Introduction
The Purpose of writing is to witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and to warn
the believers of the false doctrines being taught among them. Consider the
believers and the assault on the truth of God.
We need to direct our attention to the believer’s need for steadfastness in
faith and truth as some in the assembly endeavored to sway them from the
truth. We will ask questions prior to reading through the remainder of this
letter –
A. Were there some that hated the brethren?
1 John 2:9-11 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
B. Were there some that loved the world?
1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
C. Were there some that Departed from the assembly?
1 John 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
C. Were there some that denied that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
D. Were there some that were trying to lead believers away?
1 John 2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
E. Were there some that argued that sin is acceptable?
1 John 3:3-7 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
F. Were there some that declared they had the liberty to sin?
1 John 3:9-10 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
G. Were there some that claimed that their anger was simply righteous
indignation?
1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
H. Were there some that were self-righteous personally and materially?
1 John 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
I. Were there some that preached that Jesus is not the only begotten Son of
God?
1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
J. Were there some that introduced the wisdom of the world into the church?
1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
K. Were there some that did not love?
1 John 4:8-11 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
L. Were there some that denied that Jesus is the Saviour of the world?
1 John 4:14-15 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
M. Were that some that controlled through fear and manipulation?
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
N. Were there some that believed the Lord’s commandments were too strict?
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
O. Were there some that claimed not all unrighteousness is sin? (God
understands)
1 John 5:17-18 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
The Epistle of First John
1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
And as we begin looking at these verses, we must understand the context of time, that this letter was written to believers approximately 60 years after the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be safe to say that most of the readers of this letter had never seen the Lord. Keep this in mind as we read this introduction to the letter. First, we look at –
I. The believer and eternal life. 1 John 1:1-4
We see five things in here – Person, Proof, Power, Purpose, and Peace
We are introduced to the –
- Person of the Lord Jesus 1:1,2.
1 John 1:1-2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
He wrote both of His –
1. Spirit – He is God
“…from the beginning…”, “…the Word of life…”, “…that eternal life…”
And of His –
2. Body – Jesus of Nazareth. He is man, flesh and blood
‘manifested’ Himself to mankind
Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The disciples had seen Him, walked with Him, learned from Him, served Him. This disciple, John, had leaned upon Him. John is making sure that we know, that we understand, that –
B. Proof is not through seeing only. 1:1-2a Handling, dwelling with…
How many had seen, yet had not believed. Seeing, they still were not satisfied. Notice –
John 12:21,37 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus………But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
We will help ourselves in the future if we will make a note of this portion of Scripture in our Bibles, that we can show those who tell us that they would believe if they could see. This is not true!
What we need to know is that –
C. Power is in hearing. 1 John 1:2b,3
“…shew unto you… (declare, report, announce…” 1:2a
“…declare we unto you…” 1:3
Remember how the Holy Spirit led Paul to pen down this truth –
Romans 10:8-14 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(seen?) (vision?)
God has declared that hearing is enough!
Person, Proof is not in seeing or experiences, Power is in hearing,
Which leads us the next verse where John sets forth the –
D. Purpose – is salvation –
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Notice the excitement of John, James, Andrew, declaring what they knew!
“…we have found the Messias….Andrew first findeth Simon his brother…
Philip findeth Nathanael…
We are privileged to read of, to hear of their experience – seeing, speaking to Jesus, and hearing from Jesus – of coming to faith in Him.
Their whole experience will someday be ours – we, seeing Him, our faith through hearing, becoming sight!
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
But know –
The fellowship which they had, salvation in the Lord, we have now – the Holy Spirit bearing witness with our spirit, convicting and convincing of Truth.
“…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son
Jesus Christ.”
Person, Proof is not in seeing or experiences, Power is in hearing, Purpose of salvation, and in this fellowship we have –
E. Peace is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:4
“…these things we write unto you, that your joy may be full. “
Colossians 2:9-10 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
1 Peter 1:8-9 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Perfect peace for those who have the fullness of joy.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…..
Conclusion:
Nineteen times in this letter John states –
“shew unto you, write unto you, written unto you, this is the message” Do you understand his message? He is saying –
“LISTEN TO ME, FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, LISTEN TO ME!
The Apostle Paul described the Word of God this way –
It is milk. 1 Corinthians 3:1,2 For Nourishment
It is meat. 1 Corinthians 3:2 For Strength
It is instruction. 2 Timothy 3:16 For Direction
It is conviction. Hebrews 3:12 For Wisdom
Do you want to know the Person of Jesus Christ?
