The Spirit of AntiChrist

1 John 2:18–27 “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

Jesus speaking of The End

Matthew 24:4–5 “And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.”

Correlation between Apostasy and antiChrist 19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

chrisma- outpouring. you are filled and you are covered John 14:16

Oida- familiarity. they have been briefed.

21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Marks of antiChrist spirit

22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

Cults consistently attack one particular facet of Christian belief- the identity of Jesus.

Mormon- spirit brother of Satan

JW’s- incarnation of Michael the archangel

Iglesia Ni Christo- Son of God but not God himself

New Age/New Thought- enlightened guru. Embodiment of Christ-consciousness (you too)

what should our response be?

24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Anointing- the indwelling and outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Troubled: chasing the arcane (intro to gnosticism) Fear: maybe we are missing out?

we are not called to the pursuit of the un-knowable, but rather Christ. ABIDE

Love God, love people (1st and 2nd great commandments)

We must enlist the power of the presence of God to recognize and avoid aberrant and heretical teaching.

The Spirit will guide and teach those who are willing .

John 14:25–27 “25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Chasing Mysteries

Why do we chase after mysteries?

avoiding the obvious convictions of God’s Word

Avoiding the process of sanctification

knowledge as a power play

running from God

How Then Shall We Live

Abide in the love of Jesus- John 15:9-10

John 15:9–10 ESV

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

Be Transformed

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.