Book #:#: 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.
The readers did not need teaching from the antichrists or, for that matter, from anyone. Their anointing… received from God, remains in them and was a sufficient Teacher. This, along with verses 12–14, may imply that John’s readers were relatively spiritually mature, since the immature need human teachers. This is appropriate if John were addressing church leaders, but it would also suit a congregation that had long been in the faith. Unlike the antichrists, who may have claimed some form of inspiration, the readers’ anointing was real, not counterfeit. They needed to remain (“abide”) in Him (the pronoun can refer to the anointing) and rely fully on His continuing instruction. 1
Loving Him
If we have His Word, and if we have His anointing, and if we have His abiding presence, and if we have Him as our teacher, and if He always leads us in truth…then why do we so rarely take a generous amount of time to read His Word and fellowship with Him? Perhaps we need to make new priorities for a new year. May His priorities become our priorities, starting today.
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13
Loving Others
The Holy Spirit opens our heart to receive His Word with joy, and to understand the truth it reveals. – TWEET IT
Changing Me
Lord, thank You for Your anointing upon Your Word and upon Your followers.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