Do you want to know the Proof of Him?
Do you want to know how His power is applied in your life?
Do you want to know His purpose in your life, to be your Saviour?
Do you want to have peace and joy in your life?
Not just temporary, for an hour or a day, but permanent and complete – such that you would cry out “Lord, I am overflowing with you”. “He annointeth my head with oil, my cup runneth over”!
Do you want it? “…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
Listen to His Word preached
Listen to His Word taught
Read His Word yourselves
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”
Who will say – “Lord, I will hear, I will do, I will tell”?
The Letter of First John Message Two
The believers had been intimidated by the false doctrine of arrogant teachers which have been identified as Cerinthus, the Nicolaitans, and those promoting the doctrine of Balaam. The Lord led the writers to address the issues and teach the truth of God’s Word. John has helped them, and will help us if we hear the Word and learn from it. I thank the Lord for the opportunity that I had to preach on the first four verses of chapter one, and I am looking forward to preaching this second message on the subject of our joy being full. Let’s look at –
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Before we continue with the letter, we should define “…your joy…”. The Lord led John to write this letter in order to provide us as believers with all we need, as noted by the Apostle Paul, in –
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
– and being provided, or furnished by the Word of God, our joy may be full! The question before us then is “What is joy”? To help us we will look at three things, beginning with –
II. The Believer and the fulness of Joy.
A. The Recognition of Joy.
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Before we continue with the letter, we should define “…your joy…”. The Lord led John to write this letter that it will provide us as believers with all we need, as noted by the Apostle Paul, in –
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
– and being provided, or furnished by the Word of God, our joy may be full! The question before us then is “What is joy”? To help us we will look at three things, beginning with –
We need to know that –
1. Joy is not the same as –
a. Happiness or feeling blessed
John 13:16-17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
b. Pleasure The word means ‘thinks well of/approves/willing
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Have you been served at Chick-Fil-A? The response to “Thank you” is always “It’s my pleasure”. They think well of your business, being happy that you are at their establishment, and they are willing to serve. This is a pleasant response, but it is not ‘Joy’.
c. Emotion
Webster defines emotion as “Literally, a moving of the mind or soul; hence, any agitation of mind or excitement of sensibility.”
Joy then, which would include happiness, blessedness, and pleasure, is the emotional state of the believer’s heart and mind willingly being moved toward singlemindedness with God.
Therefore –
2. Joy is the knowledge of fulfilling the will of God.
In Him, it is an attribute, infinite and unchanging. He is –
B. The Resource of Joy. John 15:11 “…my joy might in you…”
1. The source of the believer’s joy. The Lord Jesus Christ
John 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
When we get saved, we are made alive in Him. We are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit – new creatures in Christ Jesus. We are bought with a price and are not our own. That which we have is –
His love by which He sought us,
His salvation by which He saved us,
His law, by which we love Him and others, “,,,new commandment…”
His message that we declare to the world, and
His joy that we might have to its fulness when “we love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:”
We rejoice in –
2. The state of being in –
a. The Present
The joy of the Lord wells up in us like the living water the Lord spoke of while speaking with the woman in Samaria –
John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
When we are right with Him, joy wells up in us. The pump handle of righteousness empties us of self and draws up the joy of the Lord from the well inside us, having already sprung up into everlasting life, and now filling us, no – overfilling us with joy, His joy!
And we look to –
b. The Future – a prepared place
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Where? He has told us where –
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Can we imagine if there were a sign at the entrance to the Father’s House that it might welcome us with these words “enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Our joy because it is His joy –
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
It is all about Him and we learn from His example through –
3. The Steadfastness of His joy.
Our joy is drawn from His Joy, and His joy is steadfast, not affected by the trials and tribulations that we endure.
Hebrews 12:1-4 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Paul the Apostle, through the commitment of his life, the confidence of his calling, the crucifixion of his flesh, and the care for the salvation of men, was able to say through the grace of God –
Acts 20:22-24 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
He had learned joy – “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” We can have this same joy, and having spoken of the Recognition and the Resource of joy, now we look at –
C. The Reception “…your joy might be full.”
How does it influence the believer’s life?
Joy is a result of, and an indicator of, our walk with the Lord. As He is the Vine and we are the branches drawing all that we are from Him, the results are seen as fruit to be a blessing to all!
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Our joy can withstand the cold winter blasts and killing frosts, as well as Summer heat and drought because the Vine is alive – rooted in eternity past and throughout eternity future!
