²⁶ I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.^{(A) 27} As for you, the anointing^(B) you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things^(C) and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.^(D)

⁷ I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ^(A) as coming in the flesh,^(B) have gone out into the world.^(C) Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.^{(D) 8} Watch out that you do not lose what we^[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.^(E)

¹¹ Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.^(A) Anyone who does what is good is from God.^(B) Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.^{(C) 12} Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone^(D)—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.^(E)

⁶ We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.^(A) This is how we recognize the Spirit^[a] of truth^(B) and the spirit of falsehood.^(C)