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1
JOHN CHAPTER TWO
THE CHALLENGE OF SINLESS CONSISTENCY
Verse 1
1. My little children: The word is teknion. At this point this is a term of affection and concern, but it also
establishes the recipients as believers. However, later at verses 12-14,
John uses the word to refer to the baby level of growth in connection with
"fathers" and "young men."
2. I am writing thee
things to you: the basic issues of salvation and fellowship; relationship
and walk.
Proper understanding of both is the key to sinless consistency; habitual
fellowship with the Godhead.
These are issues pertinent to all three levels of spiritual growth as all
believers will be challenged by the world, the flesh and the devil. 1 Peter
5:8; Gal. 5:17; Titus 2:12.
3. so that: hina +
the subjunctive mood of the verb indicates purpose which here, is to elicit
a consistent application of truth in their lives.
4. you might not sin:
aorist active subjunctive of the verb, hamartanō
and refers to any personal sin committed at any specific point of time in
their live. The subjunctive mood not only shows the purpose of John's words,
but also the very real potential of the believer committing personal sin.
A. sin is anything that violates the standards of light as
found in the bible. It includes thought, speech and
action.
B. the potential is there because of the existence and
ever present influence of the sin nature.
5. and if: 3rd class
condition "if" clause to indicate the very real potential for the believer
to commit personal sin.
6. anyone does sin:
aorist active subjunctive of hamartanō.
"anyone" refers to the believer and not the unbeliever. Personal sin is only
an issue for the believer. The only issue for the unbeliever is the one sin
of rejecting Christ as savior; the sin of unbelief.
See topic: unpardonable sin
The issue here is the
very real possibility for the believer to commit personal sin; any violation
of God's standards. Such sin will not affect the believer's relationship
with God (salvation), but it will produce a misalignment with God and
remove rapport and fellowship with the Godhead.
7. we: believers are
the only ones in view here and should be seen as distinct from the other
group of people mentioned; "the whole world" at verse 2.
8. have: present active indicative of echō.
Continuous action. As members of the family of God we constantly and always
have someone we can appeal to after we have committed sin and broken
fellowship with God. This is the basis for confession of sin as discussed at
1 John 1:9.
9. an advocate: the
noun is paraklātos.
It means a helper, encourager, defense attorney. Our advocate is Jesus.
10. with the Father: the location of our advocate is the right hand of God
the Father where He sits in victory over sin and death through the cross and
resurrection.
A. Jesus is our high priest: Heb. 4:14-16; 8:1ff
B. Jesus is our intercessor: Heb. 7:25-27; 9:24, which is
based on His 1 time sacrifice on the cross. Rom. 8:34.
C. Jesus is a true spiritual servant on our behalf.
Hebrews 8:1-2
D. Jesus is a mediator between God and man. Heb. 8:6.
E. The devil appears daily before the Godhead and accuses
various believers of their many and often repeated
offenses. Revelation 12:10.
F. And Jesus is there to constantly "defend" each and
every erring believer who uses the provision of 1John
1:9. Not to excuse or defend the sin, but to simply
claim that the personal sin has already been paid for
and is no longer an issue. As earlier pointed out, this
is the significance of "the blood of Jesus keeps on
cleansing us from sin" as seen at verse 1:7.
11. Jesus Christ the
righteous: adjective is dikaios, and
in this context indicates sinless and perfectly conformed
to the character and viewpoint of God in His humanity.
Jn 8:29; 8:46; 9:30-33; Acts 3:2-5; 7:52; 22:4; Heb.4:15;
7:26; 1Pet 2:22; 2Cor. 5:21; 1Jn 3:5; Is. 53:11.
Verse 2
1. and He is the propitiation: hilasmos means satisfaction.
It is used for the mercy seat of Israel's temple. It is
the place where divine satisfaction was symbolized
through an animal sacrifice.
SEE TOPIC: Propitiation
2. for our sins:
A. His work on the cross provided initial forgiveness
for all sins. Eph. 1:7.
B. Thus, our eternal positional relationship with God
(salvation) is established. 2 Cor. 5:4-7. This is our
permanent status in heaven.
C. But experiential fellowship with God during our life on
earth is lost when we commit personal sin.
D. However, because of Christ's initial one-time sacrifice
for sin, fellowship is restored by appealing to that
sacrifice by confession of sin to the Father. 1Jn. 1:7.
3. and not only ours:
the primary issue in propitiation
(satisfaction of the Godhead's character of righteousness)
is salvation forgiveness.
A. Without initial salvation forgiveness of sins for the
one who trusts in Christ as savior, there can be no
fellowship experience with the Godhead.
B. The sins of the whole world: topic: unlimited
atonement
Jesus died for ALL and everyone's sins.
Verses 3-11
John returns to the issue of the believer's fellowship.
Verse 3
1. And by this: identified later as keeping His commandments
2. we know: verb ginōskō
as a present active indicative.
This is used to indicate an experiential knowledge and
awareness of success in the growth process and
consistency of fellowship with Jesus.
3. that we have come
to know Him: The same verb but now as a
perfect active indicative. The perfect tense views an
action as something that has been completed in the past
and the results continue into the present. It indicates
arrival at a goal based on past activity.
A. Him - refers to the Son as indicated by verses 1-6.
B. know Him: experiential knowledge and rapport with Him
through adherence to truth and character expression.
C. The issue is the expression of genuine "divine" love
as it is described in the bible.
1. love of God is perfected in us: 1John 2:5
2. to know the love of Christ: Eph. 3:19.
3. His love is perfected in us: 1 John 4:12.
D. love is directed toward Christ and reflected to others.
1 John 4:21
E. if you keep my commandments you will abide in my love.
John 15:10.
4. if: another 3rd
class condition "if" clause. This indicates the potential for both learning
and application.
5. we keep: the verb
is tāreō
as a present active subjunctive to indicate CONSISTENT and diligent
observance of the righteous standards of God's character and viewpoint.
6. his commandments: divine truth as communicated by Jesus
and of course, as amplified throughout the new testament.
A. His word: 1 John 2:5
B. John 14:21-24, ultimately the Father's word.
c. but centered around the character and application of
LOVE. 2 John 5-6; 1 John 5:3.
D. It is what I call, beneficent love. The quality of love
that seeks the divine viewpoint benefit of the object.
E. The various character expressions of love are detailed
at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
SEE TOPIC: beneficent love
7. The building up of God's standards of truth in the soul
cultivates the capacity to express beneficent love. Eph.
4:11-16.
8. It is then the consistent expression of love which is the
indication that we are partaking of the quality of life
which reflects Christ's life and righteousness.
Verse 4 False fellowship
1. The one who says: the verb is legō
as a present act. participle, and means to say or state. Here the force is
greater than just a simple statement. It rather carries the force of
contend, assert or make an authoritative claim.
The present tense sees this assertion as a constant or static viewpoint in
the person's life. John is writing to believers about believers, but the
principle can be applied to the unbeliever as well.
2. I have come to
know Him: ginōskō
as a perfect act. indicative. The perfect tense views this action as having
occurred in the past with results continuing into the present. The claim is
that the person has knowledge content and viewpoint that equals being
likeminded as expressed by beneficent love. When related to verse 1:6, it is
seen as having fellowship with Him and walking in the light.
3. and does not keep
His commandments: The verb is tāreō
as a present active indicative for the idea of "is not keeping." This refers
to failure in the specific application of beneficent love in every area of
life as illustrated at verses 3:7-18.
His commandments refers to the words of Jesus as taught by Him to His
disciples and reflected in the apostolic letters.
4. is a liar: present
indicative of eimi + pseustās.
This is a very stern indictment because they do not even come close to
having a genuine love for God. Thus, instead of making the issue "being
deceived" as at verse 26 (planā),
the stronger issue of intentional deception (liar) is established.
5. and the truth is
not in him: there is no conformity to divine standards and viewpoint, which
is the only basis for having positive spiritual reality. The evidence of
positive spiritual reality is consistent expression of beneficent love as
taught throughout the bible. At any given point or period of time when the
believer is out of fellowship with God, that believer is experiencing
negative spiritual reality which is walking in darkness.
Verse 5a True
fellowship with God
1. But whoever shall keep: tāreō
again as a present active subjunctive which indicates the potential for
obedience as well as the potential for disobedience.
2. His word: standards for everyday living which are opposite to the
viewpoint and influence of the sin nature and the world as per verses 15-16.
