Pg.1
Opening Prayer
Father God, help us in this study as we continue in our efforts to know more of Your will for our lives. Lead our thoughts and words as we examine this letter written by a brother of Jesus. Help us in our understanding of those matters you would have us learn from this study, and to use what we learn to become better disciples for Jesus as we live day by day. Lead us now as we study The Epistle of Jude. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Jude 1:12-16 Who are they?
12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm--shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted--twice dead.13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
Discussion
Jude is describing the false teachers. He says that they are brazen in their social life, feeling no guilt for their lies, promoting themselves, empty souls leading in whatever direction that profits them. They have no disciplined faith, and they do whatever their loose conscience tells them. They speak evil of religion and godliness speak evil of the things which they know not; for, if they had known them, they would have spoken well of them, for nothing but good and excellence can be truly said of the religion of which Jesus Christ is the head.
A religious life built on the faith that Jesus Christ is one's savior, is security for the soul, comfort in a world of chaos, and as honorable a life as anyone can live. But as it was, at the time of the writing of his letter, these men were most apt to speak evil of those persons and things that they know least of. They pledge their faith to no one except self, and they have no heavenly realm to seek after. They are consumed by their own darkness. We can easily understand from these words of Jude, that he has a very low opinion of these false teachers, We can easily understand how we might feel, if someone came to us here at Advent and began speaking about another faith, and speaking evil of the members, assuming some authority over our worship, teaching a doctrine other than the sufficiency of Jesus Christ for our salvation. But what these people were doing was openly brazen and was undermining the work the church.
Jude then mentions Enoch (Hebrews 11:5) who represents prophetically the true Church living at the close of the age, bearing witness to the coming of the Lord, and waiting in faith for the promised translation. The Spirit of God mentions Enoch for this purpose and for our encouragement. That God does indeed have the final say, The Good in Christ will endure, and sinners will suffer the judgment. Jude continues his criticism of them by describing their boasting of themselves and flattering of others for whatever advantage it will gain them.
Questions
1. Do such false teachers thrive in our world today
2. By what authority do these false teachers come to us?
3. Why does Jude feel justified in writing these things?
4. How does one recognize the false representations of one who would deceive us?
Pg.2
Jude 1:17-25 Remember whose you are.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.
18 They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Discussion
The word of God is always the answer to dangers in or out of the church.The apostles had warned that just these things would happen; and even more so as the day approaches:(2Timothy_4:3-4) There would be mockers in the last time: Perhaps Jude had in mind those who mock the idea of Jesus’ return. Or he may mean the kind of men who mock those who don’t go along the same path of destruction that the mockers travel on. Those who live according to their own ungodly lusts love to mock those who want to please God.
What to do about the danger of the “certain men”.Significantly, Jude does not tell us to attack the certain men who are a danger to the church. Instead, he tells us to focus on our walk with the Lord, help others, and to focus on God. We simply are to pay the certain men no attention, except for what is necessary for our warning. God will take care of them.
We should understand what it means when the Bible says that God loves the ungodly. God’s love extends everywhere, and nothing can separate us from it. But we can deny ourselves the benefits of God’s love. An example of this is the Prodigal Son of Luke 15, who was always loved by the father, but for a time he did not benefit from it. We must keep ourselves in the love of God.
On some have compassion: Jude begins here to tell us what we must do with those who have been influenced by these certain men. We must approach different people in different manners. By being sensitive to their needs and being led by the Holy Spirit, we can know when we should comfort, and when we should rebuke. Christians should not abandon a friend flirting with false teaching. This means we should continue to love them. No matter how bad a person is, or how misleading and terrible their doctrine, we are not to hate them, or to be unconcerned for their salvation. We must have compassion for all. This often means watching over someone, helping them with accountability. “Meantime watch over others as well as yourselves; and give them such help as their various needs require.” Others save with fear: This second group must be confronted more strongly - but in fear, not in a sanctimonious superiority. You may need to pull them out of the fire, but never do it in pride. This outward look is important. It demonstrates that we are not only concerned for our own spiritual welfare. It proves that we genuinely care about other Christians who are edging towards significant error.
Questions
1. The phrase “Scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires”means what?
2. What are these natural instincts in vs.19, of which Jude speaks?
3. We are to contend for the faith against false teachers, means what?
4. Is there a time when we are to have an end to our care and compassion?
5. Contending for our faith, is one matter, yet compassion for the ungodly, are these mixed signals?
Pg.3
Scripture Readings
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away." For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
2Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Closing Prayer, Father God protector of our faith, strengthen our faith as we pass through this world that we may not be drawn into temptations snare. Strengthen our faith that we may be proper witnesses to a firm faith and a Christian example in our daily life. We pray now for those of our friends and those in our fellowship of believers who need your healing touch_________ We pray for healing for those mentioned here and those still on our hearts, that you will give them strength, and hope and peace to help them in their healing process and sustain their faith in your healing power. Be with us now as we leave this place and help our faith, that we may continue in service to you until we meet again. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Amen
Pg.4
Meditation
Jude's main purpose for writing this epistle is to combat the false teachers who have "crept in" unawares to the church (v. 4). Jude establishes his authority to speak upon the subject of false teachers not by making an appeal to his family relationship with Jesus Christ as one may expect, but instead prefers to appeal to the faith that has been received as his foundation (v. 3). This faith, Jude argues, must be contended for against determined opposition, and it is because of false teachers that Jude feels as though he is compelled to write (v. 3).
Although Jude does not offer to the reader the identities of those who have "crept in," he spares the reader no details regarding the nature of their sin, their motives, their fruit, as well as a description of their final judgment by our Lord when he comes in power. Jude's urging his readers to “contend for the faith” against “certain individuals”, does not necessarily mean the “Gnostics”. Jude does not name them. The issue of who it might be makes no difference in what Jude is saying.
The teaching to be understood is this: A Christian, or group of Christians will normally receive a new convert or a new member into our faith without question. Christians want to be known as peace loving, and supportive. They will exhibit these and other Christian virtues to strangers who come, humbly seeking Christian fellowship and acceptance. Christians welcome the opportunity to help the destitute and the down trodden. These are all things that Jesus taught during His ministry on this earth. Thus for some who are clever and scheming, with unrighteous, ungodly motive, it is an easy task to blend in with the believers and convince them of their need to have whatever evil they are selling.
Remember this, from 1st Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The devil cannot just come to you and capture your soul, he is looking for the vulnerable soul, the weak and desperate ones who seek after the worlds delights. The Christian, should always be alert and of sober mind. Not given to ease or sloth, nor given to distractions of this world in which Satan delights. The lesson here is for Christians to be on their guard against false teaching and clever individuals who would lead them astray. We cannot be too careful. Jude gave us a very vivid description of the character of these “certain individuals” in the first eleven verses. So we are to contend for the faith which is our salvation, be compassionate yet careful not to allow our faith to waiver. Once the matter becomes known, be merciful and show compassion. We must approach different people in different manners. By being sensitive to their needs and being led by the Holy Spirit, we can know when we should comfort, and when we should rebuke. Christians should not abandon a friend flirting with false teaching. They should help him through it in love. This means we should continue to love them. No matter how bad a person is, or how misleading and terrible their doctrine, we are not to hate them, or to be unconcerned for their salvation. We must have compassion for all. This often means watching over someone, helping them with accountability.
