1 John 2:18-29; Psalm 18:1-3

1 John 2:18-29
The last days are here. We don't know how long this age will last. Christians have been looking for Christ's return since He went back to heaven and promised to return again. Remember that God does not measure time as we do, but we know Jesus' second coming could be at any time. John warns us that in these last days, a great Antichrist will arise. We will learn more about this when we study Revelation. Many antichrists, or false teachers who pretend to be believers but whose purpose is to lure people away from the Lord, have already come. They have already led many away. vv. 18-19

John's warnings are serious, but they should not make us afraid. The verses that follow teach us that we have the Holy Spirit, and He assures us of the truth. He is our teacher when we study God's Word. He will show us the difference between truth and lies. vv. 20-21; vv. 26-27

"And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son doesn't have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also." vv. 22-23 We know immediately that someone is a false teacher if they do not believe the truth about Jesus Christ. We have seen in our study of the New Testament so far that Jesus is eternal; He is equal with the Father; He was present at creation; He was born of a virgin; He lived a sinless life; He was crucified in our place; He was buried; He rose from the dead; He returned to heaven; He is today seated at the right hand of the Father acting as a lawyer on our behalf; He will return at the time appointed by the Father. The Bible clearly teaches these truths and probably more. Anyone who denies the truth about Jesus Christ is an antichrist. v. 22

"So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father." v. 24 This fellowship is for this life and continues into eternity. v. 25

John again reminds us that the Holy Spirit lives with us. ...The Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true..." And so we can recognize anyone who may want to lead us astray. vv. 26-27

We are God's dear children because we have put our faith in His Son, Jesus. This relationship should lead to right living as evidence of our faith. When faith and obedience go together, we have fellowship with God. "And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame." v. 28

"Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God's children." v. 29 Remember that good deeds cannot produce salvation (see Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), but they are evidence that true faith is actually present.

Psalm 18:1-3
This is a long psalm of praise.  These first 3 verses are good ones to meditate on.

"I love you, Lord; you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
My God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies."