Saturday 17 January 2026
As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need 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, abide in him. (v. 27)
Background
In the 1970s I became aware of the charismatic movement from a friend who attended the Baptist church in the town where I grew up. You may be familiar with its emphases on direct experience of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts (such as speaking in tongues) and powerful contemporary worship. In non (anti?) charismatic circles those in the movement were referred to as 'happy clappies'.
The label is still used and I continue to be puzzled by it. At one point in my ministry a group in the circuit I was in had occasional Moody and Sankey services. Moody and Sankey were late 19th century evangelists. The services attracted good numbers to lively services where people clapped a lot and seemed very happy! Yet I never heard them referred to as 'happy clappies'. Did Moody and Sankey work in a Spirit-free zone?
The emergence of the charismatic movement has resonances with 1 John. As the charismatic influence spread, congregations grew, split and argued over proposed changes to worship. Gallons of ink were used up in doctrinal debates about rebaptism, the ministry of women and speaking in tongues. Christians with different viewpoints did not always love each other!
In 1 John we read “As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need 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, abide in him.” (2:27) Assuming the anointing they received was of the Holy Spirit it would seem that this congregation had charismatic sympathies.
Some commentators are excited by charismatic elements others are fazed by them. The latter community minimise charismatic themes by making tradition, reason and the text of scripture the priority.
To Ponder:
- How significant is the Holy Spirit in your worship and faith experience?
- Which three words would you choose as your description of the Holy Spirit?
Prayer
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me. Amen. (Daniel Iverson, 1890-1977)
Bible notes author: The Revd Bob Sneddon
Bob Sneddon is a retired presbyter who lives on the south coast of England. He has had five varied circuit appointments over some 40 years and before that worked in India for a year. In retirement he is enjoying making a garden and walking.