God gave us commandments so we could fail. In turn, failure to equal our divine creator grew into submission, which itself blossomed to bear fruit according to a perfectly devised plan, crafted by a supreme being we cannot understand or imagine.
Through the humbling experience involved in one’s spiritual growth, believers are made righteous as each one follows in Christ’s footsteps, in cadence with God’s perfect plan.
“24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” (1 John 3:24)
John teaches us that God’s commandments should be kept, not of obligation but of free, loving will. Obedience is best served when rooted in humility, and trust, rather than empty, frothy words.
God knows the hearts of His children, and in them is found the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit flows brotherly love, Agape, and submission. A faithful servant is an obedient one, whose life is an example of the Christian faith. You will know an obedient disciple of Jesus Christ the moment you feel their presence, or share in fellowship with those who know him.
“1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3)
John calls on believers to stand fast, and stand up in the face of persecution, making certain we are driven by the love of Christ, and the Holy Spirit of God which dwells within all those who believe.
Each one among us involved in advancing Christ’s gospel should invest in God’s kingdom further than preaching from a pulpit, but also devote time and energy toward accountability, necessary to Spirit inspired spiritual and personal growth.
“4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.” (1 John 4:4-5)
John comforts believers by reminding us our God is greater than the world, in fact He created it. Because God’s love is indeed bigger then the world, and all that’s in it, disciples of Yeshua must unite as each one fights his or her own good fight against evil, that none would toil isolated from the flock.
“6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 6)
Let our actions speak louder than our words, as we endeavor to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, the living savior. May the Spirit of God continue to flow within you as you strive to glorify Him with your life… Let’s 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
