Bible Studies for Life for June 21: Grounded in truth

Back in 1993, the name David Koresh made headlines. Koresh was the leader of a Branch Davidian religious sect, who had a compound just outside of Waco, called Mount Carmel. Authorities attempted to raid the compound because of allegations that Koresh was practicing polygamy and children were being abused on the compound.

A 51-day standoff between Koresh and federal authorities ended when the compound was set on fire and burned to the ground. Koresh died in the fire along with 54 adults and 21 children.

During the siege, Koresh negotiated with authorities, which allowed some of his teachings to be broadcast by KRLD radio in Dallas. He preached the message of his own “Christhood” proclaiming to be “the Son of God.” The world is filled with people who claim to speak for God. How can the listener discern what is truth and what is not?

The word of God, with the Spirit of God, are tools God has given to help believers discern truth. Last week’s lesson focused on tests of obedience and love by which people can judge if they possess salvation. This lesson from 1 John continues that theme by focusing on the test of doctrine.

The truth (1 John 2:18-23)

False teachers who claim to speak a divine word should not come as a surprise to believers because the word of God has warned us that this would happen. “Dear children, this the last hour; and as you have that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrist have come. This is how we know it is the last hour” (1 John 2:18).

The term “antichrist” literally means “against Christ.” Anyone who talks against Christ can be called an “antichrist.” “Antichrist” can also mean “one who substitutes himself for Christ.” Koresh can be called an antichrist because he substituted himself for Christ.

John wrote as if Jesus would return in his lifetime. In Revelation, the beloved disciple of Jesus foretells that just before the world ends, one great antichrist will come. For John, “last hour” expresses his joyful desire in his heart for Christ’s return. Believers today should have this same hope that Christ will return in our lifetime because all will be made right when he returns.

How do we keep ourselves from following a false teacher? Believers must test the teacher by comparing what they say with the truth found in the word of God, the Bible. Believers “have an anointing from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20) to help them know the truth. The anointing is reference to the fact that believers in Christ have received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit communicates truth to us as we read the Bible.

Apparently, John is pointing out in verse 22 that the Gnostics could be identified as antichrists. “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist- he denies the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22).  The Gnostics were claiming faith in God but denying and opposing Christ. That is impossible to do because Jesus is God’s Son.

False teachers should not scare believers because we have the truth of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to put them to the test and reveal that they are wrong.

The whole truth (1 John 2:24-27)

Do Christians have the necessary tools to ward off false teachers?
Yes, we do. Believers must study the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to communicate the truth found only in God’s personal word to us.

The heresy by the Gnostics was causing some believers to doubt the truth. John reminds them, “See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24).

Verse 24 is reminder about the gospel they had heard and believed in. They should not abandon the basic truths about Christ. Jesus will always be God’s Son. The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins is permanent.  Any teaching that goes against this truth is not to be followed.

When you hear someone say, “I have a new teaching of truth that you must hear”, a red flag should go up. The seeking of “new” religious truth is not necessary. God has provided all the truth we need in Scripture.

Christians can recognize false teaching by studying the word of God and asking the Holy Spirit’s help in understanding Scripture. The Holy Spirit’s role is to teach “you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit- just as it has taught you, remain in him” (1 John 2:27). Christians have the Holy Spirit within them to keep them from going astray by false teaching.

Nothing but the truth (1 John 4:1-6)

John writes, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). We should not be gullible to every speaker who says “I have been inspired by God to tell you this.” There are many ways to test the message.

When you encounter unfamiliar teachers or religious movements, put them to the test by finding the answers to these questions:

• Does the teaching match with the words found in the Bible?  

• What is the source for the movement’s authority for doctrine and practice?

• Do members rely on the Bible alone, or add some other books that supersede the Bible’s authority?

• How do members explain the way of salvation? Do its leaders affirm salvation by grace through Christ alone?

The crucial test according to John is what they believe about Jesus. Do they teach that Jesus is fully God and fully man? “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2).

I like the practice today I see on many church’s websites who have a page titled “What We Believe.” This doctrinal statement is a good self-test to determine if the church is grounded in the truth.

Believers can be assured that if they are grounded in the truth they will remain in the truth. By testing religious teachings with the word of God and the Holy Spirit’s help, believers can always discern the truth.