• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

BATTLING DECEPTION

Text: 1 John 2:26

BATTLING DECEPTION

The Apostle John battled strongly against false teachers. He called them “antichrists.” He knew what they were trying to do. These false teachers were seeking to deceive people.

“These things I have written to you
concerning those who try to deceive you.”
1 John 2:26

1. “These things”

a) This would be a reference to all that John had written thus far.

b) John wrote consciously to warn his readers not to be taken in by the deceiving false teachers.

2. “I have written”

a) John was deeply committed to his writing ministry.

b) God’s Spirit was involved in the writing of these apostolic letters.

c) They would in time form a body of authoritative Scriptures.

3. “Concerning those who try to deceive you”

a) The false teachers would exercise every means known to them to deceive People.

b) Even believers would not be spared.

c) John urged his readers to be on full alert against deceiving false teachers.

4. Deceptive teachings

a) There is no need to confess sin (1 John 1:8-9).

b) There is no sin (1 John 1:8-9).

c) Teaching people to compromise with the world (1 John 2:15-17).

d) Departing from Apostolic teachings (1 John 2:19).

e) Denying the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 2:22-23).

f) Denying the Father (1 John 2:22-23).

THE INTENDED GOALS

How should we respond to the threat of false teachings and false teachers?

1. We must know our faith very well.

2. We must be able to recognise false teachings and false teachers (no matter how they try and disguise themselves).

3. We must abide in the Word of God and determine to contend effectively for our faith against all who are antichrists.