John 16:22-24 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Not in our circumstances. We learn this from the Lord’s words as recorded in –
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
What is going to happen when the devils are not subject to them?
Mark 9:28-29 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Where is their joy now?
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
It is not just the response to our circumstances, but is the response to the knowledge that we are faithful in our relationship with God.
In Conclusion,
I want to read a portion of the definition of joy, written by our son James Burke. I believe it is a great help to understanding what we are speaking on now –
Joy In the New Testament, we never find joy or happiness defined, but we find them described. The word Μακάριοι is in many translations represented as “blessed”, but is often, and better, translated as “happy”. Read Matthew 5, in which chapter the conditions of happiness are described 9 times. Throughout the New Testament we see “happy” followed by a “because”. Happiness is a response to circumstances. On the other hand, χαρᾶς is translated as “joy”. This word is very closely related to the word χάρις, which means both grace and gift. There are never conditions described for joy in the New Testament, simply commands to rejoice! Read Matthew 28:9, Romans 12:15, Philippians 3:1.
God does not command us to a reaction, but to an attitude. An attitude that understands life as a gift, and settles in to trust the Giver regardless of circumstances. Joy is produced by love because love turns our thoughts away from ourselves and focuses on others. O. Henry wrote a wonderful story, titled “The Gift of the Magi”, in which a man and wife are very poor, but each possess a cherished item they value above any comfort selling would provide. Yet each secretly sells their treasure in order to buy a Christmas gift for the other. The heartache of the sacrifice was nothing to the joy of the giving. Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…”. We see even for Jesus, the parent of joy was sacrificial love. In order to experience the joy of redeeming us, He endured the suffering of the cross. If He had not loved us enough to die for our sins while we still rebelled against Him, he could not have experienced the joy that was set before Him. Have you ever picked an apple off a tree and bitten into it, to discover a worm living inside? How did the worm get there? Most of the time, a worm in the fruit starts out as an egg on the blossom. When the apple tree flowers, insects come and lay their eggs in the blooms, and the fruit forms around them. Once the fruit is large enough and ripe enough, the eggs hatch and the worms eat their way out. Apple orchards must spray the budding trees to protect the ripened fruit. We have already seen how joy is the product of sacrificial love. But sometimes our love gets contaminated with hopes of recognition, or desires for recompense, or feelings of pride or self righteousness. Then the joy that follows is also contaminated with discontent, or disappointment or hurt feelings. To have pure fruit, we must guard against the eggs of corruption.
Do you have the fulness of joy today?
What is the source? Or would you say
Who is the Source?
Are you right with Him today?
III. The Believer and the Light of God. 1 John 1:5-2:11
And now we continue to read, learning of – Message 3
A. The Intrinsic nature of Jesus. He is Light 1 John 1:5
John had learned from the Lord how to maintain the fellowship of joy within the relationship with Jesus. He began by reminding us of the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ –
1John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
He walked on this same earth that we walk on, the same roads, across the same rivers, breathing the same air, and eating the same food. He became as we are, yet without sin: He is the Light – to reveal our sin and to be our Saviour! He is our High Priest and what a High Priest He is!
Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
B. The Inclination of man is to walk in darkness 1 John 1:6
1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Why is this statement before us in His Word? Because it is possible for us to walk in darkness! It is possible for us to lie! We need help from the Lord! We need –
C. The Illumination of that darkness 1 John 1:7
1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Put on His yoke and walk beside Him. Stay close to the Lord. Do not fall back into the shadows, and then into darkness. Walking in darkness begins by not keeping in step with the Lord –
D. The Illustration of the Light dispelling darkness and revealing sin.
To be illuminated when walking in darkness is a blessing.
1. The Disciples’ Concentration needed
a. The Importance of the message
Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
b. The Impending crucifixion
Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
c. The Idea of the Kingdom confused them
Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
2. The Disciples’ Contention known by the Lord
Mark 9:33,34 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
3. The Disciples’ Constant struggle for supremacy
Luke 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
Someone had to begin the conversation, to step back out of the Light and draw others back with him! They slowed their pace so that He might not hear their conversation – and from the Light to the shadows and from the shadow into the darkness! How easy it is to walk into the darkness.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Notice –
4. The Disciples’ Confession to the Lord
Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
5. The Disciples’ Corrected by the Light of the Word!
Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
6. The Disciples Contrition returned them to fellowship
Mark 9:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
You want to be the greatest? Are you too great in your own mind to love this child? Are you too important to minister to the needs of this child?
That child is important to Jesus.
That soul is important to Jesus.
