Dear Church family and friends,

Know that Gayla and I are praying for you by name. Our prayer is simple, may you continue to  “… grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) May the Lord use this short study to accomplish that in your life.

Years back we had a man who made a living at deceiving people here in our church. I was always amazed at how good he was at his sleight of hand tricks. He would say pick-a-card any card. I’d pick a card and wallah the very same card I had picked he would pick out of the whole deck of 52 cards. 

Gayla and I have been in ministry since 1976. We have experienced people claiming to be something they are not. But sometimes people don’t deceive with cards but deceive with lies. However, for me as a Christ follower and a pastor the worst kind of deception is spiritual deception, since people’s souls hang in the balance. I take it personally when false teachers are trying to deceive those under my shepherding.

For me this is one of the most hurtful things to experience. We’ve experienced it here at SVCC. For instance, young men who claimed to be called by God into ministry and who even served here on staff only to show who they really are later on and leave the ministry for their fleshly passions. We’ve had lay people serving alongside us, convincing us that they love God and are committed to Him only to find them involved in unthinkable acts. Probably the one that affects less people, but nonetheless is still a deceptive act is those who claim to be sold out for Christ only to walk away from Him.

I’m sure that John was thinking about situations like these when he wrote: (1 John 2:26-27) “²⁶ I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. ²⁷ But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.”

Ice Breaker: Share one incident that you bought into “hook line and sinker” only to realize that you had been deceived.

• As you read 1 John 2:26-27, what one thing stands out to you in these verses?

• What was the main purpose of John writing to the church?

• In context, what was John referring to when he said, “… those who are trying to deceive you?” Who is he referring to when he says, “… those …”? How are they trying to deceive you? How does this deception manifest itself today?

• Anointing in old terms is known as “unction”. Unction means an outward sign of the inward transforming and empowering work of the Holy Spirit.. Why is this “unction/anointing” so important? When did you receive this anointing? What is the evidence that you have been anointed?

• What does “abide in him” imply? How can you continually “abide” in the anointing?

• What does John mean by, “But as his anointing teaches you about everything and is true …”?

May the Lord be pleased with your desire and effort to grow closer to Him as you study His word! Gayla and I are praying you have a good rest of the week and look forward to seeing Sunday in worship service.