3. in him: both within the soul and as expressed overtly; speech, thoughts and
action.
4. the love of God: character standards of beneficent love as outlined at
1Cor. 13:4-7.
5. has truly been perfected:
A. perfected: perfect passive indicative of teleioō.
This refers to character consistency as taught at
Eph. 3:16-19; 4:15-16; Philip 1:9-11; 2Peter 1:5-8;
John 17:26 and 14:23.
B. truly: the adverb alāthōs
refers to genuine character
expression of love as at Eph. 5:1-2. The imitation of
Christ. It is not acted or hypocritical.
C. The divine standards for moral and spiritual living are
the only values that truly reflect the character of love.
Verse 5b, the
evidence of salvation
1. By this: consistency of expressing beneficent love.
2. we know: present active indicative of ginōskō.
We have
experiential knowledge, awareness and even assurance
based on the character expression of love.
3. that we are in Him: This is probably a reference to our
positional status in union with Christ although it could
refer to evidence of fellowship or perhaps even both.
A. Christ's vocabulary as recorded by John at Jn.
15:1-8.
"in Him" refers to our position of relationship with God
the Father as also seen at 1 John 5:20, "we are
IN Him who is true."
B. But upon the glorification of Christ through His
resurrection and session to the right hand of the
Father, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
relationship now involves an actual spiritual union
with the Son with benefits that extend beyond our
relationship.
C. 2 Cor. 5:17, we are a NEW CREATION in
Christ.
D. summary
1. All believers are in union with Christ. 1 Cor. 12:13.
2. This union confers upon the believer the positional
status of being one and partner with the
glorified"
humanity of Christ. Gal. 3:27-28.
3. This union is described as a new creation that did not
exist before. 2 Cor. 5:17.
4. This union is permanent and unable to be disbanded by
God or man. Rom. 8:38-39; Eph. 1:13; 2 Tim.
2:11-13.
5. This union confers upon the believer the positional
character of perfect righteousness and
sinlessness.
2 Cor. 5:21; Col. 2:10
6. But in actual experience during life on earth, the
believer must still contend with the world, the
sin
nature and the devil. Eph. 6:12; Gal. 5:17; Col.
2:8;
1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:15-16.
7. So the issue throughout the Christian way of life, is
to use the word of God (standards, viewpoint and
principles) and the filling ministry of the
indwelling
Spirit (1 Tim. 1:5; Gal. 5:16) to live a life
that
reflects our position of righteousness. Eph. 5:8;
Col. 3:1, 9-10.
8. There are actually 3 stages to our union with Christ.
a. Stage 1 is placement into union with Christ at the
moment of time that a person trusts in Him
as Savior.
b. Stage 2 will be accomplished at the rapture when
every believer will receive a resurrection body
exactly like
Christ's. Phil. 3:20-21;
1 Cor. 15:21-22, 42-53; 1 Jn.
3:1-2.
c. Stage 3 is when the believer's works are evaluated
at the reward seat of Christ and
every expression of
unrighteousness will be rejected by
God.
1 Cor. 3:10-15; Rev. 19:5-8
4. Character
consistency is an indication of the believer's
salvation status. Rom. 8:12-16
5. Abiding in Him is a perpetuation of salvation status
into experience by walking in the light. Eph. 5:8
Fellowship and character consistency via truth.
Jn. 15:1-7.
Verse 6, the
obligation and evidence of fellowship with God.
1. The one who says: the believer who makes a claim or
assertion. The verb is legō
again as a present act. part.
2. He abides in him: lit: to be abiding in Him. Menō
as a
present active infinitive. This is a claim to fellowship
and/or relationship.
3. ought himself: the verb is opheilō
as a pres. act. indic.
It speaks of an obligation imposed by the very nature of
the case; fellowship by its very nature, demands it.
4. to walk: the verb is peripateō
as a pres. act.
infinitive. It means to maintain a way of life.
5. just as He walked: Same verb but as an aorist act.
indicative that refers to the period of time of His
earthly life. Character of love in every area of life.
A. Eph. 5:1-2, imitators of God/walk in love.
B. To love as He loved. 1 John 2:7-11
D. Explained by what He taught.
D. Illustrated by how
He lived.
NEED TO STUDY HERE:
THE DOCTRINE OF BENEFICENT LOVE
Verses 7-11, The commandment of love
verse 7
1. Beloved:
agapātos - indicates John's total dedication to providing them with
spiritual benefit. They are
the object of his beneficent love.
2. I
am writing:
graphō as a present active indicative.
3. not
a new commandment: kainos - in contrast with palaios - not new in time.
4. But
an old commandment: palaios - defined by the next line.
5. Which
you were having: echo as an imperfect active indicative - continually from
the past and NOW still having (now is implied).
The principle that it has always been with the
church and all of God's people, and is available to you.
6. From
the beginning:
A. From
the time of Christ's ministry as He is the one who taught it in detail for
His people. John 13.34; 15.12, 17
B. Also
extends back to the command at Leviticus 19.18, "You shall love your
neighbor as yourself."
7. But
also from the beginning of their Christian lives through the apostolic
teachings. Example: Paul - Rom. 13.8-14; Gal. 5.13; Eph. 5.1-2
Verse 8, on the other hand, (palin) - again,
or furthermore. Used to provide amplification.
1. I am writing
a
new
commandment: kainos - New because there is a new focus in time.
A. It is
always fresh, powerful and vital for living the Christian life.
B. Love is absolute and reflects the
very
structure of God's essence. V.4.8, 16 - God is love; 4.7, love is from God.
Verse 4.10, This is love, the fact that He loved us.
C. As such it can never be a palaios commandment
but is FRESH &
LIVING
&
POWERFUL.
D. But now because of the
intensification of the angelic conflict, LOVE has an even more vital role
and impact in the life of the believer.
2. Which
is true: alāthās - the absolute nature and truth of love
A. In Him: in God for - God is love. Love is the
absolute standard by which God deals with his entire creation.
B. And in you: the believer. The commandment,
that is LOVE, is the absolute standard
for the believer's life.
3. Because:
hoti answers
the question WHY? Thus, why NOW, is the
commandment/standard of LOVE FRESH
&
LIVING &
POWERFUL and why is it the governing factor for the
believer's life and character?
4. The darkness: skotia - As controlled by Satan,
it is the system of standards
and values which operates independent from
God and in rebellion against Him. (self centered, arrogant, creature
viewpoint.
At verse. 17, it is the world (kosmos).
5. is passing away: paraqō as a present passive
indicative. It is being led off the scene.
Para = away from; agō
= to lead. The passive
voice has the subject (darkness) receiving the
action of the verb. The darkness is being led
off the scene of the universe.
The viewpoint
and influence of darkness is slowly being
dispelled by a greater and more powerful agent
- the standards of the true light.
6. and the true light: alāthinos;
the genuine and absolute standard of truth. The reality of the Divine
character and plan revealed in the world from the perspective of Christ's
ministry, death and
resurrection.
7. is already shining: phainō
as a present active indicative. The progress of light in the world by the
Holy spirit and bible truth working through believers dispels the influence
of darkness in the world. And it portends the ultimate defeat of Satan and
darkness.
8.
SEE TOPIC:
Judgment on darkness
Verses 9-11, The
sphere of life for both systems (light and darkness) centers
around the issue of LOVE.
Verse 9
1. the one who says: legō
again to refer to making a claim,
affirmation or contention. present act. participle.
"The one who asserts to be in the light."
2. that he is in the light: present infinitive of eimi
(to be) + preposition "en" and phōs.
This is a claim to both relationship and fellowship with
focus on the issue of fellowship; walking in the light.
3. and is hating his brother: the verb is miseō as a present
active participle. While making this claim, he is
expressing negative attitudes, speech or acts to another.
A. Attitude opposite to the standards of LOVE. That is,
thoughts that do not promote the benefit of someone else,
but instead seeks the promotion of self in spite of
and/or at the expense of someone else.
B. He is operating under the self-centeredness and
arrogance of the sin nature.
C. And of course, more obvious are the deeds of speech or
action that likewise contradict the standards of love.
4. is in the darkness: present indicative of eimi. He is
living under the viewpoint and value structure of the
darkness system; "the lust of the flesh (body), the lust
of the eyes and the arrogance of life" Verse 16.
This is amplified at verse 11.
5. Such a one has not lost his salvation, but has returned
to a way of life that imitates the unbeliever.
