Eternity is the Promise

1 John 2:25-29

Summary: In 1 John 2:25-29, the Apostle John emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ to receive eternal life. He reassures believers of their anointing and the truth that they possess, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith in light of the promises of God.

Application: This passage helps Christians cultivate a deep sense of security and confidence in their faith amidst doubts or external challenges. By understanding their identity in Christ and the assurance of eternal life, they can navigate struggles with hope and conviction.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that every believer has a personal relationship with Christ and, through His anointing, possesses the truth that leads to eternal life. It will also emphasize the importance of living in obedience to Christ's commands as evidence of that relationship.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate source of truth and life, fulfilling the promise of eternal security for those who abide in Him. Throughout Scripture, Christ is depicted as the anointed One who empowers believers to stand firm in their faith.

Big Idea: Our assurance of eternal life is anchored in our abiding relationship with Christ, cultivated by His truth and promises.

To Begin

I want to first clarify a term being used in this text that we dare not misunderstand.

“Anointing” - What is it?

Strong’s Definition: chrisma - khris’-mah - G5545- an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment (“chrism”) of the Holy Spirit:—anointing, unction.

Biblical Usage: anything smeared on, unguent, ointment, usually prepared by the Hebrews from oil and aromatic herbs. Anointing was the inaugural ceremony for priests.

In this case the “anointing” is teaching us all things.

Does this sound familiar? John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”

This “anointing” then is not a thing, not merely a power or superpower, but this “anointing” is in fact the Holy Spirit Himself. The Third member of the Trinity, the Godhead and it is He that is teaching us.

It is the Holy Spirit that

Teaches us: John 14:26, 16:13,

Seals us in Christ: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 1:13-14.

Helps us in our weakness: Romans 8:26-27.

Produces fruit in the believer: Galatians 5:22-23.

Gives spiritual gifts to the Church: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

Empowers the individual/the church’s witness: Acts 1:8.

Transforms the Believer 2 Corinthians 3:17–18.

Fills believers with hope and peace: Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Here in this section of 1 John he teaches the believer and remains in them: 1 John 2:27 “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, his anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in him.”

Paul would be appropriate to quote here.

Philippians 3:3 “For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh—”

And here indeed is where John wants your confidence placed in God, in the “anointing”, the Holy Spirit given by God and by Christ. ( John 14:26, 15:26)

This anointing we have been given from the Holy One

Verse 25

What promise has God made? Eternal Life!!!

John 3:16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

John 5:24 ““Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.”

John 6:39–40 “This is the will of him who sent me: that I should lose none of those he has given me but should raise them up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.””

John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.”

John 11:25–26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?””

What can take this away from you?

Who is it stronger than Christ?

Who is stronger than the Father?

Who is stronger than the Spirit?

Who can overcome God?

He says none can snatch them from my hand John 10:28, none can snatch them from my Father’s hand John 10:29, can any snatch them from the Holy Spirit’s hand? He is no less God, no less powerful, no less mighty, no less able!

No the Message is Eternal Life!!!

You can be sure that your trust and faith in Christ are anchored on solid ground, built on a foundation that cannot be moved.

Verse 26

See the purpose of his writing?

Because there are some trying to deceive them.

How were they trying to deceive them?

Denying Christ’s Deity

Denying him being the Messiah.

Later they will deny that Jesus came in the flesh.

We spoke at length about these anti-christ false believers and their behavior last week.

The message?

Don’t be deceived by them!

Trust the Holy Spirit, the “anointing” that you have received from God.

Verse 28

Abide in Him so that you can have confidence unto the end.

That you can be unashamed at Christ’s coming.

Verse 29

He is righteous and those born of Him also practice righteousness.

Application

1. Anchor Your Assurance in Christ Believers should reflect on their confidence in the promise of eternal life. This assurance is not rooted in human effort but in Christ's faithfulness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit (John 10:28-29). Practical step: Take time this week to meditate on scriptures about eternal security, like John 3:16 and Romans 8:38-39, and allow them to fortify your faith.

2. Rely on the Holy Spirit for Guidance We must emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit as the anointing that teaches and empowers believers. Seek the Spirit's leading daily, especially when confronted by doubts, deception, or life's challenges (John 14:26). Practical step: Begin or end each day with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

3. Live Righteously as Evidence of Abiding Remember a life of righteousness is the natural result of abiding in Christ (1 John 2:29). Examine your actions and attitudes, ensuring they reflect your identity as children of God. Practical step: Identify one area in your life where you can actively practice righteousness—whether in relationships, work, or personal habits—and commit to it this week.