June 14, 2009, 1 John 2:24-29

June 14 …“Protection from Deception” 1 John 2:24-29

ICEBREAKER: What is a “promise” that you have heard a manufacturer make about their product?

                People are deceived all the time, but spiritual deception is the most destructive of all because it has eternal consequences.  As John warns about deception he points to our protection.

1 John 2:24-29 

 ²⁴As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. ²⁶These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. ²⁷As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. ²⁸Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. ²⁹If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

There are various levels of maturity and the fact that no matter how mature or immature, each believer needs to be concerned about their spiritual life. This passage speaks of victory in a love for the word and the Father that confirms our spiritual destiny giving us a realistic eternal outlook.

V24 – What does Colossians 3:16 say about abiding in God? (Our response to God, to each other, our outlook)

V27 – How can we identify the Spirit teaching, helping us as we testify regarding Christ? (See John 14:26, 15:26, 16:12-15) Consider who is actually speaking, and the source. Consider the reliability of the subject, the promise from God and our recollection.

V28 - What effect does the hope of Christ’s return produce in a believer? (Regarding the future, God’s promise in His Word, our standing and this present world) Read 2 Peter 3:4-11 Together. Any further thoughts?

V29 – The word ‘know’ implies experimental knowledge. What experimental knowledge do you have in your standing in Christ? (Think about your old life, answered prayer, Lessons learned through difficulty that brought you closer to God,  God’s Word, worship, and Relationships.)