1 Cor. 3:1-3, "walking as men."
Verse 10
1. the one who loves his brother: present act. participle of
agapaō.
sinless consistency through expression of
beneficent love. Basically, love as Christ loved.
A. verse 5:3, This is the love of God, that we keep His
commandments.
B. Following the standards and viewpoint of God's word
automatically provides benefit for all who are affected.
2. abides in the light: menō
as a present active indicative.
Walking in the light and reflecting the standards of the
light system in every area of life.
3. and there is no cause for stumbling in him: Lit, "There
is not any stumbling in him." The noun is skandalon.
A. As long as the believer is walking in the light (in
fellowship; abiding in Him), there is no failure (sin)
in his life.
B. As long as LOVE governs every area of life, the
believer will not sin.
C. There must be a conscious choice to express viewpoint,
speech or action contrary to the standards of light.
1. Job 29:3, by His light I walked through darkness.
2. Psalm 36:9, In your light we see light.
3. 1 John 3:6, the one who abides in Him does not sin.
Verse 11
1. but the one who hates his brother: miseō,
pres. act.
part. This is the one expressing the self-centeredness
of the sin nature.
2. is in the darkness: emphasis on function; not status.
But he imitates the darkness status of the unbeliever.
3. and is walking in the darkness: peripateō,
pres. act.
indicative. Living under the influence of the darkness
system with all its deception and lies; following the
standards of the sin nature and/or Satan.
4. and does not know: the verb is oida which is a perfect
active indicative to indicate an on going condition of
total disorientation concerning the vital issues of
human existence.
5. where he is going: indicates a course of life that has no
positive spiritual value; no direction, purpose, goal or
meaning.
6. Because the darkness: sin nature and satanic viewpoint
and standards.
7. has blinded his eyes: the eyes of the soul so that there
is no comprehension of positive spiritual reality.
A. Life is guesswork as it operates on self-centered
emotions and the physical impulses of the body.
B. Seeking pleasure and fulfillment in these two areas is
the only thing that matters in life.
C. There is no stability, no confidence, security or hope.
D. They are ripe for the philosophies and gimmicks of the
world system that vainly promise to give more meaning
and definition for life.
E. But of course, the world provides no peace. John 14:27.
8. This condition of ignorance (not knowing -oida) is described as a
condition of disorientation to the person of Christ at 1Jn. 3:6. The one who
chooses to reject the standards of love in any given situation in life is
sinning. Such a one is unable to relate to Jesus in a mature, rapport and
fellowship experience. In that moment of time of personal sin, that believer
has not come to see him or know Him.
Verses 12-14,
fellowship truth applied to the 3 levels of
spiritual growth.
The Bible teaches there are 3 levels of spiritual growth.
1. Principle: Ephesians 4:11-16
2. 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; Col. 2:6-7
3. 2 Peter 1:5-8
4. Matthew 13:18-23
5. John 21:15-17
verse 12, the youth stage; new believers; babes
(Heb.5:1-14; 1 Cor. 3:1-3)
1. I am writing: graphō
as a present active indicative.
The present tense emphasizes the current urgency of the
situation. The spiritual conflict rages on and every
believer needs to be urged to function at their fullest
potential.
2. to you little children: teknion is different from teknon
(child) and focuses on the beginning stage of life.
3. because: hoti is used to introduce that which is the
focal point for the new believer and/or the believer who
has not made progress in spiritual growth.
4. your sins: reference to the forgiveness of all past sins
which was acquired at the moment of trusting in Christ.
Ephesians 1:7; Col. 1:13-14
5. have been forgiven: the verb is aphiāmi
as a perfect
passive indicative. The perfect tense refers to something
that has occurred in the past with the results continuing
into the present and into the future.
A. Salvation reality is the primary focus for the new
believer.
B. The magnitude of salvation is not yet fully understood,
but his soul has been freed from a crushing burden and
the reality of that release excites and motivates him.
C. 1 Peter 2:2-3
6. for His name's sake: Literally, because of His name.
Name, refers to the entirety of Christ's person; His
character, His reputation and His work. As the savior
appointed by God the Father, forgiveness of sins is
because of Him and FOR Him.
7. And of course, everything is designed to ultimately bring
honor and glory to God the Father. Eph. 1:6, 12, 14; 2:7;
3:21; Romans 11:36.
8. The baby believer's growth process revolves around basic
spiritual truths. Milk; elementary principles
(1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12).
John 21:15, gentle feeding; Greek verb, boskō.
"feed my lambs." (Greek noun arnion).
9. A general list of elementary teachings at Heb. 6:1-2.
"the word of the beginning of the Christ."
a.
Repentance from dead works and faith toward God -
1.
Salvation doctrines
2. Morality
3. "Doubtful things"
4. grace orientation
5. faith rest
6. details of life (material things)
7. Suffering
8. Priesthood: prayer, service, giving
b.
Washings: rituals; baptism and communion
c. Laying on of hands: Spiritual gifts and authority
structure.
d. Resurrection
e. Eternal judgment
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Verse 13a, the adult
level
1. I am writing to you fathers: used to describe the mature
level of growth where the believer manifests a stabilized
responsible function in life.
2. because: introduces what is the focal point of maturity.
3. you have come to know: ginōskō
as a perfect active indicative. This action is viewed as having occurred in
the past with results that continue on into the present. Through the growth
process, they have come to have an intimate rapport and consistent
experience of fellowship with Jesus. They have come to a full knowledge and
understanding of the person and plan of the Godhead.
A. He who has been from the beginning: reference to Jesus
as per verse 1:1.
B. Full understanding of the knowledge of Christ as
described elsewhere. Eph. 3:19; Eph. 4:11-14;
Phil. 2:8-10; John 17:3; Heb. 5:14, solid food.
4. They need gentle "boskō"
type teaching because they
express much greater consistency than the babe and
adolescent. John 21:17, "feed my sheep." adult believers.
Greek noun probaton.
5. But the mature believer is still challenged by the world,
the flesh and the devil, and needs support and
encouragement from teachers and other believers.
Verse 13b, the
adolescent stage
1. I am writing to you young men: neaniskos
A. Those who are faced with major life decisions in order
to make transition from youth to adulthood.
B. In the
spiritual arena, the issue is coming to grips
with the spiritual conflict we are in and establishing
a consistent experience of stability and victory.
2. because: introduces that which is the focal point of this
level of growth.
3. you have overcome: nikaō
as a perfect active indicative.
You have established a victory in the past and have
consistent victory in your lives as a result by using
the resources that God has made available to His people.
4. the evil one: THE ponāros refers to the one who promotes
infectious evil in the universe.
A. John's context: 1 John 3:12; 5:18-19
B. What Jesus taught: John 17:15
C. What Paul taught: Eph. 6:16; 2 Thes. 3:3
D. Peter's exhortation: 1 Peter 5:8-9
5. They can tolerate more solid food than the baby believer
(meat rather than milk), but require a more exhortation
type teaching; motivational and sometimes rough and
disciplined.
John 21:16, "shepherd my sheep." The verb is poimaino and
indicates a more severe, rougher, reproving type
teaching. The word sheep is probaton and are older than
the lambs.
Verses 13c-14,
repetition for amplification.
1. The youth:
A. I have written: grapho as an aorist active indicative.
The change in tense is for emphasis. It still stresses
the urgency of the message that elicits sinless
consistency for all believers. And it still has the
force of "I write." It is called an epistolary aorist.
B. children:
paidion. It is a different word from the
first reference to the baby stage, but the word still
carries the idea of new believer.
1. teknion emphasizes birth and relationship.
2. paidion emphasizes learning and growth through the
discipline of instruction.
3. Thus, it serves as an exhortation word to the newer
believers that they might be diligent
in growth.
4. This is the immediate urgency of the epistolary
aorist.
C. because you have come to know the Father: ginōskō
as a
perfect active indicative. A present reality based on
the past experience of coming to know God the Father.
1. indicates salvation reality through relationship
with the Father. children of God;
John 1:12.
2. The first time, he indicated salvation reality with
emphasis on being cleansed from sin.
2. The mature
believer:
A. I wrote: the same epistolary aorist to focus on the }
immediate urgency of maintaining sinless consistency.
B. We can't stand still. There must be continued advance
in growth and application to have a consistent impact
in the angelic conflict.
C. Repetition of there status communicates this urgency.
Because you have known the one from the beginning.
