1 John 2:27

Memory Verse

And you, the anointing which you have from Him abides in you, and you do not have need in order that someone should teach you, but as this anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as He teaches you, abide in Him (1 John 2:27).

As members of the body of the Christ, we are also indwelled by the Holy Spirit (John 14:17). This is the anointing to which the apostle John refers—the one that teaches us how to abide in Christ. The word “all” must be understood within its proper context. John is speaking specifically about abiding in Christ—that is, living out who we are in Christ. He is not referring to secular knowledge or all-encompassing knowledge. Nor is he suggesting that we have no need for teachers such as pastors.

Christ Himself gave pastors and even teachers to the Church for its edification and for bringing the assembly to a oneness of the faith (Ephesians 4:8–16). We are likewise exhorted not to forsake the assembling together of the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Our pastors and teachers instruct us in the word of God and in sound doctrine. However, when it comes to being at ease with who we are in Christ in our daily walk, it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us how to rightly apply that doctrine and instruction—enabling us to feel at ease with who we are in Christ; thereby, impacting our conduct.