Where we have been

  • John had a vision of heaven and now he has a message for us.
  • God is light and we can know Him
  • He does not hide himself
  • We can know him because he has forgiven our sins
  • When we do sin, we have an advocate that comes and stands near us
  • We can know if this is a reality in our lives by passing three tests.
  1. by our obedience to God
  2. By our love for each other and lack of division
  3. By our clear understanding of who Jesus really is.

1 John 2: 18, 19

This is the last hour which started with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2: 17

Many antichrists have already come

Anti = instead of rather than against.

2 Timothy 3: 1, 5 “In the last days there will be very difficult times for people will only love themselves and their money…They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that.”

Vs 20, 21 We, on the other hand, have the spirit (anointing inour lives that gives us the knowledge of Christ.

Anointing = chrisma = knowledge of Christ

Galatians 4: 19 I am in anguish, I am in travail over you my brethern your state of things puts me into a travail that you may come to a place where Christ is defined in your hearts.”

defined = complete harmony in mind and spirit.

If we are not pursuing this anointing we are just lying to ourselves about our relationship to Jesus

Vs 22, 23

Vs 23 implies that we are denying him in front of others.

Result: Anyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. but everyone who denies me here on earth I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10: 32, 33

Vs 24 Remain faithful to Christ and what you were taught

Vs 27 you don’t need someone to teach you.

This is not talking against pastors, but it is telling you you h ave an anointing to help you become who you were created to be.

IMPORTANT: Pursuit of knowledge of Christ is corporate not individualistic.

Ephesians 1: 23 :”and the church is his body it is made full and complete by Christ who fills all things everywhere with himself.”

We have Chrisma

Colossians 1: 28 So we tell others about Christ warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God perfect int heir relationship to Christ