Bringing them to the Light is important to Jesus.
Helping them stay in the Light is important to Jesus.
One thing that is not important to Jesus is “Who is going to be the greatest”!
We thank the Lord and bless His Holy name that the Light of His Word shines on us to dispel the darkness!
E. The Instruction to believers of how to be cleansed from sin.
1John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The fulness of Joy is restored by the Light of the Lord being focused on our lives! It is a good thing to get caught by the Light of the Lord!
John 3:20-21 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Without the Light illuminating our sin, we might be able to hide.
When the spotlight of the Lord shines on us,
Will we be caught in a place we should not be –
Will we be caught doing that which we should not be doing –
Will we be caught with something we should not have –
Will we be caught looking at that which we should not be seeing –
Will we be caught embarrassed, ashamed, guilt ridden, burdened by sin
If so – cry out -“Bring the Light” – confessing to God and ask for forgiveness –
Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
He is the Light of the World.
F. The Indication of salvation – their walk will reveal the truth.
1 John 2:1-11
Truth is known in the heart of the people and is revealed to themselves by
their actions. They might believe that they are saved, but God’s Word will
reveal to them their true nature.
1. The Character of believers. 1 John 2:1-3, 5-8, 10
a. The desire to do His will.
1 John 2:1-3 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1). The blessed presence which provides confidence in our salvation
while dealing with temptation of the flesh.
Believers, living in Christ, as opposed to living in sin, should not commit a sin.
Believers who commit a sin, can be forgiven because they are living in Jesus Christ the righteous,
Believers cannot stand before the Father in their own merit. Nothing in man can satisfy the righteous justice of the Father. Believers who commit a sin can be forgiven by the Father because they are living in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness is available to all men because Jesus Christ satisfied the just demands of the Father.
The Son is the propitiation for man’s sin.
Let’s learn of why the Holy Spirit led John to use this word?
Propitiation is an interesting word, one that is not used in association with any thing other than the Ark of the Covenant, in particular, the lid on the box. No evidence of it being used in secular writing has been found. It is used in the New Testament four times, twice by Paul, (once in Romans and once in Hebrews), and twice by John in this first epistle.
We begin by learning of Paul’s use of the word –
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation,(ιλαστηριον), through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
And in –
Hebrews 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat, (ιλαστηριον), of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Part of Speech: Noun; Case: Accusative; Number: Singular; Gender: Neuter;
This is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word –
כַּפֹּרֶת kappôreth, kap-po’-reth and in the Septuagent, ἱλαστήριον
Paul used the specific word, ἱλαστήριον, (a place), as it is used in the Old Testament.
Exodus 25:10-22 And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold. And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it. And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. And thou shalt make a –
כַּפֹּרֶת kappôreth, kap-po’-reth – (καὶ ποιήσεις ἱλαστήριον ἐπίθεμα χρυσίου καθαροῦ, δύο πήχεων καὶ ἡμίσους τὸ μῆκος καί πήχεως καὶ ἡμίσους τὸ πλάτος.
–mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת) of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat ( כַּפֹּרֶת ). And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת ) shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת ) with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת ) above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
God then revealed to Moses the Person Who would meet with them at this place.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
This place of propitiation was sanctified as the place where the blood shed for the atonement of the people would be sprinkled, and where the satisfaction of God’s righteous judgement would be declared each year. The blood of bulls and goats would cover the sin of men, the statement of the Law which copy was inside the box, under the lid. When God looked at the Law, He saw the blood that covered the broken law, the sin, and was satisfied, His wrath was appeased temporarily.
The use of this word in the New Testament reveals to us that Paul spoke of the place of meeting –
Hebrews 9:4-5 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Man needed a permanent solution for the forgiveness of sin. The blood of animals could not satisfy the just righteousness of God.
Hebrews 10:1-13 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
(Part of Speech: Noun; Case: Nominative; Number: Singular; Gender: Masculine; )
John was eyewitness to both the place of mercy, but also the person of grace, the Lamb, grace and mercy meeting in Him on the cross. God the Father sent God the Son to be both.
Because “he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” – the believer has assurance that he has permanent peace with God. When God sees the believer, He does not see a man trying to be righteous, He sees a man that has been forever declared to be righteous in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Now, can a believer, one who has been declared to be righteous in the Lord Jesus Christ, perform unrighteous works. The clear answer from chapter one is Yes! Those unrighteous works, though, do not call for condemnation from God the Father, they call for the chastening work of God the Son. God the Son declares that this one who is committing sin is mine and he will answer to me.