3. The adolescent
believer:
A. I write: the epistolary aorist again. The immediate
urgency directed to the adolescent believer concerns
perpetuating their dramatic victories over the forces
of darkness.
B. because you are strong: eimi as a present indicative +
the adjective, ischuros. The emphasis is on functional
strength rather than capacity.
1. The word, dunamis (power) emphasizes capacity and
potential.
2. The word group, ischus, emphasizes the expression of
that capacity, and in this context, the
issue is
strength of character; spiritual
integrity
manifested by sinless consistency.
C. and the word of God abides in you: menō
as a present
active indicative. This of course is the basis for
strength of soul and sinless consistency.
D. Thus, both together produce the reality of victory over
the forces of darkness. You have overcome the wicked
one (ponāros).
Eph. 6:10-17; 2 Cor. 10:3-6
Verses 15-17, loving
the world removes fellowship with God.
Verse 15
1. do not love: agapaō
as a present active imperative + the
negative. The verb means to place such value on something
that you give it priority in your life.
2. the world: kosmos
refers to the organized system of
creature independence from God as administered by Satan.
It is used consistently to refer to the value system that is based
on darkness standards; standards that are opposite to and in
fact, antagonistic to the standards of the Divine value system as
represented by God's written revelation found in the Bible.
3. See Topic: THE WORLD SYSTEM
4. nor the things of the world: identified at verse 16 as the soul
occupation with details of life via the three philosophies of the world
system; covetousness, physical lust, and creature arrogance. These
philosophies have affinity with the sin nature and assist it in deceiving
the soul (the deceitfulness of THE sin, Heb. 3:13).
5. if anyone loves
the world: 3rd class condition "if"
clause with the present active subjunctive of agapaō.
A. Anyone, in this context refers to a believer who loses
his focus on the divine value system and lives instead
devoted to the world value system. Of course, it should
go without saying that the principle applies to all
unbelievers.
B. The 3rd class condition indicates the possibility and
very real potential for a believer to do this.
C. The verb indicates an occupation with and devotion to
the way of life of the world system.
6. the love of the
Father:
A. the love which is from the Father and is a reflection
of His functional attributes as descried at 1 Cor.
13:4-8.
B. We know that the issue is a reflection or expression of
His love because of the example at verse 3:17, "how
does the love of God abide in him?"
C. The failure to properly relate to the material needs of
the brethren indicates a love for the things of the
world instead of for God.
D. Also at verse 4:12, loving one another is evidence of
our fellowship with God and of His love being expressed
in us.
7. is not in him: ouk
eimi, present indicative + negative.
Principle of mutual exclusion between the two value
systems. Mat. 6:24; Mat. 110:34-36 with Lk. 12:51-53;
Mat. 10:37-39 with Lk. 14:25-27 and 9:23-25l
Mat. 12:30 with Luke 11:23; Mark 9:40; John 14:23-24.
Verse 16, THE THREE
KOSMIC PHILOSOPHIES
1. all that is in the world: the word, pas, indicates that
all kosmic viewpoint finds its expression in one or more
of these areas.
2. lust of the flesh: epithumia + sarxz refers to the
physical body and its senses. Sometimes the word, flesh,
refers specifically to the sin nature, but since the
other two philosophies emanate from the sin nature, the
focus here is specifically on the physical body and its
senses. Sensuality is the desire to fulfill the 5 physical senses
of the body in order to experience pleasure, and through that
pleasure experience a delusion of fulfillment in life.
SEE TOPIC: THE PHILOSOPHY OF SENSUALITY
3. the lust of the
eyes: refers to what you see and the attitude of desire to possess it as
expressed in the soul. This refers to covetousness, which is the desire and
endeavor to possess everything that one perceives as attractive and in that
possession, perceive it to be the means for true fulfillment in life.
The philosophy of materialism.
SEE TOPIC: COVETOUSNESS
4. the boastful
(arrogant) pride
of life: The philosophy of
independence from anyone and anything.
A. This is the noun, aladzoneia.
It refers to arrogant independence as illustrated
at
James 4:13-16, arrogance.
B. of life: bios gives the emphasis on the function of
life. This indicates that the person sees himself
as
the controller of his life and his destiny. This
refers to the
attitude and action of self-accomplishment and
self-promotion,
which is perceived as bringing true fulfillment
in life.
C. The ultimate in kosmic philosophy is creature
arrogance & independence; prideful self reliance &
sufficiency.
1. It was the original sin of Satan. Ezk. 28:6-8;
1 Tim. 3:6.
2. It was the original sin of Adam and Eve. Gen.
3:6
with 2:16-17
3. And thus it becomes the natural expression of
the
sin nature. Mk 7:21-23; Ec.
7:29; Pr. 12:15; 16:2.
D. General indictment on independence from God.
1. Perversion: Isaiah 29:15-116; 45:9-10
2. Heart not right: Hab. 2:4
3. senseless and stupid: Psalm 94:8-11
4. under delusion: Jeremiah 49:16
5. self deception: Gal. 6:3; Pr. 30:12;
Rev. 3:17-18;
Obadiah 3
6. blind arrogance: tuphoō,
1 Tim. 6:4
E. Rejection of divine authority and policy is the same
as idolatry and the occult. 1 Samuel 15:1-23.
5.These
correspond with the 3 areas of temptation that were directed to the woman (Ishah)
in the garden of Eden, as recorded at Gen. 3:6. Notice that Ishah perceived
3 things about the forbidden fruit.
A. It was
good for food: This is a bona fide observation and attraction. Mankind must
eat. However, to make the food attraction superior to the divine viewpoint
of God's mandate is practicing the philosophy of sensuality, thinking that
the pleasing of the physical senses is one of the keys to true fulfillment
in life.
B. It was a delight to the eyes: This likewise, is simple human perception
that recognizes a bona fide factor concerning the tree. There is nothing
wrong with beauty and enjoying that beauty as it is perceived through the
eye gate. However, when beauty becomes a standard for evaluating good and
bad to the denial of God's mandate, it is covetousness that seeks to find
fulfillment in life by what one empirically perceives as having value.
C. It was able to make one wise: This is a false perception based on hearing
and accepting the lie from the tempter. This is not something that can be
determined by simply LOOKING at the tree. This is something that had to be
suggested by a third party and accepted as true. It introduces the
"arrogance of life" philosophy to Eve and suggests that she can be as good
as or better than God.
6. is not from the
Father: ouk eimi ek (out from) indicates
origin, source and conformity to.
7. but is out from the world: alla eimi. The propostion, ek,
indicates origin, source and conformity to.
8. God's viewpoint and the world's viewpoint are totally
opposite.
A. one cannot be friends with the world and with God.
James 4:4; Romans 8:5-8.
B. One cannot serve God and wealth: Matthew 6:24
C. This does not mean that a believer should not have
material wealth. The issue is the LOVE of money.
It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all
the
evils. 1 Timothy 6:10.
Verse 17
1. and the world is passing away: the verb is paragō
as a
present passive indicative. It means to lead away.
The passive voice has the subject (world) receiving the
action. It is in the process of being neutralized so that
in the eternal age, the philosophy of independence from
God will never be an issue.
2. and its lusts: the kosmic philosophies are in the process
of being exposed and neutralized by the undeterred
progress of the plan of God in the universe.
3. The statement that these
things are in the process of passing away, describes the fact that the world
system and its 3 philosophical sub-systems are under the influence of two
effects.
A. The effect of its own nature: God is allowing the world system to run its
"natural" course and by so doing, demonstrate itself to be totally
inadequate and non-beneficial to God's creatures.
B. The effect of God's justice: God has placed the world system under the
judgment of His righteousness so that in His own timing and in His own way,
the entire system will be removed from being a factor for God's creatures.
4. Since this is
being contrasted with the eternal destiny
of the believer, it is evident that the emphasis here is
in the final disposition of the world system and its
philosophy of creature independence and rebellion.
A. The plan of God: Psalm 92:5-9
B. Genesis 3:15
C. The strategic victory over darkness. John 12:31-32
D. The future promise: 2 Peter 3:13
E. The current conflict in time: Eph. 3:8-11; 6:12;
2 Cor. 10:3-6
F. The tactical victory: Rev. 20:1-3, 7-10
G. The future reality: Rev. 21:-8
6. To escape the judgment that
is to come upon the world system, one must "do the will of God." Doing the
will of God is represented from two perspectives in the bible.
