1 John 2:26-27

1 John 2:26-27

I wrote these things to you all regarding the ones who cause you all to wander off of the path.  And you all have an anointing that you all received from Him, it remains in you all and you all do not have a need in order that anyone should teach you all.  Rather, as His anointing teaches you all regarding all things – and it is true and it is not a lie – just as it teaches you all, you all remain in Him.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

As we continue these verses in 1 John, let’s talk a bit about this word “anointing” that John continues to use.  In the Hebrew scriptures, three types of people were anointed.  Prophets – people like Elijah, Elisha, and Isaiah – were anointed by the Lord.  Kings – people like Saul, David, and Solomon – were anointed by the Lord.  Priests – people like Aaron and his sons – were anointed.  In the history of the Hebrew people, only a chosen few were anointed.  Being anointed was fairly rare.  But here John is implying that an anointing is a benefit that all Christians share.  This makes sense when you think about it.  In Christ, we all are priests.  In Christ we are all given truth to bring to the world.  In Christ, we are all capable of ruling.  We are all anointed: prophets, priests, and kings to serve our God.

What does it mean to you that you are anointed?  How does this help you understand that you have a purpose in the kingdom of God?

Second Thought:

As we talk about the anointing, it is only natural for us to consider the work of the Holy Spirit.  If we listen closely to John’s words here, he gives us the distinct impression that his audience does not need to be taught.  In truth, they don’t!  The Holy Spirit teaches them - as it should be with all of us.  Sure, there are people through whom the Holy Spirit teaches.  But it is the Holy Spirit that teaches us.  It is the Holy Spirit that warms our heart.  It is the Holy Spirit that opens the door for us to be interested.  It is the Holy Spirit that takes what we hear and plants it within our being.  Yes, there are human teachers and keepers of the faith.  But their work is not what is important.  What is important is how the Holy Spirit works in each of us to work God’s will through whatever we should hear from others and meditate in our own devotion.

Have you ever considered that the Holy Spirit is truly your teacher?  What does that really mean to you?  How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through the words of others?  How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through your own devotion?

Third Thought:

As we end this passage and prepare for tomorrow’s reading, let’s look at the concluding words here.  John tells us that as we are taught, we remain in Him.  The word “remain” in this passages and the surrounding verses is the Greek word “μένω,” (meno) which is often translated as “abide.”  John tells us a simple truth. Abiding in Christ is a significant concept.  When we are tempted, remaining in Christ is what keeps us true.  When we doubt, remaining in Christ is what keeps us true.  When false teachers come along beside us, remaining in Christ is what keeps us true.  Remain in Christ and His Spirit is one of our primary foci of the Christian walk.

How do you remain – or abide – in Christ?  Do you notice a correlation between the times when you are to remain faithful and the times when you remain in Christ?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 John 2:28-29