Vibrant Hope: Do Not Deny Jesus

Sunday 8/04/2024

1 John 2:22–25 (NIV) 22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist — denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us — eternal life.

Verse 22: This verse states that those who deny Jesus as the Christ are called liars and antichrists. This shows the importance of acknowledging Jesus’ divine nature and His role as the Messiah in the Christian faith.

Verse 23: This verse highlights the inseparable relationship between the Father and the Son. Denying Jesus also means denying God the Father. On the other hand, acknowledging Jesus confirms one’s relationship with God.

Verse 24: In this verse, John urges believers to hold firmly to the teachings they received from the beginning of their faith. By doing so, they will maintain their relationship with both the Son and the Father, which ensures their spiritual stability and growth.

Related scriptures to 1 John 2:22–23

John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Matthew 10:33: “But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

1 John 4:15: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”

2 John 1:7: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.”

Application of these verses in our lives today:

• Affirming Faith: We should affirm our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, recognizing His divine nature and His role in our salvation.
• Holding Fast to Truth: It is essential to remain rooted in the teachings of Scripture and not be swayed by false teachings or ideologies that deny Christ’s identity or His relationship with the Father.
• Confession and Witness: We are called to openly confess our faith in Christ to others, understanding that this confession is crucial for our relationship with God.
• Spiritual Growth: We should strive to let the teachings we received at the beginning of our faith dwell within us, allowing them to shape our actions and decisions.

Prayer points on these scriptures

1. Prayer for Understanding: Lord, please grant me a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and help me recognize any lies that contradict Your truth.
2. Prayer for Boldness: Father, give me the boldness to confess my faith in Jesus Christ before others and to stand firm against any denial of His divinity.
3. Prayer for Wisdom: Holy Spirit, please guide me in discerning truth from falsehood and keep me anchored in Your Word.
4. Prayer for Abiding Presence: Lord, may what I have learned from You abide in my heart so that I may remain in fellowship with You and grow in my faith.
5. Prayer for Protection Against Deception: Heavenly Father, protect me from false teachings, and help me to be vigilant in my faith, always seeking Your truth.

By Pastor AK Mannah