A. The initial decision to
trust in the Messiah as Savior so that one is removed out of the kingdom of
darkness and transferred into the kingdom of light. Mat. 7:21; John 6:29;
12:36; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:12-13; It is this that frees one from the judgment
associated with the world system.
B. The continued function of
faith through using the word of God and depending on the filling/control of
the Holy Spirit. Col. 2:6; Gal. 5:16-25 It is this that frees one from the
experiential effects of the world system, but has nothing to do with the
status of salvation that is accomplished by initial trust in the Messiah.
6. but the one who
does: poieō
as a present act. participle.
Refers to creature humility that conforms to the
authority and policy of God.
7. the will of God: the strong contrast here revolves around
salvation relationship with God. In order to be saved
from the penalty of sin and enter into an eternal
relationship with God, one must accept God's policy for
relationship and reject the philosophy of the world as a
system for relating to God.
8. abides: menō
as a present active indicative, describes
the existence aspect of eternal life.
9. forever: unto the age (eis + aion, singular).
The ultimate destiny and progress of the plan of God.
Verses 18-23, Warning
about the spirit of antichrist through
the presence and influence of false teachers.
Verse 18 A PIVOTAL POINT IN THE PLAN OF GOD
1. children: paidion, emphasis on involvement in the growth
process. At verse 2:1, the word is teknia and the
emphasis is on the writers relationship and affection for
the recipients. And then at verse 2:12, the word is
teknion where the emphasis is on progress in growth
viewed as beginner or baby believer.
A. When this word is used, the writer wants to impress the
recipients with the urgency to be under instruction,
whether in general or for specific information.
B. In this case it is for specific orientation to the
advance and nature of false teachers. Verse 2:26.
2. It is a last hour:
A. Hour (hōra)
refers to a specific point of time within a
time period (kairos).
B. The specific hour may be a short or extended point of
time, but it is a distinct event within an established
time frame.
C. It is used here to indicate a pivotal and critical
event in the progress of God's plan. It does not refer
to the "end times."
D. Other examples of this use.
1. Christ's messianic sacrifice. John 2:4; Mk. 14:35;
Mt. 26:455; Jn. 2:23.
2. Change in worship perspective. John 4:21, 23
3. Change in salvation perspective. John 5:25
4. The resurrection program. John 5:28-29
5. The apostolic period of persecution. John 16:2
6. Christ's 40 day resurrection ministry. Jn. 16:25-26
7. Hour of divine judgment during the Day of the Lord.
Rev. 3:10; 14:7, 15
8. The 3 days of the scattered disciples. Jn. 16:32
E. Kenneth
Wuest says of this:
"The article is
absent before, hour, and the emphasis is not therefore upon the fact of a
particular, definite time, but upon the character of that particular,
definite time. Vincent says that John uses the word, hour, as marking a
critical season. He says, '. . . Hence the phrase here does not refer to the
end of the world, but to the period preceding a crisis in the advance of
Christ's kingdom, a changeful and troublous period, marked by the appearance
of many antichrists.'"
While they both see
the issue of this referring to a "critical season," they fail to realize
that it is not the rise of the many antichrists that constitutes "a last
hour," but rather it is the ARRIVAL of this "critical season" or TIME that
has caused Satan to intensify his efforts to destroy the integrity of the
inspired revelation of God.
F. There has
been previous teaching about the rise of
false teachers.
1. Just as: kathōs,
establishes a standard of previous
teaching.
2. you heard: akouō
as an aorist active indicative
which indicates a previous point in
time.
3. It corresponds with what Paul taught at 2Tim. 3:-5
(in the eschatos hāmera;
in the (last)days to come).
4. It corresponds with Peter: 2Pet. 2:1 and 3:1-4
(eschatos hāmera).
5. Corresponds with Jude 17-19 and verse 4.
(eschatos chronos - in the (last)
time to come)
6. Thus, John's vocabulary for the same time period is
eschatos hōra
with emphasis on its present arrival.
3. All this previous
teaching about false teachers can be summed up by John's vocabulary; an
antichrist is coming.
A. antichristos without the definite article (the) =
an antichrist or simply antichrist.
B. is coming: present middle indicative of erchomai.
It refers to the arrival of a person or time
which will be
characterized by speech and lifestyle that is
antagonistic
to the Messiah (Christ).
C. Anti: means against or instead of. It thus refers to
both false prophets and false messiahs.
D. The word antichrist refers to false teachers in general and is
not a title for the beast of Revelation 13 or the man of
lawlessness of 2 Thessalonians 2. Yes, traditionally, the title
has been almost universally applied to the beast, but the word
only occurs in John's letters and never is there a hint that it
refers directly to the future dictator of the tribulation.
E. What have they heard concerning what is coming into the world?
If we go back to what has been written, then we go back to
several things, realizing that no one else uses ANTI so we have
to find its equivalent.
1. Jesus: Mat. 24:24, "for many FALSE christs and false prophets
will arise." 30 AD
2. Paul: the deceitful spirits of 1 Tim. 4:1. c. 65 AD
3. Peter: the false teachers of 1 Pet. 2:1. c. 68 AD
F. And yet the apostles acknowledge that there were false prophets who had
infiltrated even as they wrote. And then Jude (which is more difficult to
date, but is probably between 68 and 80 AD) writes that certain persons HAVE
secretly infiltrated,
indicating there presence "already" just as John tells us.
4. John's vocabulary
for the fulfillment of that previous teaching is "many antichrists."
A. even now: kai nun, recognizes that the present rise and
INCREASE of the false teachers indicates that something
crucial and pivotal is about to occur in the progress
of God's plan.
B. many antichrists: described at v. 22; 4:3 and 2 Jn. 7.
"the one who denies the Father and the Son."
C. have arisen: ginomai as a perfect active indicative.
They have become; have arrived on the scene - and
probably
are not going away.
D. None of the apostles make any claims that THE man of
lawlessness has arrived, but simply that the "spirit" behind
the man of lawlessness has arrived. Thus we are warned of this
"spirit of antichrist" (based on John 4:2-3) as a CONCEPT rather
than a specific person.
E. John continues telling us about the "spirit" who denies the
incarnation of Jesus, "and this is the one (spirit - based on
context) who is OF the antichrist, concerning which you have
heard that IT (spirit) is coming and NOW is in the world
already."
F. Even though the definite article is now used, it points
BACK to what is in context and not forward. John uses the
definite article at 2 John 7 also, where it very clearly refers
to what is NOW present in the world.
"For many deceivers have gone out into the world,
those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the
flesh (again - the issue revolves around the doctrine of
the incarnation).
THIS (what is then present) is THE deceiver and THE
antichrist." Ie, this is the "spirit" of antichrist which
he previously taught about.
G. There is nothing in this context which should take us
forward to "the end times" (which have not presently arrived)
and have us apply the term antichrist to the man of lawlessness
and the two beasts of The Revelation.
H. And of course believers overcome these false teachers by faith
and love - that is, they overcome the FALSE DOCTRINES of these
false teachers, but have ever been the recipients of great
physical persecution and can not boast of any PHYSICAL victory
over them.
5. from this:
the rise of many false teachers.
6. we know: ginōskō
as a present active indicative. We have
experiential knowledge that the present unparalleled rise
of the false teachers portends the arrival or imminent
arrival of a unique, critical and pivotal time in God's
plan.
7. that it is a last
hour: It is not the rise of antichrists that is "the critical hour." It is
the unusual (although predicted) increase of the false teachers that
INDICATES a critical hour is at hand.
8. This is NOT the last days of the church age. There are still 1900
years to go even though John does not know it.
A. Under the principle of inspiration, John would not
erringly say that it is time for Christ's return.
B. But what he could know is that God's plan for the
completion of His written revelation to the church is
presently at hand.
9. John
has in mind a pivotal event in the progress of God's plan. List of pivotal
events.
A. Birth of Messiah. B. Baptism of Messiah
C. crucifixion/resurrection. D. birth of the church.
E. Fall of Jerusalem. F. completion of the canon.
G. rise of the man of lawlessness.
H. Christ's return/rapture & start of the day of the Lord.
10. But what is
THIS last hour?
1. It is a period of time that was present at the end
of John's ministry (c. 90 AD).
2. It was not the end of the church age; IE. the time
for Christ's return. John's dealing
with that
(verses 2:28; 3:2) is not different
from how Paul
and Peter deal with it.
11. In 90 AD, the only
pivotal event in the progress of God's plan and which would elicit a major
attack from Satan via false teachers would be the imminent completion of
God's written revelation within about 7 years.