The believer is living at peace with God and has the peace of God.
Believers came to know Him at a moment in time, and since that moment, have continued to know that they are in Him through living to keep His commandments. Refer to –
Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
The blessed presence which provides confidence in our salvation while dealing with temptation of the flesh. Are you confident that you are living in His blessed presence, walking in His Light?
2). The better Progression. “…also so to walk…”
(I noted four topics that John set forth from chapter 2, verse 7 to chapter 3, verse 24. These are interwoven through these verses and are titled Comforts, Commendations, Concerns, and Condemnations. These can be used as outline points, focusing on the appropriate verses. Teaching these points will be accurate and informative, but they will also become topical studies instead of expository studies. I will continue to outline the letter as it was written and will stay with the expository style of study.)
Remember the statement in 1 John 1:6 – If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: – and thank the Lord that you are not walking in darkness!
1 John 2:5-8 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth inhim ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
To understand this statement, we need to learn the meaning of –
a). The old commandment –
“…The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning…”
Which commandment is in –
Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Loving your neighbor is explained by Jesus in –
Luke 10:27-37 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
– but, how does loving yourself apply to this commandment? We learn more about –
b). The new commandment – which is given by the Lord in –
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
(1). How did Jesus love?
John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(2). How did the Samaritan love?
The Samaritan gave of what he had, but only partially. Once the
injured man was safe, the Samaritan continued about his own
business. He gave part of himself to the injured man.
(3). How is the believer to love according to the New Commandment?
The believer is to give himself as Jesus gave himself, wholly and completely to others, not counting his time, property or person dear to himself. This is how He walked, and, therefore, how the believer is to walk –
“…He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
3). The best testimony.
1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
2. The Character of unbelievers. 1 John 2:4,9,11,19
a. They deceive others.
1). They say they love the Lord. “…keep his commandments…”
1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Grammatically, ‘saith’ and ‘keepeth’ are present active and indicate that the person is continually saying and keeping, saying one thing and doing another. This person is declared to be a liar, not just one that tells a lie on occasion, but one that lives the lie always.
Likewise –
2). They say they love the brethren. Again “…keep his
commandments…”
1 John 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
They claim that they are in the light, but they continue to hate the brethren.
b. They determine their own direction.
1 John 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
c. They depart eventually from the believers.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
The Indication of salvation is found in those that continue with the Lord Jesus, walking in His Light.
IV. The Believer and the sanctified life. 1 John 2:12-19
A. Growth in the Christian life –
John wrote to all who believe, from the moment of salvation through the end of the journey with the Lord on this earth. The believer begins as a ‘babe in Christ’ seeking the milk of the Word of Life, grows in strength and service through the meat of the Word, and completes his life in wisdom and leadership.
1 John 2:12-14 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1. Family – “Little children”
“…your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.”
“…ye have known the Father.”
‘Little Children’ is John’s designation of believers, those that have been “…born again…” as noted in –
John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Believer’s are born into the family of God and begin their eternal life as –
1 Peter 2:2-3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Hebrews 5:12-13 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
As the believer grows in the Lord, maturity is manifested by a –
2. Fervency
– “Young men”
“…ye have overcome the wicked one.”
Romans 12:16-21 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
They had grown from fear to faith as those before them had –
John 16:32-33 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
How? They experienced fear and then, being in Christ, grew in faith in the face of tribulation!
3. Faithful – “Fathers”
“…fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.”
John wrote this testimony in verse 12 and emphasized it in verse 13
.
γραφω υμιν πατερες οτι εγνωκατε τον απ αρχης
εγραψα υμιν πατερες οτι εγνωκατε τον απ αρχης
The definition of the word he used in stating the Fathers were strong in the Lord through their knowledge of Him would not be lost on the readers. Notice the meaning of ‘known’ –
The tense of the verb indicates an action completed in the past with ongoing results in the present The Voice is Active, which reveals that the subject performs the action. The Mood is Indicative which indicates a fact or reality. The Person/Number is in the 2nd person plural — ‘you Fathers’.
These men are known for their deep, personal knowledge rather than just an intellectual acquaintance.
John warns of the necessity of the Lord’s –
B. Guidance in the Christian walk.
The brethren, all of them, at any stage of life in the Lord, are warned –
the young through the old, to beware of turning to the world from the
Lord –
1. The Path of Destruction –
1 John 2:15-17a Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:…
a. The Condition of the world.