Why did the Archangel Michael not rebuke the devil? What we learn from the illustration Jude used in verse 9, is that Michael did not rebuke the devil when he had every right to do so18 because Michael knew that ultimately it was not his place to do so. For it is the Lord's place to rebuke the devil Rom 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Then Jude finishes with these verses 21 keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh............Amen
Monday, February 13, 2017
Jude Session 1
Pg.1
fair Warning
Opening Prayer, Father God, help us in this study as we continue in our efforts to know more of Your will for our lives. Lead our thoughts and words as we examine this letter written by a brother of Jesus. Help us in our understanding of those matters you would have us learn from this study, and to use what we learn to become better disciples for Jesus as we live day by day. Lead us now as we study The Epistle of Jude. In Jesus name we pray, amen. (Romans 13:11-14)
Jude 1:1-7 A real concern
1. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. 3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling--these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
Discussion
Jude wrote his epistle in 75 A.D. Jude identifies himself as “a bond servant of Jesus Christ” the brother of James. Jesus had a large family. Both Jude (Judas)and James are half-brothers of Jesus,as were Joses (Joseph) and Simon and at least two half sisters. (Matthew 13: 55, 56)
The purpose of Jude's epistle is to address false teachings and to illustrate a contrast between the error of heresy and the truth of Jesus Christ. Jude identifies himself and quickly delves into the dilemma of false teachings. Heresy was obviously seeping into the region, disturbing the churches, and deceiving believers. His advice is to focus on Jesus Christ and to watch out for each other so that no one is misled into error. (James 1:12-15 )
Jude writes that he is concerned about false teachers and false doctrine being brought into their midst by an ungodly people who are perverting the grace of God into a license for immorality. And these people are also denying Jesus incarnation. He then reminds his readers of what God has done for them and what can happen if they fall away again. All of what he says here is very familiar to us all, and ultimately relates to what God has done in the past to those people and even Angels who have fallen away.
Questions
1. To whom is this letter addressed? Do you think that include you? Explain.
2. What does Jude first say about why he was eager to write this letter?
3. The subject of the letter is then quickly introduced, what is the concern Jude expresses?
4. In reading this portion of scripture so far, what strikes you as familiar?
5. Who might Jude be referring to as “certain Individuals”?
6. What is the perversion of the grace of God to which the epistle refers?
7. Can anyone explain the license for immorality to which Jude refers?
8. What is it that Jude refers to as something we already know, see verse 5,6,7,?
Pg.2
The error of their ways
In a recent interview, the pope addressed nearly every hot-button issue facing the Roman Catholic Church today. Issues such as its alleged "gay lobby," Vatican bank corruption, the role of women, abortion, and homosexuality. But it was the Pope's remarks on homosexuality - the fact that the head of a 1 billion-member church said that it's not his place to judge gays - "Pope Francis's brief comment on gays reveals great mercy," said the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor at America, a Catholic magazine. "Today Pope Francis has, once again, lived out the Gospel message of compassion for everyone," Martin said.
Like the original audiences of many of the other General Epistles, these Christians to whom Jude was writing, were facing the onslaught of false teaching. Particularly, this false teaching involved promoting sexual immorality and possibly a denial of Christ’s return. (Galatians 5:16-24)
Jude 1:8-11 Balaam's error
8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct--as irrational animals do--will destroy them. 11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion.
Discussion
A desire to have what I want, and have it now, and have it my, way is always a choice one can make. We are not restricted by any law or belief, that what we want cannot be obtained.
Some 2000 years ago the Church of Jesus Christ found itself infiltrated by false teachers who used the grace of God as an excuse for wanton immorality. The task of warning the church about such individuals and calling Christians to persevere in the grace of God fell to “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James”.
Regrettably, sexual immorality issues do not cause much surprise for many Christians today. Some of the events described are common not only in newspaper headlines but also in publications covering liberal denominations, and even now in the evangelical world. The sexual immorality prevalent in our culture today is simply an indication that the world has changed the view of mans morality in such issues as pornography, homosexuality, and abortion, such temptations as could turn the head of even the staunchest Christian.
But there is a fallacy in such matters, and that is the notion that one might just begin to believe that God has it wrong, we can do whatever immorality we desire . In fact God's grace is such that he does not hold our immorality against us. His grace is such that he will always forgiv us. (Romans 1:24-27)
Questions
1. Are there certain of the commandments that God does not hold against us if we break?
2. This matter we are discussing happened 2000 years ago, how is that relevant today?
3. The rule of law governs, but in today's world are we overruling God's Law in certain matters?
4. We do realize that the world is evolving and things change, are we wrong to bring up such issues?
5. Like the pope says, It is not our place to judge, Do we have the right to condemn such issues?
6. In today’s world, anything goes just so it is not hurting others, so what concern is this matter to us?
7. What should be the Christian's position about such matters?
Pg.3
Scripture readings
Romans 13:11-14 ESV, Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
James 1:12-15 ESV, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Galatians 5:16-24 ESV, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ...
Romans 1:24-27 ESV, Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Closing Prayer, Father God protector of our faith, strengthen our faith as we pass through this world that we may not be drawn into temptations snare. Strengthen our faith that we may be proper witnesses to a firm faith and a Christian example in our daily life. We pray now for those of our friends and those in our fellowship of believers who need your healing touch_________ We pray for healing for those mentioned here and those still on our hearts, that you will give them strength, and hope and peace to help them in their healing process and sustain their faith in your healing power. Be with us now as we leave this place and help our faith, that we may continue in service to you until we meet again. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Amen
Pg.4
Meditation on Jude 1: 1-11
Faith was being corrupted when Jude received the commission to exhort Christians to contend earnestly for it. Jude had a desire to write about the common salvation; but the Holy Spirit wanted him to write about something else and He constrained him to do so, not in his own words but in words given by God.
The corruption of which is spoken was the contention of false teachers bringing in their apostacy of unbelief and teaching immoralities which practices they were promoting. These he spoke of were ungodly men, having taken on the Christian profession without possessing the reality of it. The evil they introduced was twofold. They turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and they denied the rights of Christ to be Lord and Master. They professed to believe in grace, but abused it so that they might indulge in their own lusts; they knew nothing of the power of godliness manifested in holy living and therefore they denied the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All apostasy starts with unbelief in what God has spoken. The angels which kept not their first estate, who left their own habitation, and who are now chained, are the same angels of whom Peter speaks, those who brought in the corruption described in the opening verses of Genesis 6. They gave up the place assigned to them. This is the next step in the progress of apostasy. Unbelief leads to rebellion against God. Sodom and Gomorrha come next. Here we find the grossest immoralities and going after strange flesh. These vicious things are still in the world, and why are they so prominent in our days? On account of unbelief. Then follows the statement, that these apostates are filthy dreamers who defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. This is lawlessness. This is the goal of all apostasy. The predicted lawlessness with which this age ends is the fruitage of infidelity. Such is the development of apostasy. Unbelief, rebellion against God and his revealed truth, immorality and anarchy. These steps may be traced in our own times.
There are three characteristics listed in Verse 11. The Spirit of God pronounces a woe upon them. The eleventh verse is of much importance. At the close of the New Testament we are reminded of Cain, the first murderer of the human race.
The first characteristic, The way of Cain, was the way of unbelief. He did not believe what God had spoken, while Abel believed. He had not faith like Abel, who offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous. Cain was a religious man nevertheless, but his religion may be termed a "bloodless religion." He brought the labor of his hands, that which he had gathered from the land upon which the curse rested.
The second characteristic is that apostates go in the same way of self-will and in that way they reject the record of God concerning His Son. They have no use for the blood of redemption; the salvation they preach is the salvation of "What I want I do," by character. They rush also greedily after the error of Balaam, (Numbers 23-25). Money is the chief object with them. They teach error for reward, knowing all along that their teaching is contrary to the revelation of God. Money, honor and glory from men, self exaltation and self gratification are the leading motives of these men, and many there are today who step into this error.
