I’m going to be sharing my Bible Study notes on 1 John on my blog. I’m using the SOAP method which is to write out the Scripture, write one to two Observations, make Application, and then write a Prayer. Some days I may not share if it is too personal. I hope this is encouraging to you. And if you want to join in just go to http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/

I actually did this reading on Tuesday I’m just a bit late on posting.  I didn’t however do my devotions yesterday.    I’m hoping to get some time in today when the kiddos are asleep. We’ve been sick around our house so our schedule has gone out the window in favor of more rest.

1 John 2:20-23- “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you have all knowledge. 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.  Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?  This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.  No one who denies the Son has the Father, whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

Observation
Being anointed by the Holy One probably means being regenerated by the Holy Spirit according to the ESV Study Bible. This is the same anointed all believers have, not just them.  John once again confirms that he knows they are of the truth.

We also see a good way to pick out false teachers and gospels, if they deny the Father or the Son.  You must believe and confess the Son to have the Father.

Application
You can examine a ministry or religion by what they believe about Jesus.  Many organizations would have you think they believe in Jesus, but what Jesus?  The Jesus of the Bible who is fully God and fully man or a good teacher. Make sure to examine the things around you.  Practice discernment.

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and that we can examine the truth or falsehood of teachings or ministries by holding them up to the light of Your Word.  Help us to practice discernment more.  In Jesus name, Amen