The apostle John assured the readers of his letter what he knew for sure so they could rest in these same truths and promises of God.
Please read 1 John 2:3-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…
Please read 1 John 2:3-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…
John says we know that we have come to know God if we keep his commands. In 1 John 5:3 we are told that his commands are not burdensome. Jesus encourages us to lay our burdens at his feet and he will set us free.
When we come to God through Jesus Christ, our great friend, sin-bearer and Saviour, he begins to transform us. As we repent, as we change our mind about the activities and interests we used to spend our time with, Jesus gives us wonderful new ways of living, new interests, even a new family. We have this incredible peace and joy in our whole being that was not there before. So now we joyfully, in response, want to walk with him, talk with him, be like him. He is our perfect example of how to really live.
When we come to God through Jesus Christ, our great friend, sin-bearer and Saviour, he begins to transform us. As we repent, as we change our mind about the activities and interests we used to spend our time with, Jesus gives us wonderful new ways of living, new interests, even a new family. We have this incredible peace and joy in our whole being that was not there before. So now we joyfully, in response, want to walk with him, talk with him, be like him. He is our perfect example of how to really live.
John explains this in verse 5 “this is how we know we are in him: whoever claims to live in him must live like Jesus did.”
When we live like Jesus people should see a big difference in us. They should see us putting the needs of others first, focusing our eyes on and acting upon what truly matters to God. How do we know what truly matters to God? By reading about Jesus, his heart of compassion, his personal holiness, his selfless dedication to serve his Father. We love to live like Jesus. We will never live exactly as Jesus did because he lived a sinless life but we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God to help us live powerful and meaninful life. We make it our goal to please him in our daily life and to direct our attitude towards situations and in our personal trials and triumphs.
When we live like Jesus people should see a big difference in us. They should see us putting the needs of others first, focusing our eyes on and acting upon what truly matters to God. How do we know what truly matters to God? By reading about Jesus, his heart of compassion, his personal holiness, his selfless dedication to serve his Father. We love to live like Jesus. We will never live exactly as Jesus did because he lived a sinless life but we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God to help us live powerful and meaninful life. We make it our goal to please him in our daily life and to direct our attitude towards situations and in our personal trials and triumphs.
Ever had a hard time with certain people in your life? I think we all do, and sometimes we even see in ourselves that we need to change to make ourselves more likeable, displaying the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
In what ways are you growing in those areas of your life?
John says in verse 10 “Anyone who loves their brother or sister (other Christians) lives in the light.
In what ways are you growing in those areas of your life?
John says in verse 10 “Anyone who loves their brother or sister (other Christians) lives in the light.
Then John summarizes his reasons for writing his letter.
-your sins have been forgiven on account of his name
-you know him who is from the beginning
-you have overcome the evil one
-you know the Father
-you are strong
-the word of God lives in you
-your sins have been forgiven on account of his name
-you know him who is from the beginning
-you have overcome the evil one
-you know the Father
-you are strong
-the word of God lives in you
Which of these items are most precious to you? These are the things of this life that we know for sure. Why? They are promises of God and God never lies. If you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you have so much to be thankful for and rejoice over. If you dont know Jesus why not just turn to him today in prayer, ask him to forgive you of all your sins, and thank him for dying on the cross to secure your salvation. You’ll be so glad you did!