I John 2:26

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I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

THE STUDY:

          What needs to be understood in this verse is that John is not just writing to the readers of his day. The statement, “those who are trying to deceive you” is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. There are deceivers in every age (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; II John 7). These deceivers are often sincere religious individuals with a messed up theology or doctrine.

          Many of us have used the phrase, “Wolf in sheep clothing.” John is referencing this phrase and warning those who know the truth to remain in the truth. This same truth will need to be used to detect those who are out to “deceive” us.

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We all know when we are doing something wrong. I believe it is in our DNA to detect, wrong intentions, wrong thoughts, wrong actions, and wrong motives within ourselves. What we try to do, to get around this, is make excuses for these actions and, over time, become numb to it.

• As believers we need to come ALIVE in Christ and allow the Spirit to be our barometer. John knew that the believers of his day were in the truth and the truth would protect them, We know the truth today as well. Let that truth be our protector against the wolves that are amongst us.

CONCLUSION:

           I love the comic strip “Peanuts” written by Charles Schulz. Every football season I think about Lucy encouraging Charlie Brown to kick a field goal. Charlie Brown would question her intentions and knew, deep down in his heart, he was going to be deceived. He would approach the ball and the battle would rage in his head, will she move the ball or not? He goes to kick the ball and right at the last minute Lucy moves the ball. Charlie Brown was deceived by Lucy time and time again. What if Charlie Brown would have had someone with him telling him he was going to be deceived by Lucy?

          Just as John was warning those who were being deceived, we have someone warning us about being deceived today! That person is the Holy Spirit. Let’s keep our eyes open today for the deception that awaits us. Don’t be a Charlie Brown or a Lucy! 

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod