The First Epistle of John Beware of Antichrists! 1 John 2:18-27

Introduction The antichrist So many popular myths and misconceptions regarding John is the only writer who uses this term He only uses it 5 times 3 times in this passage Once in chapter 4 Once in 2 John

Identifying the “Antichrists” 1 Jn 2:18-19 Had once been associated with the apostles, but no longer Therefore, not approved by the apostles 1 Jn 4:3-6 The “spirit of the antichrist” is one that does not hear the apostles (i.e., respect apostolic authority)

Identifying the “Antichrists” Today Many “antichrists” behave the same way Start out associating with the apostles Acting like they respect the apostle’s authority Eventually leave the apostolic teachings and go out on their own Jn 13:20 To reject apostles is to reject Christ Hence the term “antichrist”

Identifying the “Antichrists” 1 Jn 2:22-23 Those who deny Jesus is the Christ Some gnostics taught Jesus and Christ were two separate persons Similarly, today some want to deny Christ’s divinity or humanity while on earth Those who deny the Father and the Son Some, like Unitarians today, deny there is a Father and a Son

Guarding against the “Antichrists” 1 Jn 2:20-21, 27 They were anointed from the Holy One A reference to spiritual gifts Gifts given to reveal and confirm the truth From what was revealed, they should have been able to figure out who the “antichrists” were 1 Jn 2:24-25 Still needed to be encouraged to abide in what they had learned

Guarding against the “Antichrists” Despite the spiritual gifts 1 Jn 2:24-25 Still needed to be encouraged to abide in what they had learned 1 Jn 2:26 Still could be deceived 1 Jn 2:27 Only by listening to and obeying what they had learned would they have the promise of eternal life

Guarding against the “Antichrists” Today We don’t have the spiritual anointing with spiritual gifts But we do have the product of such spiritual gifts – the Bible Jude 3 – the faith once delivered An objective standard by which we can know the truth (2 Tim 3:16-17)

Guarding against the “Antichrists” Today Despite having God’s revealed Word We need to be encouraged to continue in what we have learned We are still subject to being misled and deceived The Word does us no good if we do not study and apply it

Conclusion Antichrists are a common problem Those who deny Jesus as the Christ Those who deny Jesus as the Son of God Those who reject the authority of His apostles Those who disregard the revealed truths of God’s word By this we know it is “the last hour” Are you ready?