The Holy Spirit teaches us

Context, Context, Context!!!

1 John 2:26-27 is in the context of warning us about false teachers.  We know that context is the most important thing when it comes to studying the Bible apart from the discernment and understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit.  In Bible Study principles "context is king".  For instance, if you were to take my statement "context is King" out of context, to make it say whatever you wanted it to say, you would say the Bible says "Jesus is King".  But the context of what I am saying is about how to study your Bible.  So the principle "context is king" means that it is the most important of the Bible study principles.

Another example:  "I love this dog".  What does that mean?  You have no idea.  You have no context.  Am I speaking of a "ball park frank" at a cubs game with mustard on it made out of meat, or am I speaking of a furry four legged creature?  Again, you MUST understand the context to understand what a writer or author is talking about.  That is also true of scripture.  That is why God gave us context.

There are many religious groups out there that teach only the "church" or the bishops or priests or pope can accurately explain the truth.  This comes from taking verses out of context.  Whenever we come upon something like this, we need to run to scripture and test that teaching with the word of God. In Fact, that is what God commands us to do!!!  Paul even commands us to test his words against scripture. (Gal 1:8 - the context is preaching a false gospel)  Jesus called Peter "satan" and Peter denied Christ 3 times at the most important turning point in all of history.  Don't rely on men!  That is why God said, "I will build this church".  Not on the value of Peter, whom he called "satan", but on the will, good pleasure and sovereignty of God.

So let's examine this text.

1 John 2:26 - This further clarifies the context of what John is saying.
   "These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you."

John tells us in verse 26 exactly why he is writing.  There are false teachers who are trying to deceive the  believers.

1 John 2:27
   "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."

John then explains to them that the Holy Spirit teaches men the truth.  We do not have to rely soley on  popes or bishops or priests for truth.  That would fully contradict these verses.  We know when men contradict scripture, we obey God rather than men.

How do we know John is talking about the Holy Spirit?  Good question.  Look at the context.  1.  John says "the anointing...abides in you"  We know that believers are a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 6:19)  2.  2:20-21 - The Holy One is Christ (Acts 3:14) - the anointing the Holy One gives is the Holy Spirit.  It can only be God the Father, Son or Holy Spirit.  No one else comes to live inside of us.  John 14:26 (also written by the Apostle John so the people would be familiar with his writing) explicitly states the Holy Spirit "will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you".  Notice, the Holy Spirit will teach us scripture, not new doctrines.

I hope what you have taken from this short study, is:
1.  The Holy Spirit is our teacher
2.  Anyone who says people can't know the truth apart from their own teaching is in disagreement with Holy Scripture.
3.  Context is king, when it comes to studying the Bible, or any literature.  Without it, you will be following error and fighting against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will one day judge the living and the dead.

I pray you read the Bible, in it's context.  Seek to understand what it means, not what you want it to say. In that, you will stay away from error just as the Apostle John and God want you to.

Dave