What You Have Heard ~
January 7, 2007 AM
Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church
Never forget to take into account what you already have!
1 John 2:24-27
How do we overcome false teaching?
Here’s the Plan
1. Stay with what you heard from the beginning. - verse 24
1 John 2:20-22
What? That Jesus is the Divine Christ.
To know God the Father you have to know the Son.
Don’t let anyone water down that message.
They may say things like this:
Jesus was a good teacher.
He was a good example to pattern your life after.
He is one of many ways to know God.
Is a good teacher one who lies?
John 14:6
He left no room for other ways; He claimed to be the only way.
2. Know there are those who are trying to deceive you. -verse 26
Some may ask, “Why are Christians so narrow-minded when it comes to Jesus’ claim to be the only way?”
If we reject one thing He said, we put all else into question.
If … then…
Jesus told us many other things:
Love God above all
Love others
Stay out of sin
Keep His commands
Don’t fall in love with the world’s goods
One lie leads to another.
3. Live deeply in what you were taught. -verse 27
Put into practice what you know!
Those who learn must do.
John goes on to tell us what we are to do:
Keep His commands - 2:3-4; 3:23-24; 5:2-3
Practice righteousness - 2:29
Stop sinning - 3:6, 8, 9; 5:16, 18
Practice real love - 3:18
Verse 29 - … all who practice righteousness are God’s true children. –The Messge