John praises his readers for their faith and abiding to the truth about the risen Messiah, that all those who believe in Him will be given eternal life, at the conclusion of this earthly life, the vessel by which Christians are brought to their heavenly Father.
The apostle teaches us, because His power is truly almighty, the one true God of Israel promises His children a place in His kingdom, where all those in Him and His only begotten son Yeshua reside in perfect harmony and joy, forever.
“28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” (1 John 2:28)
John refers to his audience as little children, being himself of mature age by the time he wrote this letter around A.D. 90. He calls on believers to abide by the truth and continue walking the narrow path which leads to eternal life, bold in our faith yet humble in our blessings.
“29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” (1 John 2:29)
John calls those who walk in Jesus’ footsteps righteous, as their ways are glorifying to God. The meaning of one’s spiritual life can be summarized in this verse, that believers should strive to honor Yahweh in all we do, building up our own salvation as we endeavor to fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
“1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1)
The apostle here calls on believers to look within themselves at the love and compassion poured out by God onto us, sinners and transgressors of the law of Christ, which is based on love.
We should not expect such outpouring of love from the world, rather Christians are taught to brace for persecution as each one presses on, fulfilling our mission as we await the Lord’s return.
“2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)
By faith, all those who believe in the risen Christ are born again, and saved from the wage of our sins which is death. By faith, believers become children of Yahweh, the almighty God of Israel who will reveal His son on the day of His second coming. On that day, God’s children will become righteous as the Son and Father, to rejoice for all eternity.
“3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
By faith, and through the Holy Spirit which dwells within all of us, believers are given new hope. In turn, this divine hope blossoms into the desire to be like Christ, pure and perfect. 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
