Meant to edify and equip believers, John’s letters provide powerful scripture to be used as both pastoral and evangelical teaching.
Much like today, first century Christians were engaged in battle with sin and evil. The apostle John teaches us that walking in Jesus’ footsteps will lead us to our Father in heaven, while straying off the narrow path exposes sin and often leads to destruction.
“1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)
Because this letter was written around A.D. 90, as John was advancing in both wisdom and age, his fatherly tone toward his audience is easily justified. In this command, the apostle calls on believers to resist temptation to sin, however when we fall, through forgiveness and grace Christ forgives us, as we then can pour out forgiveness onto others.
“2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)
Yeshua’s sacrifice on the cross completed the propitiation, the mercy seat where God met man through Jesus. Today, to sinners Jesus Christ is our mercy seat, the place where God’s forgiveness and mercy await those in His son, the living savior.
“3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:3-4)
John teaches us about those in Christ, that our lives should serve as our testimony, and that God’s commandments would be honored and glorified as good and holy.
Anyone who claims to be in Christ should not only talk the talk, but walk the Christian walk. Those off the narrow path, whose heart’s are hardened, them selfish hypocrites who convince themselves they are on a God appointed mission are in grave danger of toiling in vain.
“5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:5-6)
John calls obedience to God’s commandments good and pleasing to Yahweh, the almighty creator of the universe and all that dwells in it.
To be in Christ, to believe in Him and the sacrifice He made on the cross, these are at the root of Christian behavior and character. John teaches us those in Christ, and in God obey His commandments – period.
“7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.” (1 John 2:7)
John reminds us of the truth and wisdom found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, that all should rely on the holy word of God for refuge, or strength as we face evil on our mission to fulfill Yahweh’s will for our lives.
“8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.” (1 John 2:8)
The new commandment was delivered by Yeshua Himself, that we should love one another as He loves us, with kind, brotherly love. The kind of love Jesus poured out when He walked in human flesh among the living.
“9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:9-11)
John teaches us about God’s love, from the Greek “agape,” that this unselfish love matched by obedience is a true, righteous formula for success.
Can a believer’s love for God be measured by his love for others? Indeed, this is exactly what John teaches in this section of his letter. Our love for others are indeed a clear reflection of our love for God, and our faith in His son Yeshua… Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