The third characteristic is the sin of Korah, (Numbers 16:1-50). The sin of Korah was open rebellion and opposition against the authority of God and the priesthood He had instituted. These apostates of the last days manifest the same spirit of rebellion and defiance. They have no use for the Lord Jesus Christ as the appointed mediator, priest and advocate. The perdition of Korah will overtake them likewise. Amen
fair Warning
Opening Prayer, Father God, help us in this study as we continue in our efforts to know more of Your will for our lives. Lead our thoughts and words as we examine this letter written by a brother of Jesus. Help us in our understanding of those matters you would have us learn from this study, and to use what we learn to become better disciples for Jesus as we live day by day. Lead us now as we study The Epistle of Jude. In Jesus name we pray, amen. (Romans 13:11-14)
Jude 1:1-7 A real concern
1. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. 3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling--these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
Discussion
Jude wrote his epistle in 75 A.D. Jude identifies himself as “a bond servant of Jesus Christ” the brother of James. Jesus had a large family. Both Jude (Judas)and James are half-brothers of Jesus,as were Joses (Joseph) and Simon and at least two half sisters. (Matthew 13: 55, 56)
The purpose of Jude's epistle is to address false teachings and to illustrate a contrast between the error of heresy and the truth of Jesus Christ. Jude identifies himself and quickly delves into the dilemma of false teachings. Heresy was obviously seeping into the region, disturbing the churches, and deceiving believers. His advice is to focus on Jesus Christ and to watch out for each other so that no one is misled into error. (James 1:12-15 )
Jude writes that he is concerned about false teachers and false doctrine being brought into their midst by an ungodly people who are perverting the grace of God into a license for immorality. And these people are also denying Jesus incarnation. He then reminds his readers of what God has done for them and what can happen if they fall away again. All of what he says here is very familiar to us all, and ultimately relates to what God has done in the past to those people and even Angels who have fallen away.
Questions
1. To whom is this letter addressed? Do you think that include you? Explain.
2. What does Jude first say about why he was eager to write this letter?
3. The subject of the letter is then quickly introduced, what is the concern Jude expresses?
4. In reading this portion of scripture so far, what strikes you as familiar?
5. Who might Jude be referring to as “certain Individuals”?
6. What is the perversion of the grace of God to which the epistle refers?
7. Can anyone explain the license for immorality to which Jude refers?
8. What is it that Jude refers to as something we already know, see verse 5,6,7,?
Pg.2
The error of their ways
In a recent interview, the pope addressed nearly every hot-button issue facing the Roman Catholic Church today. Issues such as its alleged "gay lobby," Vatican bank corruption, the role of women, abortion, and homosexuality. But it was the Pope's remarks on homosexuality - the fact that the head of a 1 billion-member church said that it's not his place to judge gays - "Pope Francis's brief comment on gays reveals great mercy," said the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor at America, a Catholic magazine. "Today Pope Francis has, once again, lived out the Gospel message of compassion for everyone," Martin said.
Like the original audiences of many of the other General Epistles, these Christians to whom Jude was writing, were facing the onslaught of false teaching. Particularly, this false teaching involved promoting sexual immorality and possibly a denial of Christ’s return. (Galatians 5:16-24)
Jude 1:8-11 Balaam's error
8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct--as irrational animals do--will destroy them. 11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion.
Discussion
A desire to have what I want, and have it now, and have it my, way is always a choice one can make. We are not restricted by any law or belief, that what we want cannot be obtained.
Some 2000 years ago the Church of Jesus Christ found itself infiltrated by false teachers who used the grace of God as an excuse for wanton immorality. The task of warning the church about such individuals and calling Christians to persevere in the grace of God fell to “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James”.
Regrettably, sexual immorality issues do not cause much surprise for many Christians today. Some of the events described are common not only in newspaper headlines but also in publications covering liberal denominations, and even now in the evangelical world. The sexual immorality prevalent in our culture today is simply an indication that the world has changed the view of mans morality in such issues as pornography, homosexuality, and abortion, such temptations as could turn the head of even the staunchest Christian.
But there is a fallacy in such matters, and that is the notion that one might just begin to believe that God has it wrong, we can do whatever immorality we desire . In fact God's grace is such that he does not hold our immorality against us. His grace is such that he will always forgiv us. (Romans 1:24-27)
Questions
1. Are there certain of the commandments that God does not hold against us if we break?
2. This matter we are discussing happened 2000 years ago, how is that relevant today?
3. The rule of law governs, but in today's world are we overruling God's Law in certain matters?
4. We do realize that the world is evolving and things change, are we wrong to bring up such issues?
5. Like the pope says, It is not our place to judge, Do we have the right to condemn such issues?
6. In today’s world, anything goes just so it is not hurting others, so what concern is this matter to us?
7. What should be the Christian's position about such matters?
Pg.3
Scripture readings
Romans 13:11-14 ESV, Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
James 1:12-15 ESV, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Galatians 5:16-24 ESV, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ...
Romans 1:24-27 ESV, Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Closing Prayer, Father God protector of our faith, strengthen our faith as we pass through this world that we may not be drawn into temptations snare. Strengthen our faith that we may be proper witnesses to a firm faith and a Christian example in our daily life. We pray now for those of our friends and those in our fellowship of believers who need your healing touch_________ We pray for healing for those mentioned here and those still on our hearts, that you will give them strength, and hope and peace to help them in their healing process and sustain their faith in your healing power. Be with us now as we leave this place and help our faith, that we may continue in service to you until we meet again. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Amen
Pg.4
Meditation on Jude 1: 1-11
Faith was being corrupted when Jude received the commission to exhort Christians to contend earnestly for it. Jude had a desire to write about the common salvation; but the Holy Spirit wanted him to write about something else and He constrained him to do so, not in his own words but in words given by God.
The corruption of which is spoken was the contention of false teachers bringing in their apostacy of unbelief and teaching immoralities which practices they were promoting. These he spoke of were ungodly men, having taken on the Christian profession without possessing the reality of it. The evil they introduced was twofold. They turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and they denied the rights of Christ to be Lord and Master. They professed to believe in grace, but abused it so that they might indulge in their own lusts; they knew nothing of the power of godliness manifested in holy living and therefore they denied the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All apostasy starts with unbelief in what God has spoken. The angels which kept not their first estate, who left their own habitation, and who are now chained, are the same angels of whom Peter speaks, those who brought in the corruption described in the opening verses of Genesis 6. They gave up the place assigned to them. This is the next step in the progress of apostasy. Unbelief leads to rebellion against God. Sodom and Gomorrha come next. Here we find the grossest immoralities and going after strange flesh. These vicious things are still in the world, and why are they so prominent in our days? On account of unbelief. Then follows the statement, that these apostates are filthy dreamers who defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. This is lawlessness. This is the goal of all apostasy. The predicted lawlessness with which this age ends is the fruitage of infidelity. Such is the development of apostasy. Unbelief, rebellion against God and his revealed truth, immorality and anarchy. These steps may be traced in our own times.
There are three characteristics listed in Verse 11. The Spirit of God pronounces a woe upon them. The eleventh verse is of much importance. At the close of the New Testament we are reminded of Cain, the first murderer of the human race.
The first characteristic, The way of Cain, was the way of unbelief. He did not believe what God had spoken, while Abel believed. He had not faith like Abel, who offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous. Cain was a religious man nevertheless, but his religion may be termed a "bloodless religion." He brought the labor of his hands, that which he had gathered from the land upon which the curse rested.
The second characteristic is that apostates go in the same way of self-will and in that way they reject the record of God concerning His Son. They have no use for the blood of redemption; the salvation they preach is the salvation of "What I want I do," by character. They rush also greedily after the error of Balaam, (Numbers 23-25). Money is the chief object with them. They teach error for reward, knowing all along that their teaching is contrary to the revelation of God. Money, honor and glory from men, self exaltation and self gratification are the leading motives of these men, and many there are today who step into this error.
The third characteristic is the sin of Korah, (Numbers 16:1-50). The sin of Korah was open rebellion and opposition against the authority of God and the priesthood He had instituted. These apostates of the last days manifest the same spirit of rebellion and defiance. They have no use for the Lord Jesus Christ as the appointed mediator, priest and advocate. The perdition of Korah will overtake them likewise. Amen
3rd John Session 9
Walking In The Truth Pg.1
Opening Prayer. Father God help us in our study of Your word so that we might become willing encouragers to those whose calling is to minister to others the truth of Your word. We are grateful for those ministers and teachers who have been a light in our lives. We are grateful for the purpose and truth you have allowed into our lives from the lips of those who spread your word. Lead us now as we study Your word as given to us by Your Apostle John. In Jesus name we pray...Amen
3rd John 1: 1-8 Encouraging Others
3Jn 1:1 From: The Elder, To: My dear friend Gaius, whom I genuinely love. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy. 3 I was overjoyed when some brothers arrived and testified about your truthfulness and how you live according to the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are living according to the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers. 6 They have testified before the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 After all, they went on their trip for the sake of the Name, accepting no support from gentiles. 8 Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can become genuine helpers with them.
