Episode Details

Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.

In Lesson 55 we are going to study the first part of 1 John 2:21.

Let’s read this part of the verse.

1 John 2:21 I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it…

Now, let’s go over the definitions of the words.

I have not written to you (1125. graphó) (4771. su) means to express in written characters or to inscribe. This is directed toward the reader of this letter.

Because you lack knowledge (3754. hoti) (1492. eidó) (3756. ou, ouk, ouch) (225. alétheia) means since or because you absolutely do not have the divine truth revealed to man.

In other words, John was writing to the reader to let them know that he was not writing because they lacked knowledge or God’s revealed truth.

John was addressing believers who were being influenced by false teachers. These false teachers claimed to have 'special knowledge' that granted salvation and were known as the Gnostics. John assured his readers that they already had the truth through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

This is a reminder to stay grounded in the truths that you already know. As believers we know the truth because God has planted the truth in our hearts.

In this day and age, there are many false teachers and antichrists promising special knowledge or a new truth.

Be encouraged—God has already given you the truth you need for salvation and a relationship with Him.

In Colossians 2:8, we are warned to be careful not to be taken captive by philosophy and empty deception. There are false ideas that can lead us away from the truth. As we saw in 1 John 2:21, there is no need for additional or secret teachings.

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

In John 8:30-32, Jesus teaches that if you hold to His word, you will find freedom from sin and deception. False teachers are trying to pull you away from this freedom and away from Jesus. But if you continue in His Word, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:30-32 As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. 31 So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:6, we read that God brings light into our hearts and removes spiritual darkness. The light is th