Scripture:
I John 2:24-27 NKJV
[24] Therefore, let that abide in you, which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. [25] And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. [26] These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. [27] 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.
Observation:
If you’re looking to spend a little time reading the bible and you’re not sure where to dive in. The letter of 1st John might be for you. It’s a short read and won’t take long to buzz through it. Not to mention, it is stuffed full of reassurance and helps to identify false teachers. John wrote the letter from Ephesus to encourage true believers in their faith and make sure that they did not get deceived. We picked up the scripture this morning in 1st John Chapter 2 and Verse 24, where John is guiding his readers to stick tightly to the word of GOD. We have looked at the word abide in the past, but I believe it’s important to take a look at it again. Although it kind of defines it’s self I just feel like understanding what is being said is important. The word means to remain, continue, or dwell in. It usually refers to a relationship. So, what is being said in verse 24 is to build a relationship with GOD’S word and let it dwell in you richly. Let’s go back to a SOAP I wrote a few days ago where we looked at the gospel of John, the first chapter, and the first few verses. What was explained is that Jesus Christ is the living word of GOD. So honestly, what is being said is abide or build a relationship with and stick to the living word of GOD. In doing so, you will abide or continue in a relationship with the son of GOD and, in fact, GOD HIMSELF. HE is the promise keeper, and HIS promise is eternal life. Now, looking at verse 26, we can see the importance of building this relationship. GOD has given us HIS Holy Word in print so that we will not be deceived. But here is the deal if we never pick it up, we will be easily led in the wrong direction. The instructions in 1st John Chapter 2 verses 24 through 27 are simple. Build a relationship with your Bible. Verse 27 explains what will happen when you do that. So what we know is that Jesus is the word of GOD in the flesh, and because that is true, we also know that Jesus is found in the pages of the bible. So when we build a relationship with our bible. We technically build a relationship with Jesus and receive in turn an anointing. So let’s look at that word for a minute. An anointing means something similar to sanctification it’s being set apart. It usually has to do with consecration, which means to purify and set apart for the work of GOD. In the old Testament, this was done with an oil that would be poured over someone’s head. To signify that they have been chosen by the Father for a specific purpose. The anointing that comes from a relationship with Jesus continues in the relationship built with GOD’S word. As it teaches you to remain in HIM and in HIS presence.
Application:
Can I tell you something. The relationship I have with GOD’S word has been developed over a lifetime, and I didn’t even realize it. My introduction to the bible was no mistake. My dad, who was an alcoholic and drug addict word, sent me and my brother and sister off to church as children so that him and mom could do whatever until we got back. He was just looking for a baby sister for a few hours. Without knowing it, he placed me in my real father’s love. I didn’t start reading it at that point it wasn’t tell many years later when my back was against the wall when I picked up GOD’S word and found out that HE had a plan for me and it took even longer to want to build a relationship and abide in HIM. But honestly, at this point, I can’t see life any other way. Through a relationship with Christ that started about 14 years ago. I have fallen in love with GOD’S word. Now, over that 14-year period, what I have found is the tighter I stick to GOD’S word the more able I am to hold to HIS principals. Not that I have obtained perfection. But I press on daily to the upward call of GOD. Today, I can honestly say there is not a day that goes by that the bible is not a part of my life. I continue in it. I continue to read it and build a relationship with it, knowing it intimately. Staying into meditating on it, allowing it to shape me. I have to say this because I believe it’s important for you to hear. You have to set aside time to do the very same thing. Build a relationship with your Bible. I know that sounds strange. But it’s true. Your bible is where GOD can shape you. It’s where HE teaches you. It’s where HE anoits you and sets you apart for HIS work that has been chosen specifically for you before time ever began. That’s where your relationship with HIM is developed and grown into a firy passion that can not be extinguished. Something that you have to know is that there are those who will try to deceive you they may know, and they may not know that they are doing so, but if you have an honest relationship with your Bible the living word of GOD it will be hard to do. Listen, I myself do not want to be decived. So I go to the source of truth, and my point to starting this SOAP group is not so that you will take my word for it. I want you to build a relationship with Jesus through GOD’S word. I started reading the bible because I don’t trust man… but I know that I can trust GOD. HIS word is all truth, and it will not misled me or lie to me. Fall in love with the Bible and let the anointing change your life. Trust what HE says… HE is the very source of life. HIS plan for you is good. Submit and surrender. Tuck tightly under HIS wings and see what HE does with the ashes of your life.
Prayer:
Father, here we are. We need you more than anything. Help us to just fall in love with your word. Let se clearly see the truth in it. We know that you are more than enough and that you have given us your word so that we can stay in step with your Holy Spirit… the teacher and counselor. Help us to not only have a desire to know you more but also to read and understand what your plan is for us. We want to seek your face to see your true character. To know and fallow your heart for us. Shape us to be more like your son. Give us a love for our neighbors that can be seen in our actions as we love the least of these. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen