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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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”

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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?