Discussion
Having studied the apostle John’s second epistle that believers are not to sanction or provide for false teachers, we now read how the church is to treat those who teach true, apostolic doctrine. The Third Epistle encourages the believer to the exercise of hospitality, whether towards those who are known followers, fellow believers, or those who are strangers, seeking aid on their way, provided that they come with the truth and for the truth's sake, and without salary or provision. Gaius received them, and was helpful to them in his own house and on their journey. Again the apostle insists on the truth, as characterizing real love. He rejoiced when the brethren, those whom Gaius had received into his house and helped on their journey, testified of the truth that was in him, as was his character, he walked in the truth. The apostle had no greater joy than that of hearing that his children walked in the truth. In receiving those who went forth to preach the truth, they helped the truth itself; they were co-workers with it.
John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others..- Gaius and Demetrius were commended for their faithful work in the church. They were held up as examples of faithful, sefless servants. Even in our world today, perhaps even more now than ever before, we shouldn't take for granted Christian workers who serve faithfully. We should always be positive and encouraging to those who do the work of the church, so they won't grow weary of serving. Genuine hospitality for Christian workers was needed then, and is still important today. This is important as faithful Christian teachers and missionaries need our support. Whenever you can extend hospitality to others, it will make you a partner in their ministry. Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can become genuine helpers with them.
Questions
1. In John's 2nd letter we studied how discerning a Christian is to be about what?
2. In verse 2, John prays for Gaius' health and for his healthy soul, what is a healthy soul?
3. John mentions his great joy in verse four what does he say gives him great Joy?
4. How does Gaius send his visitors on their way in a manner worthy of God?
5. In these first eight verses, what do we understand about Gaius?
6. God is it, Jesus teaches it, and it speaks well of the Christians who lives the truth of it. What is it?
7. The one thing a Christian can do in showing their love for others is to offer them what?
8. What would Jesus do?
Pg.2
3rd John 1: 9-14 What's wrong?
9 I wrote a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, will not recognize our authority. 10 For this reason, when I come I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with that, he refuses to receive the brothers. He even tries to stop those who want to accept them and throws them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The person who does what is good is from God. The person who does what is evil has never seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good report from everyone, including the truth itself. We, too, can testify to this report, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would rather not write with pen and ink.14 Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak face to face. May peace be with you! Your friends greet you. Greet each of our friends by name.
Discussion
It appears that John has a rival in Diotrephes. Apparently this person Diotrephes has presumed to take some authority away from John. Probably an act of self promotion in some area of the church or he even has assumed control to such an extent that he is opposing John by rejecting John's authority. What was true some 2000 years ago is still true even today. There is usually one who wants the position of authority, and is willing to take control if not rebuffed. In any case John is not going to let it go. He is going to do something about it when he arrives. This man is abusive and controlling to such an extent that he ejects those whom he decides against. Noting this, John then tells Gaius to avoid imitating such evil behavior, and instead do what is good. John then reminds his readers that the person that does good is from God and the person that does evil has never seen God. Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
Questions
1. What would a Christian do with someone like Diotrophes, one who wants to be in control?
2. Have you ever had to make a type of decision, to do what is good, as opposed to what is evil?
3. What does John mean by the phrase “the person who does what is evil has never seen God”?
4. Demetrius has received a good report, including the truth itself. What does that mean?
5. What are the guiding principles for determining whether something is good or bad ?
6. What does a dissenting spirit do to a Church's effectiveness?
7. What is the best path to take when trying to work with a dissenting spirit?
8. What would Jesus do?
Closing Prayer. Be with us God as we leave here tonight, guide our thoughts and our ways that we do nothing which is contrary to your will, and help us to excell in doing those things that are pleasing in your sight. Be with those of our group and those on our hearts that need you loving healing care_____________ Father we pray for those mentioned here that you may bring to them the care and comfort they need to endure the struggle that they are in, and give them the peace and healing they need to recover their health. We pray these things in Jesus name Amen.
Pg.3
Meditation
The Three Epistles of John
Throughout 1st John is a constant interplay of love, righteousness, and belief. The author insisted upon the relationship of belief and love. The readers must remember to identify love with keeping the commandments. Because they are children of God, it should not be burdensome for them. Also, those born of God will gain the victory over the world through faith. John commonly used the verb “believe,” and only once did he use the noun “faith.” Faith is the victory. It was not the Gnostic victory of spirit over matter, but the Christian victory of righteousness over evil. Faith is brought again into the discussion when John warns his flock of false teachers.
This epistle unlike the other two is written more as a sermon, one to help strengthen people's faith in Jesus, To aid them in discernment of false teachers and false doctrine, and to help them understand why a being as great as the Son of God would have a mortal life and a mortal's agonizing death. As Christians we are to pattern our life after the living example of love and compassion that Jesus lived, and in so doing come to know a gracious and forgiving God.
Then 2nd John is written as a short letter from the Apostle to an unnamed "elect lady" Within the letter John warns about giving hospitality and opening our home to false teachers, and to always practice living the truth which is of God, and always avoiding selfishness and evil deeds. And in this second Epistle we learn that the love of which John wrote never goes contrary to the interest of truth. Faith comes from love. Love results from being born again. There were roving teachers of Gnosticism that propagated heresy in denying the reality of the incarnation of God in Christ. These antichrists did not abide in “the doctrine of Christ”. The readers were warned against such men. To such men they were not to offer Christian hospitality. They were not to give aid to those teachers of heresy.
Finally 3rd John gives us a brief letter to a friend "Gaius". John is particularly pleased with Gaius as one who is “Following the truth”. The act that particularly drew the “elder’s” praise had been Gaius’ hospitality to the itinerant missionaries who ministered to the church of which he was a member.
Here we also find an arrogant, domineering, man named Diotrephes, who had barred Demetrius from the church and had suppressed the elder’s letter. John promised to confront this man shortly if he was able to come himself.
Then we have Demetrius who was the bearer of this letter. Demetrius was given a threefold commendation: (1) he was widely known in the church as a man of good character, (2) his life revealed his Christianity through his loyalty to the truth, (3) John himself testified to the kind of man he was.
What would Jesus do? In conclusion, Jesus bids his disciples love for one another, John 13:35 “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." love I today's world, it is not enough that we are Christians, there is a sense in which we are to become more and more thoroughly Christians in our daily life. Jesus again bids his disciples in John 15:8 “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples”. May it be ever so with us, as we continue in the truth of God's word… Amen
Opening Prayer. Father God help us in our study of Your word so that we might become willing encouragers to those whose calling is to minister to others the truth of Your word. We are grateful for those ministers and teachers who have been a light in our lives. We are grateful for the purpose and truth you have allowed into our lives from the lips of those who spread your word. Lead us now as we study Your word as given to us by Your Apostle John. In Jesus name we pray...Amen
3rd John 1: 1-8 Encouraging Others
3Jn 1:1 From: The Elder, To: My dear friend Gaius, whom I genuinely love. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy. 3 I was overjoyed when some brothers arrived and testified about your truthfulness and how you live according to the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are living according to the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers. 6 They have testified before the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 After all, they went on their trip for the sake of the Name, accepting no support from gentiles. 8 Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can become genuine helpers with them.
