I missed being with you on Sunday. MANY THANKS to Harold for standing in with short notice – he is ever-faithful, and I am ever-grateful. Since we had an unexpected break in our series on First John, I want to review what we covered last time: 1 John 2.3-6, and offer a brief preview of what we will cover next time: 1 John 2.7-11.
Before I start, may I suggest you read through all of 1st John this week, at one setting, to renew a sense of how John writes his letter? I would also invite you to read chapter 2.1-11 several times, to keep a firm grip on the more immediate context of where we are studying. (Recall, John’s main purpose for writing this letter was to help believers be assured in their salvation (1 John 5.13). A second, related purpose for John’s letter is to present a strong attack on false teaching/teachers.)
Let’s review. Our central thought for 1st John 2.3-6 went something like this: Obedience is the best evidence of salvation, thereby making it a very strong form of assurance. We outlined that passage with some questions and answers:
I. Are you a follower of Christ? (3-4)
A. Obeying God’s commandments allows an answer of “yes” (3)
B. Failing to obey God’s commandments suggests an answer of “no” (4)
II. Is your love for God growing? (5-6)
A. Keeping God’s word matures your love for God (5)
B. Walking as Jesus walked proves your love for God (6)
I also spent a good amount of time helping us apply the passage by answering three questions:
1.How do we keep the commandments of God?
2.How do we keep God’s word?
3.How do we walk the same way Jesus walked?
I have attached a copy of my notes on those three questions that includes the answers. Also, the entire sermon and a copy of the slides can be found on the website at: www.harrisonhills.org
Now, a preview of 1st John 2.7-11 . . . perhaps a helpful way to preview where we’re going next time (besides reading the passage 2 or 3 times) is to suggest a few questions for your consideration.
What does John mean when he says the commandment he’s writing about is both old and new?
What does he mean when he says the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining?
Five times in this passage, John uses the term “darkness” (three times in vs11). Obviously, he means to get our attention about that.
Why/how would giving careful attention to darkness help the believer’s assurance?
How does “loving/hating [one another]” connect with “walking in darkness”?
We will consider those questions next time. I will also offer several suggestions on how to “love your brother/sister”, and a couple of ways to “love your (unsaved) neighbor as yourself”.
As I look out my kitchen window I note that we are finally getting some real winter weather. The forecast for this week looks dicey, so stay tuned for updates regarding our services. Remember, we will try to let you know in several ways: on television at Fox 41; on our website at www.harrisonhills.org; and via church-wide email. If we are unable to meet on Wednesday night (which is very likely at this point), we will try to let you know no later than 5:30 pm. (Rule of thumb: if Lanesville school is closed on Wednesday, we will not meet.)
Depending on the accuracy of longer-range forecasts, next Sunday is not a sure thing for us getting together. If we decide not to meet on Sunday, we will try to get the word out not later than 8:00 or 8:30 am. PLEASE JOIN ME in praying that we will be able to meet at our normally-scheduled times.
Looking back with you to help us look forward,
Pastor Gary
Three “how” questions to help make application of 1st John 2.3-6
1. How do we “keep the commandments of God”? (3-4) Here are some suggested approaches:
1) First, one most know God’s commandments if he/she would keep them
Make it a point & a practice to build your general knowledge of God’s commandments
One way: When listening to, or reading the Bible, listen/look for do’s and don’ts
2) Pray for God’s equipping Pray with these verses in front of you: Matt 6.13; 1 Cor 10.13; 2 Cor 10.5-6
3) Make yourself accountable to a spiritual partner – especially in areas where you are vulnerable
4) If you don’t “know God” – admit it
5) If you’re not sure whether you “know God” or not, find out – get help
2. How do we “keep God’s word”? (5)
1) Begin by knowing God’s word – go beyond the moral laws of God, learn the principles/precepts, etc.
2) Do not compartmentalize your faith. Increasingly, consistently surrender your whole life to God’s will
Sacrifice often – serve others; don’t demand your own (Phil 2.3) Give generously (2 Cor 9.6-8)
Live faithfully in every relationship: God, home, school, church, private life (Rom 12.2; Matt 6.33)
3. How do we “walk in the same way Jesus walked”? (6)
1) Start by studying the life of Jesus; focus on His character (i.e., Beatitudes in Matt 5)
See where Jesus is different from you – adjust your life to become more like Him
2) Walking implies “behavior”; but behavior is always an outpouring of character
We act out of who we are; biblical principle of “being” precedes practice of “doing”
This becomes important for our assurance when we confront temptation and/or suffering
If we are strong in understanding who we are, we will be stronger in rejecting inconsistent actions