THIS MESSAGE
A. Reason #1: (vs.21) John wrote this because his readers knew the truth. 1. He did not write to them because they did not know the truth -- they knew it. 2. They knew the truth because: a. they had heard it from the beginning (vs.24) -- they had been taught the truth b. they had "an unction from the Holy One" (vs.20). 1) (vs.27) This was an "anointing" that enabled them to know the truth. 2) Spiritual gifts existed in the early church (see 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). 3) Two of these gifts were "the word of knowledge" and "the discerning of spirits." 4) This "unction" or "anointing" enabled the early Christians to know the truth. B. Reason #2: (vs.26) John wrote because his fellow Christians were being "seduced."
II. EVEN THOUGH JOHN'S FELLOW CHRISTIANS KNEW THE TRUTH, ANTICHRISTS WERE SEDUCING THEM
A. (vs.18) John stated that antichrist [antichrists] had arrived. 1. Unfortunately, many people use this passage to teach that a great antichrist will rise to power just before the world ends. 2. John wrote at the end of the 1st century -- antichrist existed, and the last time had arrived. B. (vs.19) John mentioned the origin of the antichrists. 1. They had been part of the Christian fellowship, but they went out. 2. The fact that they went out showed that they did not embrace the truth. C. John revealed the doctrine of antichrist. 1. (vs.22a) Antichrist denied that Jesus is the Christ. 2. (4:3) Antichrist denied that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. D. John pointed out the consequences of antichrist doctrine. 1. (vs.22b) In addition to denying that Jesus is the Christ, antichrist denied the Father. 2. (vs.23a) Antichrist also did not have the Father. E. John wrote to Christians who knew the truth, but they were being seduced by antichrists.
III. JOHN EXHORTED HIS FELLOW CHRISTIANS TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO GOD BY:
A. abiding in the doctrine they had heard from the beginning (vs.24) B. remembering God's promise of "eternal life" (vs.25) C. relying upon the "anointing" they had received (vs.27) D. abiding in the Lord (vs.28) E. continuing to do righteousness (vs.29). 1. This shows that a Christian has been born of God. 2. Notice the contrast in 1 John 3:7, 10.