Discussion
Having studied the apostle John’s second epistle that believers are not to sanction or provide for false teachers, we now read how the church is to treat those who teach true, apostolic doctrine. The Third Epistle encourages the believer to the exercise of hospitality, whether towards those who are known followers, fellow believers, or those who are strangers, seeking aid on their way, provided that they come with the truth and for the truth's sake, and without salary or provision. Gaius received them, and was helpful to them in his own house and on their journey. Again the apostle insists on the truth, as characterizing real love. He rejoiced when the brethren, those whom Gaius had received into his house and helped on their journey, testified of the truth that was in him, as was his character, he walked in the truth. The apostle had no greater joy than that of hearing that his children walked in the truth. In receiving those who went forth to preach the truth, they helped the truth itself; they were co-workers with it.
John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others..- Gaius and Demetrius were commended for their faithful work in the church. They were held up as examples of faithful, sefless servants. Even in our world today, perhaps even more now than ever before, we shouldn't take for granted Christian workers who serve faithfully. We should always be positive and encouraging to those who do the work of the church, so they won't grow weary of serving. Genuine hospitality for Christian workers was needed then, and is still important today. This is important as faithful Christian teachers and missionaries need our support. Whenever you can extend hospitality to others, it will make you a partner in their ministry. Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can become genuine helpers with them.
Questions
1. In John's 2nd letter we studied how discerning a Christian is to be about what?
2. In verse 2, John prays for Gaius' health and for his healthy soul, what is a healthy soul?
3. John mentions his great joy in verse four what does he say gives him great Joy?
4. How does Gaius send his visitors on their way in a manner worthy of God?
5. In these first eight verses, what do we understand about Gaius?
6. God is it, Jesus teaches it, and it speaks well of the Christians who lives the truth of it. What is it?
7. The one thing a Christian can do in showing their love for others is to offer them what?
8. What would Jesus do?
Pg.2
3rd John 1: 9-14 What's wrong?
9 I wrote a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, will not recognize our authority. 10 For this reason, when I come I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with that, he refuses to receive the brothers. He even tries to stop those who want to accept them and throws them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The person who does what is good is from God. The person who does what is evil has never seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good report from everyone, including the truth itself. We, too, can testify to this report, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would rather not write with pen and ink.14 Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak face to face. May peace be with you! Your friends greet you. Greet each of our friends by name.
Discussion
It appears that John has a rival in Diotrephes. Apparently this person Diotrephes has presumed to take some authority away from John. Probably an act of self promotion in some area of the church or he even has assumed control to such an extent that he is opposing John by rejecting John's authority. What was true some 2000 years ago is still true even today. There is usually one who wants the position of authority, and is willing to take control if not rebuffed. In any case John is not going to let it go. He is going to do something about it when he arrives. This man is abusive and controlling to such an extent that he ejects those whom he decides against. Noting this, John then tells Gaius to avoid imitating such evil behavior, and instead do what is good. John then reminds his readers that the person that does good is from God and the person that does evil has never seen God. Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
Questions
1. What would a Christian do with someone like Diotrophes, one who wants to be in control?
2. Have you ever had to make a type of decision, to do what is good, as opposed to what is evil?
3. What does John mean by the phrase “the person who does what is evil has never seen God”?
4. Demetrius has received a good report, including the truth itself. What does that mean?
5. What are the guiding principles for determining whether something is good or bad ?
6. What does a dissenting spirit do to a Church's effectiveness?
7. What is the best path to take when trying to work with a dissenting spirit?
8. What would Jesus do?
Closing Prayer. Be with us God as we leave here tonight, guide our thoughts and our ways that we do nothing which is contrary to your will, and help us to excell in doing those things that are pleasing in your sight. Be with those of our group and those on our hearts that need you loving healing care_____________ Father we pray for those mentioned here that you may bring to them the care and comfort they need to endure the struggle that they are in, and give them the peace and healing they need to recover their health. We pray these things in Jesus name Amen.
Pg.3
Meditation
The Three Epistles of John
Throughout 1st John is a constant interplay of love, righteousness, and belief. The author insisted upon the relationship of belief and love. The readers must remember to identify love with keeping the commandments. Because they are children of God, it should not be burdensome for them. Also, those born of God will gain the victory over the world through faith. John commonly used the verb “believe,” and only once did he use the noun “faith.” Faith is the victory. It was not the Gnostic victory of spirit over matter, but the Christian victory of righteousness over evil. Faith is brought again into the discussion when John warns his flock of false teachers.
This epistle unlike the other two is written more as a sermon, one to help strengthen people's faith in Jesus, To aid them in discernment of false teachers and false doctrine, and to help them understand why a being as great as the Son of God would have a mortal life and a mortal's agonizing death. As Christians we are to pattern our life after the living example of love and compassion that Jesus lived, and in so doing come to know a gracious and forgiving God.
Then 2nd John is written as a short letter from the Apostle to an unnamed "elect lady" Within the letter John warns about giving hospitality and opening our home to false teachers, and to always practice living the truth which is of God, and always avoiding selfishness and evil deeds. And in this second Epistle we learn that the love of which John wrote never goes contrary to the interest of truth. Faith comes from love. Love results from being born again. There were roving teachers of Gnosticism that propagated heresy in denying the reality of the incarnation of God in Christ. These antichrists did not abide in “the doctrine of Christ”. The readers were warned against such men. To such men they were not to offer Christian hospitality. They were not to give aid to those teachers of heresy.
Finally 3rd John gives us a brief letter to a friend "Gaius". John is particularly pleased with Gaius as one who is “Following the truth”. The act that particularly drew the “elder’s” praise had been Gaius’ hospitality to the itinerant missionaries who ministered to the church of which he was a member.
Here we also find an arrogant, domineering, man named Diotrephes, who had barred Demetrius from the church and had suppressed the elder’s letter. John promised to confront this man shortly if he was able to come himself.
Then we have Demetrius who was the bearer of this letter. Demetrius was given a threefold commendation: (1) he was widely known in the church as a man of good character, (2) his life revealed his Christianity through his loyalty to the truth, (3) John himself testified to the kind of man he was.
What would Jesus do? In conclusion, Jesus bids his disciples love for one another, John 13:35 “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." love I today's world, it is not enough that we are Christians, there is a sense in which we are to become more and more thoroughly Christians in our daily life. Jesus again bids his disciples in John 15:8 “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples”. May it be ever so with us, as we continue in the truth of God's word… Amen
2nd John 1-13 session8
2nd John 1- 6 Living Truthfully
2Jn 1:1 From: The Elder, To: The chosen lady and her children, whom I genuinely love, and not only I but also all who know the truth 2 that is present in us and will be with us forever. 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus the Messiah, the Father's Son, in truth and love. 4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children living truthfully, just as the Father has commanded us. 5 Dear lady, I am now requesting of you that we all continue to love one another. It is not as though I am writing to give you a new commandment, but one that we have had from the beginning. 6 And this is what demonstrates love: that we live according to God's commandments. Just as you have heard from the beginning what he commanded, you must live by it.
Discussion
The first thing that comes to mind when reading this scripture is, who is the “chosen lady to whom John refers? There may have been a lady by the name of Eklecte, Kuria, or Cyria, a beloved friend to John and to the church, an individual and her family, be it her natural children, or a fellowship of believers associated with her.
Another possible theory is that John was writing to a ‘sister’ church some distance away. It is also possible that the letter refers to Mary, mother of Jesus; Jesus had entrusted his "beloved disciple" with Mary's life when Jesus was on the cross (John 19:29).
No matter to whom it was written, John's message is God's word to his people, whomever and wherever they may be. It is God's teaching, and leading his people, to pay attention to His word.
John's letter begins with mentioning his love of all who know “the truth” which is the gospel truth. Then he addresses the matter of their living as the Father has commanded. And as well to encourage them to love one another in truth and to continue to do so.
The letter also serves as a warning to the genuine believers to resist the missionary efforts of the secessionist opponents, and of the dangers of welcoming them whenever their representatives should arrive. Opponents to the true teachings of Jesus, who have withdrawn from fellowship with the genuine Christians but have continued to engage in efforts to win ‘converts’ from the original group to which they formerly belonged. Johns letter is a warning to the genuine believers to resist these efforts, and to remain true to the eyewitness testimony concerning the significance of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, and the incarnation.