12. Thus, John
actually addresses this issue in vs. 19-27.
A. He brings attention to the truth and his reason for
writing. Verse 21.
B. He reminds them of an already established standard.
Verse 24.
C. He brings up the reality of those who are trying to
deceive. Verse 26. That is to distract from the
integrity of the already established doctrinal standard.
D. Verse 27 refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit
who formerly taught what the established standard is.
Verse 19, A specific
& unique origin of the false teachers.
1. They went out from us: aorist active indicative of erchomai + ek + us.
A. Recognize fulfillment of Acts 20:29-30 (ek + you).
B. Indicates the reality of Jude verse 4. secretly
infiltrated.
2. Those who secretly
infiltrated thus become "ek us" but at the same time, NOT (ouk) "ek us."
This is because they do not establish genuine fellowship and doctrinal
rapport with us. (2nd class condition if clause).
A. If they had been of (ek) us: ei introduces the if
clause (and they were not).
B. They would have remained with us (and they did not):
menō as a pluperfect active ind. + an + meta + us.
The particle "an" completes the 2nd class if clause.
C. The contrast in the whole section is between believer
and unbeliever. The infiltrators of Jude are
unbelievers as well (Jude 19).
3. But: alla
introduces the historical reality of non compatibility between truth and
error.
4. in order that: hina is used as a result clause to indicate the
manifestation of false teachers based on their inability to hang with the
truth.
5. That they all: hoti pas - there are no exceptions. Truth will always
expose, convict and divide.
6. they might be manifest: aorist passive subjunctive of phaneroo. In other
words, to establish their true colors.
7. that they all: hoti pas - no exceptions. Truth will always expose,
convict and divide.
This is what Jesus meant when He said, that he came to bring a division and
not peace on the earth (Luke 13:51-53; Mat. 10:34-37).
8. are not of us: eimi (present indicative) + ouk + ek + us.
Indicates no identification with believers who are following the truth.
A. no compatibility, no rapport, no fellowship.
B. They separated from us and still continue trying to
neutralize us from the outside with their message of
deception (V.26). Titus 1:10-11;
Acts 20:30, "draw away disciples after them."
C. Compare the two factors.
1. 1 John 2:19, they left.
2. Jude 4, they infiltrated.
Verse 20
Divine provision for perception of doctrinal knowledge.
1. But you: alla indicates a strong contrast between the believers
addressed and the false teachers who are unbelievers.
2. have: echō as a
present active indicative. Possession of something which distinguishes them
from the unbeliever; from the antichrist.
3. an anointing:
chrisma. This is a special bestowment of blessing, rank or honor.
A. Verb: Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27. chriō. both refer to the
commission of Jesus as the anointed one; the Messiah.
Thus, the Christos.
B. Hebrews 1:9; symbolic of maximum blessing based on
compliance with God's plan.
C. Acts 10:38; reference to the Holy Spirit being given to
Jesus.
D. 2 Cor. 1:21; chriō is used for the royal commission
assigned to the believer.
1. It refers to our ambassadorship and priestly
responsibilities.
2. It is totally separate from the provision of the
Spirit that is mentioned in verse 22.
E. The noun: chrisma; only occurs 3 times; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27.
F. John's use parallels Acts 10:38 and refers to the
provision of the indwelling Holy Spirit given at the
point of salvation (1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:9).
G. The purpose is for teaching. John 14:26; 16:13-15;
1Cor. 2:12. This is how He leads us - through teaching
and bringing to remembrance the principles and
doctrines of God's word.
H. The filling/control of the Spirit ENABLES the believer
to perceive God's word (divine truth), but does not
guarantee that what the believer accepts, concludes and
holds to is necessarily the truth.
4. from the holy one:
This is a reference to Jesus Christ as the provider of the Holy Spirit
through God the Father.
A. John 6:69; Acts 3:14; Rev. 3:7
B. John 16:7 with 14:26
C. The Father is also the provider: Jn. 15:26; Titus 3:5-6
5. and you all know:
The verb is oida as a perfect act. indicative to indicate possession of
facts which give insight and orientation to the attack against truth.
A. What they know is explained in vs. 21-23. It is the
truth of salvation relationship.
B. The presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the
reality of His filling-control enables them to
understand the true issues of the gospel.
C. This provides discernment as to the reality of their
own salvation and insight concerning salvation reality
in others.
D. Then from this confidence of salvation, John will
develop the mandate of Christian integrity as summed
up by the word, love. 1John 3:23.
6. But the Spirit
does not teach us DIRECTLY, but uses the specially equipped teachers that
God has appointed to the church; apostles, teachers, prophets, evangelists,
exhorters. Ephesians 4:11-12
As Paul explains, "which things we also speak, not in words taught by human
wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to
spiritual ones."
SOME THOUGHTS
Eph. 3:16-19, Paul's prayer: "That He would grant you . . . through His
Spirit in the inner man . . . so that you may be able to comprehend with all
the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to KNOW
the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to
all the fullness of God."
John writes at 1 John
2:27, "And as for you, the anointing that 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."
It is commonly believed that through the indwelling Spirit and more
specifically, through the filling control of the Spirit, that the believer
is able to properly and accurately understand the written word of God. This
"leading" of the Spirit "guides" us into all truth, enabling us to discern
truth from error, and protecting us from deception.
This is a wonderful principle IN THEORY. But what happens when several
different "Spirit-filled" men and women disagree about the interpretation of
the Scripture?
What are the commands from the Bible? "Be filled with the Spirit;" "walk by
the Spirit."
I think I am and claim that I am "filled with the Spirit."
You think you are and claim that you are "filled with the Spirit."
And yet we differ on our understanding of various Biblical topics and often
on serious issues.
The clear truth of the matter is, we cannot BOTH be right.
So, one or both of us cannot lay claim to be Spirit-filled.
Or, it really has nothing to do with the ministry of the Spirit. Proper
interpretation of Scripture is ENABLED by the Spirit, but does not
automatically mean that any particular believer is going to have the RIGHT
interpretation of scripture. Proper interpretation requires the application
of several principles and rules; comparing passage with passage, using the
original languages and historical contexts. We are called upon to therefore,
REASON together. But historically, that has proven to be quite futile and
unproductive. But it seems that that is all we have.
Similarly, we have
the issue of avoiding sin.
Galatians 5:16, "walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires
of the flesh."
But the real factor for avoiding sin is USING the principles and truths of
God's word to make a conscious choice NOT to sin when faced with temptation.
1 Cor. 10:13; The way of escape is NOT the ministry of the Spirit STOPPING
you from doing sin, but KNOWLEDGE and application of God's word. The truth
of Psalm 119:11 is still the weapon to resist temptation. "Your word I have
treasured in my heart so that I won't sin against you."
Peter wrote at 1 Peter 5:9, "resist him (devil) firm by the faith" THE faith
refers to all the standards of truth found in the Bible.
And Paul at Ephesians 6:10-18, "Put on the full armor of God, that you may
be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil . . . and the sword
of the Spirit which is the word of God."
It is true that the
apostles had the ministry of the Spirit that gave us the INSPIRED New
Testament, but even Paul CHOSE to ignore God's word and sinned on at least
two occasions.
Likewise, Peter and Barnabas failed to apply "revealed" principles of grace,
and sinned by shunning the Gentiles, being guilty of hypocrisy that was
contrary to the truth of the gospel. Gal. 2:11-14.
Accordingly, all of
us must be wary of claiming a more accurate understanding of the text based
on being Spirit filled. And likewise, wary of being over confident in the
face of temptation, thinking that the Spirit will stop us from doing sin.
Verse 21
John's purpose is to confirm a previously established doctrinal standard.
1. I have not written to you: graphō as an aorist active indicative which
indicates the fact of this present communication.
2. because you do not know the truth:
A. The verb oida (perfect active indicative) indicates an
established standard resident and functional in the
soul.
B. the alātheia: the established standard of doctrine
centered around the content of the gospel.
C. His purpose is not to teach something new, but to
confirm what they have been taught and presently know.
3. But because you
know it: conjunction, alla, shows a strong contrast between knowing and not
knowing.
A. The information John is giving is meaningless unless
the recipients have already been established in the
truth.
B. John is writing because these believers have the
necessary wisdom and understanding for insight into the
nature of the attack on the foundation doctrines of the
church.
4. and because: The
second purpose for writing to them is to establish the integrity of divine
revelation in view of the counterfeit doctrines which have come on the
scene.
