Conflicted Perseverance - 1 John 2:18-27

Conflicts exist in the church, they are, unfortunately, too often part of the church body. John here addresses the conflict that has confronted this congregation. This conflict has created an ongoing ripple effect, even as the dissenters have left the congregation. John addresses why their leaving evidences their lack of genuine relationship with God. As believers, we must be discerning about conflict and persevere in truth despite conflicts. 1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church. Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.