What can be the gain for us in taking in these words of John to his flock?
First; we are to continue in the truth as we have learned it in Jesus teachings. Those teachings are true and timeless. They live in us and thru us as God's words guide our thoughts words and deeds. Our interactions with our fellow man reflect these teachings.
Second; we are to trust God's words as infallible and eternal, God is truth and love and will never change. We are God's chosen and will be ever thus through Christ our Lord, and Savior.
Third; That we live unto God's commandments, not as if they are new commands but as Christ has given them to us, That we love God with all our heart , mind and soul, and our neighbor as our self. This we will do until the moment of our glorification.
Questions
1. What prompted John to address this letter the way he did?
2. What does John mean in vvs 2&3 “The truth that is present in us, and will be with us forever”?
3. What are the three blessings that John's salutation seeks for them
4. In verse 4 what does John mean by the words “living truthfully”?
5. What was John's request of the “dear lady”?
6. What is it that demonstrates love as John says?
2nd John 7- 13 Receive your full reward
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world. They refuse to acknowledge Jesus the Messiah as having become human. Any such person is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 See to it that you don't destroy what we have worked for, but that you receive your full reward. 9 Everyone who does not remain true to the teaching of the Messiah, but goes beyond it, does not have God. The person who remains true to the teaching of the Messiah has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you but does not present his teachings, do not receive him into your house or even welcome him, 11 because the one who welcomes him shares in his evil deeds. 12 Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would prefer not to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister greet you.
Discussion
As the Gospel spread in the first century, evangelists and teachers would travel from city to city in order to make and instruct new converts. The trouble is again with those who John calls false teachers who cause trouble with the faithful by bringing in erroneous beliefs, or by trying to promote themselves, and decieving the faithful by discounting the Christians faith, and belief in Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection as the one and only path to our salvation.
Any faith which denies the incarnation, or promotes any other deity or belief is false, and John writes that anyone who does not believe the teachings of Jesus, and profess the incarnation, should not be welcomed into the fellowship or invited into the Christians home. This does not imply that we as Christians are to exclude non believers from our homes or that we should shun them. It is saying that false teachers and those professing other than Jesus as savior are to be excluded.
We should understand that in this letter, John is not forbidding contact with non-believers nor is he saying that we should avoid proscribing attempts to persuade false teachers of their errors. It is a Christians charge to promote the Christian faith wherever it will be received, and to be ever mindful and constantly on guard against the efforts of the evil one. This letter is written to believers in the Gospel. In it, John is telling them not to give official sanction to those who deny the faith. He is telling his flock not to provide hospitality for those who claim to be teachers, but then reveal themselves to be false believers by what they teach.
What do we gain from these words from John.
First; Ask ourselves this question. Are there many false teachers and misrepresentations of the gospel in today's world? If the answer is in the affirmative, what would God have us do?
Second; What is the Christians responsibility to those who do profess to us a belief that is not Christ centered and which does not acknowledge the incarnation? A belief which disregards the Grace of God, but would have us work for our salvation, discounting Jesus' sacrifice of His life for our salvation. What responsibility should I as a Christian feel about that?
Third; Do not become an enabler of a false teacher or accept a false doctrine as partially right. Become informed as to our Christian duty according to God's word, as to what to do about such matters and then make that a matter of truth. Do not encourage false doctrine, but encourage the sinner to learn of Jesus and His love. The truth of our salvation.
Questions
1. In vs. 7, “Many deceivers have gone out into the world” Who are these deceivers ?
2. In vs. 8, “See to it that you don't destroy what we have worked for” means what?
3. Read vs. 9, what are your thoughts about going beyond the teachings of the Messiah?
4. In the context of this scripture, for what reason is one not to be welcomed into your house?
5. Why would one not want to welcome such deceivers into their home?
6. We are studying a letter from about 2000 years ago, does it apply in our lives today?
Opening Prayer, Father God bless us this evening with understanding as we study the word of God as given to us in the 2nd epistle of the apostle John. Guide our thoughts us as we seek to learn more of how we are to continue in love and fellowship with one another and to strengthen our resolve in spreading the gospel message. Help us in our effort to remain true to the teachings of Jesus and to resist any effort to distort or misrepresent that teaching. May it never be that we would entertain another path to our salvation, as some are led to believe. We pray this in the Name of Jesus ...Amen
Closing Prayer, Almighty God, instill within us the desire to hold fast to the teachings of Jesus. Help us to be true and faithful witnesses for Christ as we live our daily lives. Bring to us the words we need to speak when we are challenged in our faith. And help us to be bold in the speaking of our faith when it is Your will for us. We pray Your blessings now on those of our friends and loved ones who need Your care and comfort. We pray for these now_____________Our prayer for these named and for those on our hearts, is for Your healing hand to touch their infirmity and Your peace and comfort to give them rest, and Your strength to give them hope in their recovery. We pray these things in Jesus name, Amen
Meditation
It is possible to respond to each new challenge or difficult issue arising in our culture that poses questions for Christian faith and values by rejecting and condemning outright anything that is strange, unfamiliar, or contrary to traditional opinions. Are we really qualified to do that? What we should be doing is meeting the challenges squarely as a Christian should do, and as a devoted follower of Christ's teachings, try to determine the validity of such matters before ruling on them.
It is also possible to respond to each new challenge, idea or cultural development by trying to blend it into the Christian faith without asking hard questions about whether it will really fit, or if it meets the moral and ethical measures given to us in Christ's teachings. The result is that Christianity can become very trendy in some churches and not so much in others. Is God a trendy God, we might ask? The answer to that question may come at the expense of truth. It may seem that in order to make Christianity relevant we must accept whatever trend-setting fads, new age beliefs or high profile intellectuals set for us. But are we then putting ourselves in the position of letting God know what we want him to accept? Are we sure we want to do that?
The Christian, “true believer” should make the effort to avoid both a negative aggression or a passive acceptance toward the changing social and moral standards of the developments of our day, and an accommodation of the Christian message to the spirit of the times. In other words do not be close minded, but also do not lose your passion for the truth of our faith. Our goal is to seek to make a faithful response that acknowledges the church’s responsibility to continue changing and growing in its own, if such is God's will. That just might make the accommodation a little difficult or it might render the church a new and evangelical spirit.
Sometimes the moral compass of society can seem to go against our belief, just as often as it goes with our belief. In our understanding of the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ we have much to learn, both from God’s word in Scripture and from God’s world. This means, as a practical matter, taking what critics of orthodox Christianity say with utmost seriousness — while not yielding ground on those basic principles which Scripture clearly teaches and which have formed the essential framework of belief for the church throughout its history. In some instances a firm stand is a Christians only choice. In John's words, Test the teachers. Amen.
2Jn 1:1 From: The Elder, To: The chosen lady and her children, whom I genuinely love, and not only I but also all who know the truth 2 that is present in us and will be with us forever. 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus the Messiah, the Father's Son, in truth and love. 4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children living truthfully, just as the Father has commanded us. 5 Dear lady, I am now requesting of you that we all continue to love one another. It is not as though I am writing to give you a new commandment, but one that we have had from the beginning. 6 And this is what demonstrates love: that we live according to God's commandments. Just as you have heard from the beginning what he commanded, you must live by it.
Discussion
The first thing that comes to mind when reading this scripture is, who is the “chosen lady to whom John refers? There may have been a lady by the name of Eklecte, Kuria, or Cyria, a beloved friend to John and to the church, an individual and her family, be it her natural children, or a fellowship of believers associated with her.
Another possible theory is that John was writing to a ‘sister’ church some distance away. It is also possible that the letter refers to Mary, mother of Jesus; Jesus had entrusted his "beloved disciple" with Mary's life when Jesus was on the cross (John 19:29).
