When bank workers are trained to spot fake bank notes, they study both real notes and fake ones. To recognise a fake note, they mustn’t focus on what is similar between the real and the fake, but on what is different.

In 1 John 2, John helps to protect Christians from ‘fake’ Bible teachers by showing them examples of fake Christians and teachers. He warned them of the “antichrists” (1 JOHN 2:18)—people who pretend they are friends of God but actually reject and hate Him.

John gave three signs of false teachers to look out for: they don’t stay part of the church or Christian communities (V.19), they say Jesus isn’t our Saviour (V.22) and they draw Christians away from Jesus, rather than bringing them closer to Him (V.26).

John encouraged his readers to protect themselves by listening to the Holy Spirit, knowing the Bible and staying close to Jesus—the source of truth.

By: Marvin Williams

To Pray About . . .

Lord, teach me to recognise Your voice and not fall for fake religious teachings.