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

There are great efforts, by spiritual forces in high places, to deceive us and those we love (Eph 6:12).

They use people, especially those with large platforms, but they also use people you and your kids might come in contact with every day —in our neighborhoods, schools and even some of our churches.

We must be on guard.
We must be ready to test everything.

We must train ourselves to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit inside of us when He whispers something is just not right.

John tells us, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27).

John is not saying there is not a place for godly Bible teachers and preachers (he was one). What He is saying is that every person who surrenders their lives to Christ receives the anointing of the Holy Spirit—the Helper Who lives inside of us.

John tells us in his gospel, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26).

He will bring to remembrance all God has said to us through His Word. Now, let’s don’t miss that there is an expectation for believers to study the Word for the Holy Spirit to remind us!

I know I sometimes sound like a broken record, but nothing will equip you to resist being deceived by the enemy of your soul better than taking in the daily bread of the Word (every day!).

We need to read truth and be reminded of truth, every moment, because every moment the evil one is like a prowling lion intent on destroying all he can.

He is after your joy and he is after your kids. He wants to destroy your marriage and he loves to make Christians fail publicly and look stupid.

You can probably think of situation after situation where you’ve shook your head and wondered how someone could choose to get tangled up in some stupid sin.

But friend, let’s don’t think we, ourselves, are incapable of being deceived! Let’s be diligent to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Let’s do this for ourselves and for those we love. Let’s do this also for the glory of the One who left a throne in Heaven to die so we might live!

And you know, I wonder, is there a verse that God has used to help you hold on to truth and walk with Him? Is there a verse that He has used to bring you comfort or wisdom, again and again? If so, will you share it for others below in the comments?

whataSavior

read1John

Note – this is a continuation of my study of 1 John. Go to this page on Facebook or kimjaggers.com to see other posts on this wonderful book of the Bible.