1 John 2:26
John Gill's sermon on 1 John 2:26 emphasizes the need for discernment among believers to avoid deception by false teachers.
John Gill emphasizes the apostle's warning to the 'little children' about the dangers posed by antichrists and deceivers who seek to seduce them away from the truth. He explains that while believers may face challenges and doubts from false teachers, they cannot be ultimately deceived due to their election by God. Gill highlights the importance of recognizing and avoiding those who deny Christ and fail to acknowledge the Father and the Son, portraying the apostle as a caring father and vigilant shepherd guiding his flock.
Text
Ver. 26. These [things] have I written unto you,.... The little children, who were most likely to be imposed upon by antichrists and deceivers:
concerning them that seduce you.
The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render it, "for them that seduce you"; not that they were actually seduced and carried away with the error of the wicked; for though God's elect may be staggered and waver, and be tossed to and fro by false teachers, and their doctrines, yet they cannot be totally and finally deceived: but the sense is, these men endeavoured to seduce them: they lay in wait to deceive, and attempted to deceive them, by walking in craftiness, and handling the word of God deceitfully; and therefore that they might be known, and so shunned and avoided, the apostle points them out, and shows who they are; that they are such who deny that Jesus is the Christ, and do not own neither the Father nor the Son; in doing which he acted the part of a tender Father, a faithful shepherd, and a careful monitor.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the letter's purpose - 'Addressing the audience: little children' - Importance of discernment
- II points: - Identifying the seducers - Characteristics of false teachers - The danger of deception
- III points: - The assurance of God's elect - The role of the Apostle as a shepherd - Encouragement to remain steadfast
- IV points: - The importance of knowing Christ - The relationship between the Father and the Son - Final exhortation to the faithful
Key Quotes
“These [things] have I written unto you,.... The little children, who were most likely to be imposed upon by antichrists and deceivers.” — John Gill
“They lay in wait to deceive, and attempted to deceive them, by walking in craftiness, and handling the word of God deceitfully.” — John Gill
“He acted the part of a tender Father, a faithful shepherd, and a careful monitor.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Stay vigilant against teachings that contradict the core tenets of faith.
- Seek to deepen your relationship with Christ to strengthen your discernment.
- Encourage others in the faith to remain steadfast and aware of potential deceptions.