“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”– 1 John 2:21 (KJV)
“So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies.”– 1 John 2:21 (NLT)
“I write to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.”– 1 John 2:21 (MSG)
What Does 1 John 2:21 Mean?
In this scripture, 1 John 2:21, the Apostle John shares an important message about truth. He is speaking to a community of believers, and his purpose is clear. He emphasizes that he is not writing to them because they don’t already know the truth. Instead, he affirms their understanding of the truth while warning them about the dangers of lies and deception. We should reflect on what it means to know the truth and how we can recognize and guard against the lies that surround us.
The truth John refers to is the core Christian doctrine about Jesus Christ. This truth is foundational for our faith, and it is essential for our spiritual growth. Knowing this truth empowers us to discern false teachings and false prophets. When we stand firm in our knowledge of the truth, we can navigate the complexities of life and faith with confidence. This passage encourages us to dig deeper into our understanding of God, who He is, and what He has done for us through Jesus.
1 John 2:21 Explanation and Commentary
The Apostle John uses strong language when discussing truth and lies. He does not simply say that lies are misleading; he states emphatically that no lie originates from the truth. This sets up a fundamental understanding of faith that we must embrace. The truth comes from God, our very Creator. We find truth revealed in Scripture, through the teachings of Jesus, and via the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to cling to this truth. When we take the time to learn and study the scriptures, we become equipped to resist temptations and falsehoods that we encounter. As a community of believers, we strengthen one another by sharing our biblical knowledge and helping each other grow in faith. Every time we discuss God’s Word together, we are reinforcing our understanding and love for the truth.
The stark contrast between truth and lies is evident throughout Scripture. In John 8:32, Jesus tells us, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” This liberation comes when we grasp the reality of who God is and what He has accomplished in our lives. We must continue to seek and embrace the truth that leads us towards a vibrant relationship with God, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions.
We should also regularly examine our hearts and minds. Sometimes, we can deceive ourselves or allow worldly influences to contaminate our understanding of the truth. It is wise to be open to accountability within our Christian communities. Transparency and vulnerability can help us remain grounded and accurate in our interpretation of God’s Word.
Context of 1 John 2:21
To understand this verse better, we need to place it within the context of the entire letter. The book of 1 John addresses a community dealing with the influence of false teaching and deception. False prophets were emerging, trying to distort the truth about Jesus Christ. John writes with urgency, aiming to protect the believers from being swayed by erroneous beliefs.
This letter emphasizes our relationship with God and our love for one another, as demonstrated throughout the letter. John highlights the importance of recognizing the role of sin, but also reassures us that we have an advocate in Christ who intercedes for us. Each believer plays a crucial role within the body of Christ, reflecting what it means to live in truth.
The importance of this truth becomes even clearer when we consider related passages such as 2 Peter 2:1, which warns of false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies. Placing ourselves in today’s society, we see similar temptations and falsehoods attempt to infiltrate our faith. Understanding the context helps strengthen our resolve to live in truth and discern every teaching we encounter.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 John 2:21
Examining the key components of this verse can deepen our appreciation for its meaning. The phrase “I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth” indicates that the audience has a foundational understanding of God’s message. They are not a lost people, blind to the truth. Instead, John recognizes their knowledge and seeks to build upon it.
Next, the phrase “but because ye know it” highlights the assurance and confidence that comes from true knowledge. We should embrace this confidence by continually learning about God. Our understanding of the truth is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus. John desires for the readers to be reassured in their faith and understanding, guiding them to remain vigilant against deceptions.
Finally, John states, “that no lie is of the truth.” This is a clear division, underscoring the need to distinguish what is genuine from what is deceitful. We live in a world overflowing with opinions, ideologies, and half-truths. Relying on God’s Word as our foundation will help us navigate these waters safely.
Lessons to Learn From 1 John 2:21
There are several valuable lessons we can learn from this passage. First, it highlights the importance of knowing God’s Word. We, as believers, must invest time in studying the truth found within Scripture. This will help us grow in our understanding of God and strengthen our faith against false teachings.
Another lesson is the significance of community. John writes to a group of believers, emphasizing how they can support and hold each other accountable in their faith. Collectively, we should strive to encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. Participating in small groups, attending Bible studies, or engaging in discussions about our faith can help us stay anchored in truth.
Additionally, we should remain mindful of the external influences that can lead us away from the truth. With so many distractions and misrepresentations of God today, we must be discerning in what we consume, whether it’s through media, literature, or conversations. This is where our understanding of Scripture will guide us effectively.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on 1 John 2:21, it’s clear that understanding the truth is fundamental to our walk of faith. We should take comfort in knowing that God has revealed His truth to us, empowering us to discern right from wrong. Our understanding of Scripture is vital, and we must engage actively in our relationship with God and each other.
Studying passages such as this one not only strengthens our faith but encourages us to reach out to others desiring to know the truth. Remember, each of us can play a part in sharing God’s goodness. If you are interested in exploring more scriptures, consider checking out Bible Repository for insightful guidance or other passages like 1 Samuel 20:3 for further reading.