The Dude Abides

May12

Read 1 John 2:18-29 (Part2)

Abide

“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” (v.20)

If you are a Christian, whether you realize it or not, the words above are TRUE OF YOU. You have been anointed by the “Holy One”. Christ is the “Holy One” of God. (We know this from Mark 1:24 when a fallen angel say of Jesus “I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”) Jesus has anointed you therefore you have “knowledge” that has been given to you by Christ. This means that you know “the truth”. John says as much to the church: “I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because YOU KNOW IT , and because no lie is of the truth.” The answers we seek can be found in the indwelling presence of God, through the ones we have been anointed by and with. The truth of God is within us. How often do we ignore what we know to be true at a “gut level”?

We need to be reminded of the truth of our anointing and Christ -given knowledge on a regular basis. The life of God’s people is a life of leaning into dependance on this anointing. It is a life of abiding in the one who “abides in us”. (v. 23,24,27) To “abide” is to live in… to rest in… to remain in. This state of “abiding” is not just for “tough times” or times when we come to the end of ourselves. No, this state of abiding is where we are to live day in and day out. Why? Because the POWER we need to carry out the life God has called us to live is found in the Spirit of God within us. The anointing that we receive assures us of our salvation, and protects us from the accusations of Satan and deception from those seeking to deceive us. “And it is God who establishes us with (one another) in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Cor 1:21-22) “I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you.” (v.1 John 2:26,27) Do you see how confident John is in this “anointing”? The Holy Spirit will teach you what you need so that you are not deceived and led astray. The Holy Spirit poured over and dwelling in you though Christ “teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” (v.27)

When we live in this knowledge given to us, led by the Holy Spirit of God who dwells within us, we can have “confidence” that we are not wasting our lives but rather living in the purpose God has for us: “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” (v.28) There is to be no shame in Christ. Christ does not use shame to manipulate us. His desire is that we would live in the truth of his love, forgiveness, and empowerment. This will naturally flow in to our actions and words. “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (v.29) You see? It takes PRACTICE to live this way. This is a sign that we have been born of Christ, we practice righteousness.

This is a foundational teaching of Christian faith that has been somewhat lost in parts of the Church. It is somewhat “mystical”, but I prefer to call it BIBLICAL. The work of God implants knowledge and power in us that does not come from ourselves. EVERY Christian has received this knowledge and power. In the same way that Jesus in the anointed one of God, you are the anointed one of Jesus - who is God. Jesus was a perfect example of LISTENING to the voice of the Lord and being guided by the knowledge GIVEN to him. That is why Jesus tells us our lives could and should look just like his: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (cf. John 14:12) May we REST in this tooth today! May we turn our eyes inward - not to our own ideas and strength - but towards that knowledge and power being granted to us by The Holy Spirit. God’s presence made manifest in our lives through HIS work in us. The accuser is going to accuse… that is just what Satan does! You need not be crushed by the shame and accusation - find freedom in the knowledge and truth revealed to you of what Christ has done for you. Christ has made a way. Christ has paid your sin debt. Christ has conquered death. Christ has made you new. This is your “anointing”. This is where you live. Do not be deceived. Don’t get tricked. So often God’s people are told to look for answers on the outside instead of seeking the Holy Spirit who is within. Your word for today: ABIDE. Love you guys! - JDP