Day One Day Two

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1 John • LESSON 3

Introduction Though the term antichrist occurs only in John’s letters, the concept it expresses appears repeatedly throughout Scripture. It is a compound word that transliterates the Greek word antichristos from christos (“Christ”) and anti (“against,” or “in the place of”). The term denotes anyone who opposes Christ, seeks to supplant Him, or falsely represents Him. Such opposition always offers distorted and aberrant views about the nature of Christ. John MacArthur The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 1 John, p. 94 This semester we are memorizing 1 John 1:5–2:2. This week’s verse is 1 John 1:7… “but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Day One

Read 1 John 2:18–27, focusing on verse 18–19; The Characteristics of Antichrists 1. What specific teaching or principle convicted or encouraged you from last week’s lesson or lecture? 2. According to verse 18, what had already arrived and what was expected? (See also1 Timothy 4:1 and 2 Peter 2:1–2.) 3. Read 1 Corinthians 10:11, Galatians 4:4, Hebrews 1:1–2, and 1 Peter 1:20. Using a Bible commentary or other resource, what do you think John means by the “last hour?” 4. From our study in Jude and 2 Peter 2, we learned that false teachers and antichrists can be identified by their character and teaching. Skim through Jude and 2 Peter 2 and list some of the different character traits that identify false teachers. a. According to Jude 4, how do false teachers and antichrists infiltrate the church? 5. Read Colossians 4:12–14, 2 Timothy 4:10–12, and Philemon 23–24 and note the men with whom Demas served and the ministry in which he participated. How is Demas an example of 1 John 2:19? 6. How does God show mercy to His true church by allowing antichrists to infiltrate, deceive, and depart with followers? (See 1 Corinthians 11:18–19.) a. Are genuine believers at risk of being deceived by antichrists and permanently departing from the faith? Cite Scripture to explain your answer.

Day Two Read 1 John 2:18–27, focusing on verses 20–21; The Anointing from the Holy One 1. Using a Bible dictionary or other resource, define “anointing.” a. According to Acts 10:38 and John 14:15–17, who is the “Holy One?” 2. The antichrists promoted themselves as possessing a higher form of divine knowledge and having a special anointing. How might John’s reminder in verses 20–21 have comforted his readers?

1 John • LESSON 3

a. How does John’s reminder comfort you today? (See also 1 Corinthians 2:12–17.) 3. How is John encouraging believers to apply the truth they know? a. How are you using your knowledge to discern error and contend for truth today? (See Jude 3.)

Day Three

Read 1 John 2:18–27, focusing on verses 22–24; The Antichrist’s Denial vs. The Faith of the Genuine Believer 1. According to verses 22–23, what significant doctrine did the antichrists deny? a. From these verses, is it possible for a genuine believer to reject what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ? Use other Scripture to help support your answer. 2. Throughout history, false teaching is usually rooted in a faulty understanding of the Savior, Scripture, or salvation. In Peter and John’s time, false teaching held a distorted view of Jesus Christ. From the following verses, identify some of the biblical teachings a genuine believer should know about Jesus Christ. a. John 1:1–4 and 9–14 b. John 14:6–7 c. Romans 4:24–25 d. 2 Corinthians 5:21 e. Philippians 2:5–8 f. 1 Timothy 2:5 3. What essential message must every genuine believer hear, accept, and believe for salvation? Write out a short summary of the gospel message to share with your group.

Day Four

Read 1 John 2:18–27, focusing on verses 24–25; Characteristics of the Genuine Believer 1. In verse 24, what is contrasted with the antichrists and their doctrine? a. What had John’s readers “heard from the beginning?” (See 1 John 1:1–2 and 4:4–16.) 2. From John 15:4–11, what are the natural results of abiding in Christ?

1 John • LESSON 3

a. From a concordance or other Bible resource, find at least two other Scriptures that describe some of the “fruits” of abiding in Christ. b. According to verse 25, what is the most significant result that comes from abiding in Christ? 3. How do Psalm 133, John 13:35, and 1 John 1:9–11 help further develop the contrast between the antichrists and genuine believers? Why do antichrists depart and genuine believers endure? 4. Take time to examine yourself to see in which areas you need to grow, and ask the Lord for the grace to produce the fruits of the spirit more abundantly in your life. Identify one practical way that you can grow in love and live in unity with fellow believers this week.

Day Five

Read 1 John 2:18–27, focusing on verses 26–27; The Discernment of the Genuine Believer 1. In verse 26, what reason does John give for writing this letter? 2. What is the main point of verse 27? a. How does John 16:7–15 deepen your understanding about the teaching of the Holy Spirit? b. From 1 Corinthians 2:12–14 and Colossians 2:8, how does the knowledge from the Holy Spirit differ from the wisdom of the world? 3. Do you think verse 27 is advocating that pastors and teachers are unnecessary and that the Bible and prayer are all that a Christian needs? Support your answer with Scripture. 4. Remembering what this text teaches about the importance of abiding, what is emphasized again in verse 27? How does that comfort you? 5. In your own words, write a one or two sentence summary of 1 John 2:17–28.