Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
In Lesson 64, we are going to study 1 John 2:26.
Let’s read the verse:
1 John 2:26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
Now, let us go over the definitions of the words.
I have written (1125. graphó) — means to write or inscribe, often with a sense of recording authoritative or divinely inspired instruction.
These things to you (3778. houtos, hauté, touto)(4771. su) — refers to what has just been written. "You" is the reader being directly addressed.
About (4012. peri) — means concerning, in regard to, or with reference to (those being discussed).
Those who are trying to deceive you (3588. ho, hé, to) (4105. planaó) — means “the ones leading astray” and refers to people who are actively attempting to deceive, mislead, or spiritually seduce you from the truth.
Here is a paraphrased and expanded version: I have written these things to you carefully and purposefully to warn you about those who are actively working to deceive you. They are trying to lead you astray from the truth, and I want you to be aware of their influence so you do not drift away from the solid foundation you have received.
This was written to a community of believers who had experienced division because some people had left the church and were spreading heretical teachings.
These individuals are the antichrists who departed from the fellowship (1 John 2:19) and now deny the faith.
John writes this because it is possible to be misled and deceived. He wants to protect believers from falsehood and help them stay grounded in the truth he has shared.
We need to be aware of these deceivers and the lies they promote.
Jesus gave us many warnings about false messiahs and false teachers. He even said they would perform signs and wonders and deceive, if possible, even the elect.
The deception continues even today. We must stay alert and remain firmly rooted in the truth, because false teachers can mislead us if we are not careful.
John serves as our example. Just as he warned us, we are called to warn others about those who deceive.
We are also to abide in Christ, let the Word of God dwell in us richly, and rely on the Spirit to guide us. This is what will protect us from being led astray.
Let’s take a look at some cross references for 1 John 2:26 that speak about those who are trying to deceive you.
In Mark 13:22, Jesus warns that false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. We must stay spiritually alert and discerning to guard against deception.
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
In Acts 20:29-30, the apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders that after his departure, savage wolves will come in among them, not sparing the flock. Even from within the church, some will rise up and distort the truth to draw disciples away. These deceivers are dangerous and will cause great harm.
Acts 20:29-30 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
In Colossians 2:8, the apostle Paul warns believers to be careful not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deceit, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. We are called to stand firm in the truth of Christ’s teachings.
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
In 2 Peter 2:1-2, we read that false prophets and false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them. Many will follow their depraved ways, and because of them, the way of truth will be maligned. We must stay on guard against such people.
2 Peter 2:1-2 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
In 1 Timothy 4:1, we are warned that in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. We must be vigilant and guard against demonic influences that seek to lead us away from Christ.
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
In conclusion, we must stay alert and watchful. God's Word gives us repeated warnings about those who will try to deceive and lead believers away from the truth. Jesus, Paul, and others in Scripture speak plainly about this danger.
Here are some of the key takeaways from these verses.
False Christs and prophets will use signs and wonders to deceive. (Mark 13:22)
Dangerous leaders will rise up like savage wolves and harm the church. (Acts 20:29-30)
These deceivers will try and take you captive through philosophy and empty deception based on human tradition and spiritual forces of the world. (Colossians 2:8)
False teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies and lead many into sin. (2 Peter 2:1-2)
Some will abandon the faith, following deceiving spirits and teachings from demons. (1 Timothy 4:1)
The key is to stay rooted in God’s Word. This will help you to recognize destructive heresies and teachings influenced by demons. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. Remember, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will protect you. Stand firm in your faith in God. Remember He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Let’s read 1 John 2:26 one more time.
1 John 2:26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.
Listen to these lessons over and over again.
Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
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Thank you and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
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