5. no lie: pas pseudos; every falsehood; anything contrary to that which you
have received from the beginning.
A. centered around the incarnation and work of the Messiah
(Verse 1:1-2 with 4:1-3).
B. And concerning the Christian way of life which is
summed up by the doctrine of love.
6. is not of the truth: eimi + ouk + ek + alātheia.
Verse 22: the nature
of falsehood
1. who is the liar: the pseutās; falsifier; the one who promotes falsehood;
that which is contrary to the established standard of inspired truth.
2. except the one who denies: arneomai as a pres. middle participle. In
order to promote falsehood, there must be a stated or implied denial of the
established doctrinal standard.
3. that Jesus is the
Christ:
A. Jesus, refers to His humanity.
B. Christos, refers to the divine Messiah.
C. The combination makes the incarnation the ultimate test
for truth.
D. When Lord (kurios) is added, the emphasis is on deity.
4. Christos: the anointed one; refers to the divine
commission from God the Father.
A. Jesus is the Messiah.
1. Promise to Abraham: Gal. 3:16; Rom. 9:4-5
2. At Jesus' birth: Luke 2:11
3. Simeon's confession: Luke 2:25-32
4. Confession of John the baptizer: Jn.1:19-20; 3:27-36
5. Confession of Jesus: Jn. 4:25-26; Mat. 26:63-66
6. Confession of Peter: Mat. 16:15-16; Acts 2:36
7. Confession of John the apostle: Jn. 20:30-31
8. Paul's conviction: Acts 9:22
B. The Messiah is God:
SEE TOPIC: Christ: Messiah is deity.
5. This is the
antichrist: The real issue then is the incarnation.
6. the one who denies: present middle participle of arneomai. Rejects the
claims and therefore the integrity of the Godhead.
7. the Father and the Son: The one who rejects the reality of the Messiah's
presence on the earth in the person of Jesus Christ also rejects God the
Father.
John 5:23; Luke 10:16.
Verse 23 This truth
applied from a salvation perspective
1. Whoever denies the Son: pas = everyone who denies.
present active participle of arneomai. This is a failure
to make a faith acceptance as to the reality of the
incarnation.
2. does not have the Father: echō as a present active indicative + the
negative. Indicates possession through having a relationship with God the
Father.
A. Only through Jesus: John 14:6.
B. You don't have a "father" until you are born.
C. Thus, Johnn 1:12, family relationship via faith in
Christ.
3. He who confesses the Son: homologeō as a present active participle. It
means to acknowledge and accept the truth about Jesus through trusting in
the salvation provision of the gospel.
4. Has the Father also: present active indicative.
Also possesses relationship with God the Father.
Verse 24; A
fellowship issue for the believer
1. As for you: believers who have already made the confession of verse 23.
2. Let that abide in you: menō; present active imperative.
3. which you heard from the beginning: previous teaching concerning the
issues of the Christian way of life.
4. from the beginning: goes back to verses 7-11.
The commandment of love. Thus, all the doctrinal principles concerning love.
5. IF: 3rd class condition. Maybe you will and maybe you won't. If you learn
and use the doctrinal principles of love, you will perpetuate fellowship
with God and maintain sinless consistency.
6. you also will abide in the Son:
A. Perpetuation of the salvation promise into experience.
John 10:10, (1) life, spiritual life; relationship
reality. and (2) abundance, the abundant life of peace,
joy and inner security.
B. The fellowship issue of verse 1:3; 2:3-6 and V.15.
7. This is
similar to what Paul taught at Col. 1:13. The believer will be presented to
God as "holy, blameless, and beyond reproach" IF indeed, you continue in THE
FAITH."
8. This is
not a salvation issue.
John 14:21, "The
one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the
one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and
will reveal Myself to him."
John 14:23, "if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will
love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with Him."
John 15:10, "if you keep my commandments you will abide in My love."
John 15:14, "you are My friends if you do what I command you."
Verse 25, The
salvation promise is the foundation for life, not only in eternity (heaven),
but also here on earth.
1. And this is the promise: present indicative of eimi.
2. He Himself promised us: This makes it a personal issue that comes
directly from the integrity of God.
3. eternal life: 1 John 5:11-12; the promise of Jn. 10:7-10, which involves
two factors: (1) spiritual life through relationship with God. (2) abundant
life through peace, joy and inner stability by learning and using bible
truth.
John 10:1-18
There are two figures of speech that Jesus uses to teach the disciples. We
need to keep the images in one figure separate from the other one. The first
one is a SHEPHERD analogy.
After the people fail to understand the first figure that Jesus uses in
verses 1-6, He uses a different figure in verses 7-10; the DOOR analogy.
Then, in verses 11-18, He returns to using the SHEPHERD analogy to complete
the picture of providing salvation according to God's plan.
THE DOOR ANALOGY:
John 10:9, "I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he shall be saved,
and go in and out, and find pasture."
1. The fold represents the status of relationship with God the Father;
eternal life.
2. The door to the fold is Jesus. This is the only way into the fold. John
14:6, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father
except through Me."
3. Entering through the door is to trust in Christ as Savior.
4. Upon entrance into the fold; relationship with God, there are two
results.
A. He shall be saved: This is the place of security and safety for the
sheep. It refers to forgiveness of sins and relationship with God through
receiving the new birth of spiritual life.
B. and shall go in and out, and find pasture: This indicates a contented
life for the sheep. It refers to the quality of life that the believer can
enjoy here on earth as he learns and uses the truths of God's word.
John 10:10, "I am
come that they might have life and have abundance."
1. Again, two things are in view; salvation and quality of life here on
earth.
2. "Life" corresponds with "saved" in verse 9.
A. Romans 5:9, Saved from the wrath. Jude v. 23.
B. 2 Tim. 1:9, saved us and called us.
C. Mat. 1:21, save His people from their sins.
D. 1 Tim. 1:15, save sinners.
E. Luke 19:10, save what was lost
F. John 12:47, save the world.
G. John 10:28, never perish. John 3:16.
H. John 5:24, has eternal life, and does not come into
judgment but has passed out from death into life.
3. "abundance"
corresponds with "finding pasture," and refers to a functional and
satisfying life.
The translation that
makes abundance an adverb, "abundantly," misses the significance of the TWO
things involved with our salvation.
A. The experience of eternal life blessings in time.
B. Mat. 11:29-30, rest for your souls refers to a quality
of life here on earth.
C. 1 Tim. 4:6-11; 6:11-12, 17-19; Taking hold of eternal
life refers to experiencing the blessings of your
salvation relationship while here on earth by learning
and using the truths of God's word.
D. Galatians 6:7-9, reaping eternal life refers to
experiencing the spiritual blessings of being a child
of God while here on earth.
E. Peace and Joy: Romans 14:17 with 15:13.
F. Peace: John 14:27
G. Joy: John 15:11
4. John 17:3: This is
eternal life.
Jesus gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.
This does not teach "what" produces eternal life, but rather, what is
involved with the possession of eternal life which one acquires at the very
moment of time that he trusts in Christ as savior.
The NATURE of this eternal life revolves around knowledge; the experiential
knowledge (ginosko) of the Father and of the Son.
SEE TOPIC: Knowing Christ
Verse 26, The urgency
of John's message is based on verse 18; many antichrists.
1. These things: the facts concerning the incarnation of Jesus and the
salvation reality provided by Him.
2. Concerning those: the verb is planaō as a present active participle. They
seek to deceive you and influence you to wander from the truth through the
input of false ideas.
A. Warning about their existence.
B. Warning about the content of their message.
Verse 27
1. And as for you: specific exhortation for believers.
2. The anointing: chrisma
A. which you received: aorist active indicative of lambanō
refers to the point of time of salvation. The very
moment in time that you trusted in Christ as savior.
B. from Him: The Holy One of verse 20, Jesus Christ.
3. abides in you: present active indicative of menō indicates the permanent
presence of the Holy Spirit.
A. John 14:16, He will be with you forever.
B. Romans 8:9, if anyone does not have the Spirit, he does
not belong to Him.
C. 2 Cor. 1:22, The Spirit is given as a guarantee.
D. Ephesians 1:13, sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
4. and you have no
need: present active indicative of echō.
The result of having received some specific truth from previous teaching and
the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
5. for anyone to teach you: a specific category of truth which they already
know. This is a hina clause with the present active subjunctive of didaskō.
"You have no need that anyone be teaching you."
