From the Pen of Paul: Watch for Antichrists (2)
In our first installment under this heading, we noted John's warning for his readers to watch for and beware of the antichrists (I John 2:18-27). We also noted that the term “antichrist” refers to one who puts himself in the place of Christ, or one who stands opposed to Christ. Of these “antichrists” that John said were already present when he wrote, we asked three questions. One of these we discussed in our first installment, namely, ”Who were these antichrists?” As we continue we will look at the other two questions.
Question #2: “How were the Christians, to whom John wrote these words, to avoid the antichrists?” In giving them instruction, John reminded them of their “unction” or “anointing:” “But ye have an unction (margin reads “anointing”) from the Holy One, and ye know all things” (I John 2:20). Notice that this “anointing from the Holy One” made it possible for them to “know all things.” And it also made it possible for them to “need not that any man should teach you” (I John 2:27). I understand this to be referring to the miraculous gifts of the Spirit which in New Testament times served as a provider of both revelation and confirmation of the truth for the early church. So, they could have identified the “antichrists” without John's help. However, even though they had this “anointing,” they still had to be encouraged to continue in what they had learned (I John 2:24-25).
Having the gifts of the Spirit did not keep them from sinning, or of being misled (I John 2:26). Any interpretation of a scripture that removes the free moral agency of man (or the right to choose) is a misinterpretation. God, from Adam and Eve onward, has always extended to man this opportunity. Only by continuing to take heed to what they heard and learned from the Spirit would they be able to continue to abide in the Son and in the Father, and receive the promise of eternal life.
Question #3: “How can we avoid being misled by antichrists today?” We certainly do not have the “anointing” like those to whom John addressed these remarks, even though many today do misapply this verse to teach that we can have this same “anointing” from God. But if we did have this “anointing,” we would not need Scripture, and only the self-deceived would make such a claim.
However, we have something just as good! We have the Word of God, which is the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17). We have the “faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). We have the inspired Scriptures as an objective standard by which we can know the truth, and avoid being misled by subjective feelings that can be mistaken for some prompting of the Spirit. We have “that which is perfect” (I Cor. 13:10-13). And we have “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). But, just like John's readers, we need to be encouraged to continue in what we have learned from the Spirit-inspired Word.
Having the Word does not assure us that we will not be misled just as John's readers having the “anointing” did not assure them that they could not be misled by seducers (I John 2:26). Unless we are willing to put forth the effort to study and apply the word, we are open to deceptions by modern-day antichrists (II Tim. 2:15; I Pet. 2:1-2). This is the reason we constantly urge personal Bible study as well as Bible classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings.
In conclusion, let us note again that just as in John's day, “antichrists” are a very real threat for us today. While there may not be many who claim to be Christians that deny that Jesus is the Christ or that He came in the flesh....there are still many who reject the authority of the Scriptures, demonstrated by the way they disregard and disobey them. The solution then, and now remains the same: “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son and in the Father” (I John 2:24). And in order to encourage and exhort us to give heed to this important warning of John, we need to remember what he said about the significance of the presence of the “antichrists”....”whereby we know that it is the last time” (I John 2:18). John was well aware that in the scheme of God's redemptive plan Jesus could return at any time. The fact that it has been almost 2,000 years since John penned these words does not take away their truthfulness...because chronological time is meaningless to God (II Pet. 3:8-9). We are living in the “last time,” and Christ may come in judgment at any moment! Are you ready for His coming? (Matt. 24:36-44).
—Paul M. Wilmoth
From the Preacher’s Viewpoint. . .
“I have trouble controlling my tongue. Please mention some things that will help along this line.”
It is a known fact that almost all people have trouble controlling their tongue. It is hard to know at times when to speak and what to speak. God tells us that there is a time to speak and a time to remain silent (Ecc. 3:7). Sometimes we speak when we should be silent and sometimes we remain silent when we should speak.
God demands that all of us learn to control our tongue. If we do not learn to do so, then our religion is vain, or no good (James 1:26). Many have and continue to cancel out their religion because they have never learned to bring their tongue into submission.
Some people’s tongues run all the time. They continue to put out malicious gossip. Some people cut others to the heart with what they say and seem not to care at all. Others talk filthy, cuss, and take the name of God in vain, tell filthy jokes, etc. These things should not be (James 3:9-10).
All of us should remember that just as God sees all things, He hears all things. What we say is very important. It is so important that we will give an account in the Day of Judgment for what we have spoken (Matt. 12:36-37).
What can people do that would help them to control their tongues? First, they should ask God to help them with this shortcoming. In all weaknesses we need divine help and therefore we should pray. Some folks’ weakness is their tongue and so they should pray that God would strengthen and help them to say right things.
Second, we should always learn to keep our cool. I realize there is a place for righteous indignation, but let us make sure that it is righteous indignation and not a quick storm of anger over nothing! When we are quick to anger we not only say things we should not, but we often do things we should not. He who can control his spirit has accomplished a great thing (Prov. 16:32).
Third, we should think carefully before we speak. It is often the case that we speak and then we think. Our words should always be with grace seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6). If we would stop and think about what we are about to say, many of the things said would go unsaid. Learn to think before you speak. Some people seem to glory in the fact that they say what they think. There is no glory to this if what we say is inappropriate and unsuitable.
We should all remember that words once spoken can never be recovered. We might try to correct but they have already been said. There are two passages I want to leave with you. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Prov. 25:11), and “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1).
—Malcolm L. Hill