God’s warning of the temptations in the world –
1). The lust of the flesh
Luke 12:16-21 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Philippians 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
2). The lust of the eyes
Joshua 7:20-21 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
3). The pride of life
Pride reveals the nature of Man –
3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
– and that which follows –
b. The Consequence of loving the world
Those that love the world, being of the world, will pass away with the
world.
1). For the believer – the chastening by the Lord.
Hebrews 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
2). For the unbeliever – the casting out by the Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
2. The Path of Delight –
1 John 2:17b “…but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
John 17:13-17 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
C. Guidance and the Christian hope.
The words of warning that John heard from Jesus are repeated here to the new generation, –
Matthew 24:23-25 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.
– which warning should be heeded by every generation until the return of the Lord –
1 John 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
John wrote of the believer and the sanctified life, set apart unto the Lord as He directs in the Growth in the Christian life, the Guidance in the Christian walk, and the Guidance in the Christian hope.
Having these directions for the sanctified life, it is time to learn of –
V. The Believer and the transformed life. 1 John 2:20–5:5
Believers are reminded that their lives are to align with –
A. A new commandment.
1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
The New Commandment –
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
– reveals that the believer has a need that can only be provided by the Holy Spirit, Who enables the believer as –
B. A New Creation 1 John 2:20-4:6
The definition of ‘Unction’ or ‘Annointing’ is the ministry of the Holy
Spirit in the believer.
1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1. The believer is indwelt –
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
2. The believer is instructed –
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
a. The Proclamation of the Truth.
1 John 2:21-24 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
b. The Possession of the Truth.
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
c. The Protection by the Truth.
1 John 2:26-29 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
3. The believer is identified –
The believers are identified by their –
a. Consecration. 3:1-3:10 To God
1). The children of God. 3:1-3 Righteous
1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
2). The children of the Devil. 3:4-10 Unrighteous
1 John 3:4-10 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
The believers are identified by their –
b. Commitment To God and, through Him, to men
1 John 3:11-23 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
The believers are identified by their –
c. Comprehension.
Of the truth through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 3:24 – 4:6 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
And Who enables the believer with –
C. A New Character. 1 John 4:7-5:5
1. The Believer has his being in God. 1 John 4:7-10
1 John 4:7a Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
a. The believer, being a new creature, and enabled by the Holy Spirit to
fulfil the New Commandment –
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
– confirms his being in God through his knowledge of God which
produces love for those God loves.
b. The believer confirms his being in God through his knowing God.
1 John 4:7b “…and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
Refer to –
John 14:15-17 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
c. The believer confirms his being in God through living in peace with
God. 1 John 4:8-10
1). The Identification of the unbeliever.
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
2). The Institution of redemption towards the unbeliever.
1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
3). The Initiation of peace for the unbeliever
The Lord Jesus atoned for the sin of man, and He satisfied the Justice of God. In doing so, God handed man the pen with which to sign the declaration of repentance, the unconditional surrender of self, and the absolute submission to God.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
God loves man
Because of His love, He sent His Son, Jesus.
The Son was sent by the Father .
2. The Believer, being a new creature, can manifest the character of God
toward others. 1 John 4:11-16
(Men could act righteously, but without God, men cannot Be righteous)
If people are going to see God, they are going to see Him in believers, and we must realize this fact!
1 John 4:11-16 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
3. The Believer’s love is steadfast in all things because God is steadfast in
all things. 1 John 4:17-5:5
(Truly earthen vessels, yet reinforced from within)
1 John 4:17-5:5 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
VI. The Believer and the concluding remarks by John – if you love the Lord, you will love men and pray for them –
1Jo 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
John turns with this thought to the Person of Jesus, the completion of His work, and the resulting salvation of men through faith in God through His Son –
A. The identification of the Saviour through the witness of God –
1Jo 5:6 ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
B. The identification of the Saviour through the witness of His life –
He entered into His earthly ministry through water, the natural birth (the power of the Holy Spirit), He began His ministry through the witness of the Spirit (at His baptism), and He completed His ministry through blood, His own blood shed for the sins of the world.
1Jo 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
1Jo 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
C. The identification of the Saviour through the actions of the believers –
1. The Condition of salvation.
1Jo 5:10 ¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1Jo 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jo 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
2. The Confidence of salvation.
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1Jo 5:14 ¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
3. The Concern of salvation.
1Jo 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
1Jo 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
4. The Consecration of salvation.
The believer is –
a. Separated unto the Lord.
1Jo 5:18 ¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
b. Safe in the Lord.
1Jo 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
c. Secure in the Lord
1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1Jo 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
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