No matter to whom it was written, John's message is God's word to his people, whomever and wherever they may be. It is God's teaching, and leading his people, to pay attention to His word.
John's letter begins with mentioning his love of all who know “the truth” which is the gospel truth. Then he addresses the matter of their living as the Father has commanded. And as well to encourage them to love one another in truth and to continue to do so.
The letter also serves as a warning to the genuine believers to resist the missionary efforts of the secessionist opponents, and of the dangers of welcoming them whenever their representatives should arrive. Opponents to the true teachings of Jesus, who have withdrawn from fellowship with the genuine Christians but have continued to engage in efforts to win ‘converts’ from the original group to which they formerly belonged. Johns letter is a warning to the genuine believers to resist these efforts, and to remain true to the eyewitness testimony concerning the significance of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, and the incarnation.
What can be the gain for us in taking in these words of John to his flock?
First; we are to continue in the truth as we have learned it in Jesus teachings. Those teachings are true and timeless. They live in us and thru us as God's words guide our thoughts words and deeds. Our interactions with our fellow man reflect these teachings.
Second; we are to trust God's words as infallible and eternal, God is truth and love and will never change. We are God's chosen and will be ever thus through Christ our Lord, and Savior.
Third; That we live unto God's commandments, not as if they are new commands but as Christ has given them to us, That we love God with all our heart , mind and soul, and our neighbor as our self. This we will do until the moment of our glorification.
Questions
1. What prompted John to address this letter the way he did?
2. What does John mean in vvs 2&3 “The truth that is present in us, and will be with us forever”?
3. What are the three blessings that John's salutation seeks for them
4. In verse 4 what does John mean by the words “living truthfully”?
5. What was John's request of the “dear lady”?
6. What is it that demonstrates love as John says?
2nd John 7- 13 Receive your full reward
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world. They refuse to acknowledge Jesus the Messiah as having become human. Any such person is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 See to it that you don't destroy what we have worked for, but that you receive your full reward. 9 Everyone who does not remain true to the teaching of the Messiah, but goes beyond it, does not have God. The person who remains true to the teaching of the Messiah has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you but does not present his teachings, do not receive him into your house or even welcome him, 11 because the one who welcomes him shares in his evil deeds. 12 Although I have a great deal to write to you, I would prefer not to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister greet you.
Discussion
As the Gospel spread in the first century, evangelists and teachers would travel from city to city in order to make and instruct new converts. The trouble is again with those who John calls false teachers who cause trouble with the faithful by bringing in erroneous beliefs, or by trying to promote themselves, and decieving the faithful by discounting the Christians faith, and belief in Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection as the one and only path to our salvation.
Any faith which denies the incarnation, or promotes any other deity or belief is false, and John writes that anyone who does not believe the teachings of Jesus, and profess the incarnation, should not be welcomed into the fellowship or invited into the Christians home. This does not imply that we as Christians are to exclude non believers from our homes or that we should shun them. It is saying that false teachers and those professing other than Jesus as savior are to be excluded.
We should understand that in this letter, John is not forbidding contact with non-believers nor is he saying that we should avoid proscribing attempts to persuade false teachers of their errors. It is a Christians charge to promote the Christian faith wherever it will be received, and to be ever mindful and constantly on guard against the efforts of the evil one. This letter is written to believers in the Gospel. In it, John is telling them not to give official sanction to those who deny the faith. He is telling his flock not to provide hospitality for those who claim to be teachers, but then reveal themselves to be false believers by what they teach.
What do we gain from these words from John.
First; Ask ourselves this question. Are there many false teachers and misrepresentations of the gospel in today's world? If the answer is in the affirmative, what would God have us do?
Second; What is the Christians responsibility to those who do profess to us a belief that is not Christ centered and which does not acknowledge the incarnation? A belief which disregards the Grace of God, but would have us work for our salvation, discounting Jesus' sacrifice of His life for our salvation. What responsibility should I as a Christian feel about that?
Third; Do not become an enabler of a false teacher or accept a false doctrine as partially right. Become informed as to our Christian duty according to God's word, as to what to do about such matters and then make that a matter of truth. Do not encourage false doctrine, but encourage the sinner to learn of Jesus and His love. The truth of our salvation.
Questions
1. In vs. 7, “Many deceivers have gone out into the world” Who are these deceivers ?
2. In vs. 8, “See to it that you don't destroy what we have worked for” means what?
3. Read vs. 9, what are your thoughts about going beyond the teachings of the Messiah?
4. In the context of this scripture, for what reason is one not to be welcomed into your house?
5. Why would one not want to welcome such deceivers into their home?
6. We are studying a letter from about 2000 years ago, does it apply in our lives today?
Opening Prayer, Father God bless us this evening with understanding as we study the word of God as given to us in the 2nd epistle of the apostle John. Guide our thoughts us as we seek to learn more of how we are to continue in love and fellowship with one another and to strengthen our resolve in spreading the gospel message. Help us in our effort to remain true to the teachings of Jesus and to resist any effort to distort or misrepresent that teaching. May it never be that we would entertain another path to our salvation, as some are led to believe. We pray this in the Name of Jesus ...Amen
Closing Prayer, Almighty God, instill within us the desire to hold fast to the teachings of Jesus. Help us to be true and faithful witnesses for Christ as we live our daily lives. Bring to us the words we need to speak when we are challenged in our faith. And help us to be bold in the speaking of our faith when it is Your will for us. We pray Your blessings now on those of our friends and loved ones who need Your care and comfort. We pray for these now_____________Our prayer for these named and for those on our hearts, is for Your healing hand to touch their infirmity and Your peace and comfort to give them rest, and Your strength to give them hope in their recovery. We pray these things in Jesus name, Amen
Meditation
It is possible to respond to each new challenge or difficult issue arising in our culture that poses questions for Christian faith and values by rejecting and condemning outright anything that is strange, unfamiliar, or contrary to traditional opinions. Are we really qualified to do that? What we should be doing is meeting the challenges squarely as a Christian should do, and as a devoted follower of Christ's teachings, try to determine the validity of such matters before ruling on them.
It is also possible to respond to each new challenge, idea or cultural development by trying to blend it into the Christian faith without asking hard questions about whether it will really fit, or if it meets the moral and ethical measures given to us in Christ's teachings. The result is that Christianity can become very trendy in some churches and not so much in others. Is God a trendy God, we might ask? The answer to that question may come at the expense of truth. It may seem that in order to make Christianity relevant we must accept whatever trend-setting fads, new age beliefs or high profile intellectuals set for us. But are we then putting ourselves in the position of letting God know what we want him to accept? Are we sure we want to do that?
The Christian, “true believer” should make the effort to avoid both a negative aggression or a passive acceptance toward the changing social and moral standards of the developments of our day, and an accommodation of the Christian message to the spirit of the times. In other words do not be close minded, but also do not lose your passion for the truth of our faith. Our goal is to seek to make a faithful response that acknowledges the church’s responsibility to continue changing and growing in its own, if such is God's will. That just might make the accommodation a little difficult or it might render the church a new and evangelical spirit.
Sometimes the moral compass of society can seem to go against our belief, just as often as it goes with our belief. In our understanding of the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ we have much to learn, both from God’s word in Scripture and from God’s world. This means, as a practical matter, taking what critics of orthodox Christianity say with utmost seriousness — while not yielding ground on those basic principles which Scripture clearly teaches and which have formed the essential framework of belief for the church throughout its history. In some instances a firm stand is a Christians only choice. In John's words, Test the teachers. Amen.
1st John 5 session 7
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1st John 5:1-10 A Child of God Loves
1Jn 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe, God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son
Discussion
The Bible is clear that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the one and only Son of God, born of God, that person is also a Child of God. This means believing that Jesus is the Messiah, and having experienced the love of God that faith in Christ gives, That person will also love every other brother and sister in Christ. Those who love God will also love His Child as well. One cannot Love God and not love all His children.
