Understanding 1 John 2:20, 27, (The Anointing, Part Two)

I’ve had believers say to me, “I have the anointing, and I don’t need human teachers because the anointing teaches me.” Is this what the passage teaches? Are they correct in their assessment? No, they are not! The anointing isn’t meant to replace human teachers! John says, “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (1 John 2:27). The words, "you have no need for anyone to teach you" is in reference to the false teachings they were receiving! It does not mean human teachers are obsolete. In context, the verse refers to a believer's inner ability to discern fundamental gospel truth from false doctrines. The anointing (the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit) provides believers with the ability to recognize spiritual truth. It does not mean believers should avoid human instruction, but rather that the Spirit serves as a safeguard to help them test and detect false teachings. Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., spiritually gifted Bible teacher & expositor