The truth in you

[you have been set apart, specially gifted and prepared by the Holy Spirit], and all of you know [the truth because He teaches us, illuminates our minds, and guards us from error].

 

1 John Background

• John was an apostle who knew Jesus personally
• He was writing about gentile congregations
• He wrote to Christians so that they wouldn’t lack confidence or lose faith
• John knew and could see what was going on in the lives of believers. He showed them that they have Christ in them

 

Personal example

Pastor Rufaro attended a traditional church for 13 years. She was a typical member: she taught Sunday school, participated in bible study, lead women’s lessons, and did many activities typically associated with church members. These activities eventually became a routine in her life, and caused her life to feel empty. She thought to herself “Is this really all Christianity is about?” She had grown up in and been nurtured by a Christian family. However, at this point in her life, when she left church, she couldn’t even remember what the pastor had said a few minutes ago. One day when she was driving, she realized that there is more to the Holy Spirit. She was however, scared of finding out more, fearing that she would be overwhelmed. Then, she began to attend women’s fellowship meetings. In these meetings she began to feel and experience the presence of the Lord, even though at that point she didn’t realise it. The Holy Spirit was illuminating her. Later, a friend of hers encouraged her to meet with Pastor Rachel, with whom she had a meeting. From then on, she began to ponder on attending Shepherd’s Place Ministries. She would first attend her traditional church, and then rush to Shepherd’s Place to hear the last part of the sermon with her kids. Finally, she completely switched to Shepherd’s Place, and hasn’t looked back since.

 

 

What does 1 John 2:20 mean?

• The truth, Holy Spirit and the anointing of the Holy Spirit is in us
• John was telling believers not to sin, because their sins have been paid for by Jesus Christ
• As Christians we should not participate in worldly activities, such as partying, idle talk, gossip, slander, etc.
• Often Christians find explanations, even though they don’t have peace from God. This is not the behaviour or business of a child of God
• The truth of Christ is in us, we know we should not be doing these things. Therefore, be mindful of the truth of Christ that is in us
• John assures believers of their capability. We should remain in the Lord’s righteousness because we are anointed by the Holy One

 

What is the anointing of the Holy Spirit (mentioned in 1 John 2:20)?

• Through Jesus Christ we are anointed and can perform miracles, heal, etc.
• Acts 10:38
• 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
• Jesus Christ was anointed by the Holy Spirit. We are also anointed by the same Holy Spirit, and we know the same truth.

 

2 Corinthians 1:21 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,

What does 2 Corinthians 1:21 mean?

• After anointing services or programmes we leave knowing that the Lord is working in our lives, this especially after a prophecy
• We feel very confident, however, the anointing we receive in these services and programmes is not momentary. This anointing should be felt all the time. The anointing comes with knowing the truth of Jesus Christ. No parent, teacher or pastor can teach you this truth
• Upon salvation, this truth is in us
• Innate behaviour – is genetically built in to an organism rather than learned. E.g. chicks open their mouths to be fed when they are born, even though their mother doesn’t teach them to. It is innate behaviour for them to open their mouths to be fed.
• The truth comes as innate behaviour once we have salvation.

 

What should we do with the truth in us?

• When one enters a place, and it doesn’t feel right, the Holy Spirit is telling you not to be there. Perhaps because you can’t glorify God there. There may also be another reason the Holy Spirit is prompting you. Often one is scared to offend others, and wants to follow the flow. The flow is the way of the world, we need to stand out as believers. One should run from situations such as this, and not make excuses
• We know everything that pertains to a Christian life because of the truth in us, it is innate

 

Psalm 45:7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

What does Psalm 45:7 mean?

• If we know the Lord we will walk the way Jesus walked
• If we behave as unbelievers we do not have the Lord in us
• Keep the commandments and His word, and the love of God will be perfected in us
• When we are of the world, we talk about ‘having fun’ – this is used as an excuse to sin. E.g. shady deals, fornication, adultery, cheating, drunkenness, lying, etc.
• When we are born again, our ‘fun’ is not the same as that for an unbeliever
• We can experience joy in behaving as a believer. We get joy from things such as pleasing God and serving Christ
• Enjoy life as a child of God, and enjoy what the Lord has given you
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Final learning points

• We need to harness the truth given to us. If not: we miss out on the joys and delights of a Christian life.
• When you know something is not right, stop
• As we approach thanksgiving, look at your life. Where do I see the Lord’s hand in my life? Don’t take it for granted, thank the Lord for revealing himself in your life. Even if at the time it seemed trivial, then it probably meant much more to you.
• The Lord planted the truth in us so that we can use it to glorify him, and it also benefits us. E.g. when Pastor Rufaro changed church, she began to grow in the presence of the Holy Spirit. She thanks the Holy Spirit for illuminating her
• Listen and take heed of what the Holy Spirit wants to do
• Do not be deceived by the devil

 

1 John 2:26-27 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As 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.