Grace and peace on your Thursday Dear Hearts ❤️

Today I stumbled upon a quote from George Müller, Christian Evangelist and missionary, who lived from 1805 to 1898. His words resound to us in this season.

John, the Beloved Apostle, wrote to the first century church:

“about those who would deceive you; the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.”

1 John 2:26-28 (RSV)

Modern translations bring these words to us in twenty-first century language.

❤️ Read 1 John 2:26-28 The Passion Translation (TPT)

²⁶ I’ve written these things about those who are attempting to lead you astray. ²⁷ But the wonderful anointing you have received from God^[a] is so much greater than their deception and now lives in you. There’s no need for anyone to keep teaching you.^[b] His anointing teaches you all that you need to know, for it will lead you into truth, not a counterfeit. So just as the anointing has taught you, remain in him.^[c]

²⁸ And now, dear children, remain in him, so that when he is revealed we may have joyful confidence and not be ashamed when we stand before him at his appearing.^[d]

Footnotes:

1. 2:27 Although absent in the Greek, the words “from God” are found in the Aramaic manuscripts. It is clear from the context that the “anointing” is the Holy Spirit poured into us, bringing life, illumination, wisdom, fruit, and power from the indwelling life of Christ.
2. 2:27 Or “There is no need for anyone to keep teaching you his opinions [deceptions].” John is not telling them not to continue to be taught the Word of God, for God has placed teachers in the church to instruct us and equip us and bring us into the fullness of Christ (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11; Heb. 13:7, 17). John’s warning concerns those who lead us astray by the false doctrines of men. The bride of Christ will always need Holy Spirit-filled teachers who illuminate us in the ways of Christ.
3. 2:27 The Greek can be translated “remain in it” (the anointing).
4. 2:28 See also Luke 16:3; 2 Cor. 10:8; Phil. 1:20; 1 Peter 4:16.

❤️ And The Message (MSG)

^26-27 I’ve written to warn you about those who are trying to deceive you. But they’re no match for what is embedded deeply within you—Christ’s anointing, no less! You don’t need any of their so-called teaching. Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught. ²⁸ And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives.

I pray we may all “live deeply in Christ” today and always.