(or guiding or leading).
Same principle that Paul taught at 1Thes. 4:9, "concerning the love of the
brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you."
Because you have previously been taught, an established standard
of truth exists and you do not need any further input. Man's teaching cannot
contribute to revealed truth.
And the Spirit is faithful to bring to remembrance the truths that have
previously been taught.
6. but just as His
anointing: the indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit.
7. teaches you about all things: the all things refers to understanding the
truths of God's revelation to His people.
The verb is didaskō as a present active indicative and refers to the general
principle of 1Cor. 2:12-13.
"the things freely given to us by God."
The Spirit does not teach us DIRECTLY, but ENABLES us to understand the word
of God as He uses the specially equipped teachers that God has appointed to
the church; apostles, teachers, prophets, exhorters.
As Paul explains, "which things we also speak, not in words taught by human
wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to
spiritual ones."
8. and is true: alāthās; truthful, genuine, reliable, trustworthy.
9. and is not a lie: pseudos: not a deception in contrast with the falsehood
of verse 26.
10. and just as it has taught you: the functional standards for living the
Christian way of life (CWL) based on the reality of the incarnation and
Christ's character example.
It revolves around the practice of beneficent love through learning and
following standards of God's word.
This has been studied earlier at verses 6-7.
11. Be abiding in Him: present active imperative. Command.
This is accomplished through knowledge and application of God's word;
keeping the commandments of Jesus, which revolve around love.
A. John 15:5-7: abide in me and I in you; abide in me and my words abide
in you. Verse 10, "if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love."
Verse 12, "This is my commandment that you love one another."
1 John 2:10, "the one who loves his brother abides in the light." 1Jn 2:6,
"walk in the same manner as He walked."
1 John 3:24, "the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him."
B. Abiding in
Him is the experience of fellowship with Him through maintaining sinless
consistency.
C. If at any time the believer chooses to reject the viewpoint of the
word of God by thinking or doing or speaking contrary to the standards of
love, that constitutes personal sin and that believer breaks fellowship with
God; quenches the influence of the Holy Spirit and ceases to abide in Him.
D. But as long as the believer consistently chooses to allow the
standards of God's word (love) to influence/govern the soul (life), that
believer will not sin; will not commit unrighteousness. 1 John 3:6-9.
It is the SEED of the word of God abiding in the believer (influencing and
governing the soul) that prevents personal sin and the doing of
unrighteousness. When the seed of God's word ceases to govern the soul, the
believer is prone to sin. The seed will cease to govern the soul when the
believer CHOOSES to resist and not heed those truths.
Verse 28, application
to the second coming of Jesus.
1. and now little children: exhortation to Christians.
2. be abiding in Him: present active indicative. Repetition for emphasis and
to introduce a new focus.
3. so that: hina + subjunctive mood of the verb, have.
Introduces a secondary purpose for maintaining sinless consistency. Not only
does sinless consistency fulfill our purpose on earth - to bring honor and
glory to the Father and to Christ, but it also prepares the believe for a
confident and shameless meeting with the Lord at His coming.
4. whenever He
appears: ean + aorist passive subjunctive of phaneroō; temporal 3rd class
condition indicates a temporal uncertainty but not a factual uncertainty.
SEE TOPIC:
RAPTURE
5. we may have confidence: present active subjunctive of echō, goes with the
hina purpose clause.
The result of maintaining fellowship with Him; abiding in Him; sinless
consistency, is an enduring confidence of having no shame when we meet Him
face to face at the rapture.
A. confidence: the word parrāsia indicates both an OVERT and VERBAL
expression. At 2 Cor. 3:1-12 it is used in connection with the word, hope (elpis),
which expresses an ATTITUDE of confidence and assurance. (Rom 15:4, 13;
5:3-5).
B. Hope, elpis, is also used here in 1 John in connection with our
ATTITUDE of assurance concerning the second coming of Jesus. 1 John 3:3,
"and everyone who has this HOPE in Him, purifies himself, even as He is
pure."
The purification process is learning and using bible truth as the means to
practice sinless consistency and imitation of the character of Christ
(love).
C. Being in fellowship at the moment of the rapture provides a smooth
transition from experientially abiding in Him to a face to face rapport with
Him.
D. and not shrink away from Him in shame:
1. The verb is aischunō as an aorist passive subjunctive.
The subjunctive mood goes back to the hina purpose
clause and indicates the connection between confidence
and no shame.
2. For the believer who is out of fellowship with God at
this time, there will be initial shame and
repulsion
emanating from within us when we first meet Him.
3. But He will embrace all believers equally at that
time.
4. This will dispel that initial shame, but there will be
a vivid reminder of its cause at the reward seat
of
Christ.
5. There is a hint of this potential shame at 2 Peter
3:14. Since we are looking for the "things"
related to
the second coming of Jesus, we should be
"diligent to
be found by Him in peace, spotless and
blameless."
6. 1 John 4:16-17. As we abide in Him; in His love, His
love is perfected within us and results in
confidence
at the reward seat of Christ; "the day of
judgment."
6. See:
Luke 21:34-36
Verse 29, The
evidence of fellowship
1. If you know: 3rd class condition IF + perfect active subjunctive of oida.
The verb refers to established knowledge concerning the quality of Christ's
righteousness.
In other words, if you know WHAT constitutes righteousness.
The potential from the 3rd class condition is that MAYBE you know this
effectively in your soul or maybe you do not.
2. that He is righteous: This is a fact. Present indicative of eimi + the
adjective, dikaios. Back at verse 2:1, He is designated as "the righteous
one."
A. Comprehending that Christ is righteous requires spiritual growth;
growing up into Him. It is seeing His image in the scriptures and allowing
that knowledge to work in our soul in order to become conformed to His
image. 2 Cor. 3:18, "we are being transformed into the same image."
B. Righteous communicates sinless consistency. But in Christ's case there
is never any interruption to His consistency.
1John 3:5, "in Him there is no sin."
2 Cor. 5:21, "Him, who knew no sin."
Hebrews 4:15, "without sin."
Hebrews 7:26, "holy, innocent, undefiled."
C. From the
practical standpoint, it communicates a righteous way of life; reflecting
the character qualities of God the Father. The principle of Ephesians 5:1-2.
"become imitators of God as beloved children."
1. Mature perfection: Mat. 5:48. adjective, teleios.
2. Mercy: Luke 6:36, oiktirmōn.
3. Morally upright: Hebrew word, yashar.
4. Justice: Job 34:12, "the Almighty will not bend
justice."
5. No partiality: Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9, "there is no
partiality with Him." prosōpolāmpsia.
6. Love. John 3:16; 1 John 4:8, "God is love."
7. Truth: Titus 1:2, "the not-lying God."
8. Compassion, mercy, kindness: Exodus 34:6
3. then you know:
present active indicative of ginōskō. Refers to experiential knowledge based
on comparing the absolute standard with the mandate for living the Christian
life.
4. that everyone who does: present active participle of poieō. This refers
to both speech and action.
5.THE righteousness: dikaiosunā + definite article (the).
It refers to the specific righteousness which is a reflection or an
expression of Christ's righteousness.
Righteousness and love should RADIATE from the believer.
A. This is not just religious behavior:
That is condemned. Matthew 6:1-5
B. Not just a verbal expression: Is.29:13; 48:1; Mt. 6:7;
1 John 3:18, "not in word or tongue."
C. Not things simply done "in Jesus' name. Mt. 7:15-23
D. Not the appearance of religion: Col. 2:23
E. 1 Cor. 13:1-3: It revolves ONLY around beneficent love.
1. Verse 1: not cultic emotionalism.
2. Verse 2: not just having or using a spiritual gift.
3. Verse 3a: not just generosity.
4. Verse 3b: not enduring persecution or even dying.
5. Without love I am nothing; without love, no profit.
6. Such a one as this
has been born of God: This is evidence of genuine conversion because the
imitation of Christ's character (love) is ONLY possible in someone who has
become a child of God through trust in Christ.
It cannot be counterfeited; faked, pretended or legislated.
This knowledge sees through hypocrisy and legalism. It sees the jealousy and
vindictiveness. It sees the arrogance and prejudice. It is knowledge that
sees all the little words and actions that are contrary to true Christian
love. It enables the oriented believer to properly evaluate and respond with
prayer or exhortation "to restore such a one in the spirit of true
humility." Gal. 6:1.
Gal. 6:2, "bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the love of Christ."
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