Another Look At Translation
November 10, 2009In Jesus’ name!
This morning we will take another look at how interpretation works for one who has been brought into the kingdom of the Son and is therefore sealed by the Holy Spirit. In reading chapter two of 1 John 2, it is very easy to wonder about ones relationship with God if the reading is done under the law or outside of faith. For instance, when John writes, “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands”, it can create doubt when the reader believes he or she is a sinner and has no shot at perfect obedience as the Lord has already commanded.
It is very difficult for the “average” Christian to maintain the object of life [faith] while at the same time being told that sin is consuming one’s life and while somehow knowing that it is up to the “sinner” to put a stop to it. The “sinner” remembers that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”, and believes this is his present condition. What a shame! These error filled teachings, in the minds of people sitting in the pews, will strike fear and cause further confusion and doubt as Satan works to overcome the truth. And that is the very problem that the apostle John is approaching in these letters.
Now notice what John said in this chapter that is meant to awaken the true believer to the knowledge of the truth.
1 John 2:26 – 27 26I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Let me repeat the words that should make the whole epistle clear. “I AM WRITING THESE THINGS TO YOU ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE TRYING TO LEAD YOU ASTRAY.”
We have talked to you before about such groups as the Judaizers who followed Paul and the other preachers of the truth in order to convince those who had become believers that the way to God was by way of the law. In John’s day, perhaps some twenty or thirty years beyond Paul, there were false teachers still attempting the same thing. Today, we in the church face the same tactic.
Understand that in these circumstances, neither Paul or John were speaking about other people or other religions. These men of God were speaking of people who masqueraded as believers. They were tares and goats, as identified by Jesus Himself. In this letter however, John identifies these people as “antichrists”. And he said, “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us.”
Certainly an understanding of God’s grace is imperative to the true believer. Example: John wrote, “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” Now the person who lives by faith knows that the command “must walk” is the only way that a person of faith can walk. The person of faith has no other choices. For the person of faith, God’s grace has overcome and therefore covers any sin.
