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.
(1 John 2:26-27 NIV)

John continues on with his encouragement of Christ followers, and the admonition against the false teachers that would lead us away from Christ.  By way of context, remember that John is in his second round of doctrinal teaching.  This second doctrinal discourse begins in chapter 2 verse 18 and ends here in verse 27.

John has stated his purpose clearly in verse 26, reminding us that there are many who would lead us away from Christ.

John reminds us that we are not merely following a set of “rules” established by humans.  Instead, we are following God, and we have God living in us through the anointing (indwelling) of His Holy Spirit to instruct us and guide us.

John goes on to remind us that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not just a counterfeit “feeling”, but is real and is at work in our daily events and choices.

John knows the difference that Christ makes in our lives as we follow Him.  God’s presence among His followers is the single differentiating factor from all other belief systems and religions.

Even Moses recognized this difference as he led the Israelites.  If you recall the story in Exodus 32, the Israelites have sinned against God by constructing a golden calf to worship.  In Exodus 33, God calls out their sin but still remembers His promise to the Israelites to give them the Promised Land.

God said, “you can go into the Promised Land, but I will not go with you.”

Listen to Moses’ reply:

¹⁵ Then Moses said to him [God], “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. ¹⁶ How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
(Exodus 33:15-16 NIV, bracketed text and underlines mine)

Dear friends, Moses and John both recognized the life-transforming power of God with us.  May we experience first-hand Christ living in us and through us.  As John reminds us today, let nothing and no one sway us from following Jesus.  Remain steadfast in Him.

Blessings,
~kevin