2022 - YEAR OF GREAT ADVANCEMENT

Advancing In The Midst Of Adversity

Scripture: 1 John 2:24-29

The difficulties and trials associated with our modern day are reaching new levels of intensity. The majority is not interested in the Word of God.

Though difficult as it may be, we remain obligated to serve the Lord and reach others. We can advance for Christ.

Consider the great challenges. John warned the spirit of antichrist was already among us, seeking to undermine the church and hinder her ministry. John reminds us that we are living in the last time, a time where society and humanity are not receptive to the Lord or supportive of the church.

This last time in which we live can be a daunting hour. We face increased opposition from the adversary through the world around us.

The influence of the church has waned from what we used to enjoy. Sceptics and critics abound. It can be an overwhelming task if we approach it solely within our own strength and ability. John knew that, and he understood many would be tempted to drop out of the race or abandon the fight. He knew we all face a difficult struggle, but he was confident of our ability to overcome as well. He knew the Lord was greater than any opposition we faced and that He was more than able to equip us to endure.

Hindrances will remain, but we do not have to give in to defeat. We are more than conquerors through Christ. Knowing we are enabled of the Lord, let’s consider the attributes we are to possess in Him as we think on: Advancing in the Midst of Adversity.

I. The Steadfastness of Believers (24-25) – Many had dropped out, abandoning their faith, refusing to remain committed unto the Lord.

John knew if we were to advance for the Lord, we must remain in the fight. This isn’t easy, but it is certainly possible.

Consider:

A. The Command (24a) – Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning.

Keep in mind the context of John’s exhortation. Many appeared to be in Christ, but abandoned the church and denied the faith.

They never experienced salvation in the Lord; there was never a genuine relationship.

The believer is different. We have received truth in salvation. At that moment we were indwelt with the Spirit.

We may grow weary, but we have no desire to abandon the body. In times of weakness and despair, we are to lay hold on the truth of the gospel. It is to dwell in us, abiding in our being. John declares truth has not and will not change. The same promises we received at salvation remain today. When we are tempted to abandon the race, lay hold on the truth in Christ!

B. The Commitment (24b) – If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. As long as we maintain truth, holding onto the work of Christ in us, we can remain committed to the Lord. In fact, our commitment will come as a by-product of continual fellowship with Christ.

As long as we remain in the truth, seeking the will and ways of God above the desires of the flesh and cares of the world, we will continue in Christ! Really this should come as no surprise. Many wander from the Lord when they lose the awe and wonder of their salvation. As long as we remain close to the Lord, maintaining an intimate relationship with Him, we will desire to serve Him. Our focus will be on the Lord rather than the hindrances of life. Our commitment hinges upon the quality of our relationship!

Col.2:6 – As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

C. The Comfort (25) – And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

Is it any wonder the world behaves as it does, seemingly grasping at straws, jumping from one doctrine or philosophy to another?

They are searching for something to bring peace, something to provide answers to the questions of life. The believer does not have to live that way. We do not have to worry about the difficulties we endure or the obstacles we face. Life will have its share of burdens, but we have the promise of eternal life in Christ our Lord.

That ought to encourage and embolden us in the face of any difficulty or trial. We have no way of knowing what we will be called upon to endure.

We have no way of knowing where the path of life will lead, but we do know how it will ultimately end. We are secure in Christ.

The body we inhabit is just a tabernacle of flesh. It will one day be folded and laid aside. We will enter the presence of Christ our Lord and spend one eternal day with Him.

In light of that, what could we possibly face that has the power or ability to defeat us?

II. The Strength of Believers (26-27) – Now John speaks of the strength we possess through the Lord.

If we are to endure in this last time, strength will be necessary. Strength is available in:

A. Our Awareness (26) – These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. John sought to share as much about the tactics of the enemy and what believers can expect to encounter as he could. He wanted the church to be aware of the struggles present, being prepared to meet those struggles, instead of fleeing in fear and defeat. Biblical knowledge and godly wisdom serve us well. Much has changed since John penned this epistle and yet much remains the same.

The struggles remain in much the same way as previous generations. We remain in the last time. If we are to overcome, we need to know what the Bible teaches about this hour. We need to ensure we are clothed in spiritual Armor, prepared for the battle. We need to understand the tactics of the enemy and the ways to combat his attacks. He is relentless, and the better equipped we are, the more likely we are to gain victory.

B. Our Anointing (27a) – But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: John knew believers possessed a special resource the world did not have. All believers are indwelt with the Spirit. We have assurance that He will guide us in the journey. When the enemy comes against us, we have the Spirit’s guidance to counter his attack.

John reveals our anointing isn’t given of the world, and we have no need to look to the world for counsel. The Spirit is given of the Lord and He will always lead us in ways that are consistent with the will of God. We can approach any situation, being led of the Spirit, in full confidence and expectation.

John 16:13 – Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1 Cor.2:13 – Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

C. Our Advantage (27b) – but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Not only do we enjoy the anointing of the Spirit, we also have the promise of His continual presence. We are surrounded by the Lord through the Spirit as we engage the enemy. We do not have to wonder if we have the resources necessary to overcome. The Spirit will guide us in the right path, while surrounding us with His presence and power.

The world and those who come against us have nothing to compare to such protection. They are unable to defeat the presence and power of God! Eph.1:13-14 – In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.