If then we love God we will keep his commands. They are gifts from Him to show us the best and most fulfilling life possible. God’s commands are not given to bind us or to pain us, but to release in us the Godly potential that is given with our new birth in Christ. The law of God has been written on the heart of every believer (Jeremiah, 31:33-34).
If then we believe these things, and have been born again by our faith, and our baptism We can overcome the worlds attachments to us. We can do this because of what Christ has done for us. This is the one who came by water and blood: When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river, He was not baptized in repentance for His sins, as he is sinless, it was as He said at that time, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." He proved that although He is the Son of God, He is also one of us as well.
Concerning Jesus' baptism, and the transfiguration, and in both instances, the voice of God coming out of the heavens, (Mat 3: 17, & 17: 5) The very words from the mouth of God are greater than any human testimony, and therefore to be received. Who then could doubt that he was the Son of God? Whoever saw his death on the cross, and witnessed the amazing scenes which occurred there, could fail to join with the Roman centurion in saying that this was the Son of God? When Jesus died on the cross, He came by blood to stand in our place as a guilty sinner, and to take the punishment that our sin deserved. Who is it then who has felt the influences of the Eternal Spirit on his heart, ever doubted that Jesus was the Son of God? Any one of these is sufficient to convince the soul of this. All combined bear on the same point, and confirm it from age to age. Jesus our Savior is The Son Of God, We indeed should listen to Him.
Questions
1. In verse 2 there is reference to God's commands, What are they? ….Exodus 20: 7-17 2. What is the most difficult one of these commands to keep? 3. Don't we actually like most of what the world offers What is meant by overcoming the world? 4. What is God's testimony about Jesus?
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1st John 5: 11-21, Who Has Life
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. 16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. 18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols
Discussion
The first three of the above verses testify to the gospel message given to us throughout the new testament, It is the truest form of stating the gospel message God has given us eternal life, and that comes to us through His Son Jesus Christ, the One given by God so that the world may know the Love of God. And these words are spoken so that we know that eternal life is God's gift to those who are the true believers, true followers of the way... Christians.
Today there are many who think they have life, but in denying the biblical testimony about Jesus they reveal they do not have it. All those who will receive the testimony of God recorded in sacred Scripture, all those who will trust in Jesus alone, all those who will place their destiny in the hands of the Son of God, will have eternal life. Then John says in vs. 16“There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that”. (Mark 3:28-29)
The primary purpose for John in these verses was to impart to certain of the believers in his church who had been troubled by Gnosticism’s false teaching, and had developed doubts about their salvation, even though they were still believers, their faith was wavering. The presence of doubt as with sin,will always be with us, until we are Glorified. As a faithful pastor, John wrote to reassure them that although they may have doubt, their faith must remain strong and the way to remove that doubt is to pray to Almighty God to strengthen our faith.
God wants us to know that through our faith in the belief that His Son our Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to bring his righteousness to all those who will call upon the name of Jesus for their salvation, will have eternal life. And if we, love the brethren, obey God, and confess the incarnation, we can be sure we are born of God’s Spirit. We are indeed God's Children.
Questions
1. Why did John say that he was writing these things to us? vs. 11-13 2. Having confidence in God, If we ask anything of God, How does John say it is to be asked ? 3. Is John telling us that all sins can be forgiven but for one. How is that possible? 4. Then John calls attention to the unforgivable sin, and says not to pray about it. Why? 5. What is our only recourse from condemnation? 6. What is the last verse in this letter all abou
Pg.3
Opening Prayer; Be with us Holy God as we take in Your word, given to us that we may know without doubt that we are Your Children. Help us in our weakness to show our faith and love for You and for our fellow man. Help us in our understanding of Johns words to us that we might truly share this testimony through our daily living in this fallen world, A world of constant temptation which Your commandments help us to overcome. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now as we study Your word as given to us by Your apostle John, In Jesus name we pray Amen.
Scripture References
Jeremiah 31:33-34 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
Exodus 20:7-17 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 13 Thou shalt not kill. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15 Thou shalt not steal. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.
Mark 3:28-29 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin."
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place, bless us with your watchcare over us. We pray that you would make us ever mindful of our Saviors love for us as we go about the daily task of living in this fallen world. Lead us each day that we may not be taken with this worlds temptations Help us to be Christian witnesses wherever we may go. We pray now for our brothers and sisters ___________Those named, and those who are in our hearts desire all who may be in need of your healing touch , that you would bring to them confidence in your word and trust in the care you have for them, and peace that you will ease their suffering. Dismiss us now with your blessing, In Jesus name we pray, Amen
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Meditation
Our faith is the victory that overcomes the World. We are of a Holy faith in God, and we are Christian in our belief. We believe in the incarnation, the lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of our life. We are righteous in God's eyes. As difficult as that may seem to believe, because we know that we sin, and thus feel we fall short in our attempt to be a holy and righteous person, it is none the less true, Christ Jesus paid the debt of our sin, both past present and future, because God called us and we answered, we then were chosen of God. We have been justified, it was predestined that way. Christ did not die for you or me alone, Christ died for every lost soul the world over. It was God's plan, and God calls us out. If we answer in the affirmative, repent of our sins, and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, then it is God's predestined plan. We are His Children.
Jesus' baptism and crucifixion (the water and the blood) testify to the fact The Father, the Holy Spirit, and we also, testify that God has given us eternal life in Christ. God deemed it so when he Spoke the words at the transfiguration, "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him". Jesus is our Savior, God ordained it. His counsels of old are faithfulness and truth: When we remember the greatness and permanence of God’s Word, it makes us what to praise Him. What is more reliable, more everlasting, more enduring than the Word of God? Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
The true believer's prayers are answered in God's time, on God's terms, and in his will on the basis of their justifiable need. Nothing happens in this world outside the scope of God's soverign will, even the answers to our prayers are under the soverign will of God. We must make our prayers "in His will". God ansewrs the prayers of all His Children, according to His will. Seek His will and it will be found.
There is one sin however that is death, there is no need for prayer in such matters, What is that You ask? look in Acts 5: 1-11 there is also an unforgivable sin. John3:18 &3:36, Matthew 12:31. There is no precise way of knowing which John was writing about, but he was refering to “a brother” which gives one pause to think it might be a non believer.
As to the matter of sin in this world. Anyone born of God does not go on purposely sinning. Satan however does not relent, as long as we are in this world, there will be temptations, and no one is immune. The Christian is protected by Jesus from the power of Satan over their soul. We however do not reach a glorified state (sinless) until we have been taken into the Heavenly realm. The rest of the World is in the power of the Evil One, and Christians in their natural state are vulnerable.
Now to make this epistle complete there is this one final simple statemment. Dear children keep yourselves from idols. Why do you think John wrote that with no further explanation? Think about this world's idols. Does Your life reflect any such thing?.... Amen.
1st John 5:1-10 A Child of God Loves
1Jn 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe, God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son
Discussion
The Bible is clear that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the one and only Son of God, born of God, that person is also a Child of God. This means believing that Jesus is the Messiah, and having experienced the love of God that faith in Christ gives, That person will also love every other brother and sister in Christ. Those who love God will also love His Child as well. One cannot Love God and not love all His children.
If then we love God we will keep his commands. They are gifts from Him to show us the best and most fulfilling life possible. God’s commands are not given to bind us or to pain us, but to release in us the Godly potential that is given with our new birth in Christ. The law of God has been written on the heart of every believer (Jeremiah, 31:33-34).
If then we believe these things, and have been born again by our faith, and our baptism We can overcome the worlds attachments to us. We can do this because of what Christ has done for us. This is the one who came by water and blood: When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river, He was not baptized in repentance for His sins, as he is sinless, it was as He said at that time, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." He proved that although He is the Son of God, He is also one of us as well.
Concerning Jesus' baptism, and the transfiguration, and in both instances, the voice of God coming out of the heavens, (Mat 3: 17, & 17: 5) The very words from the mouth of God are greater than any human testimony, and therefore to be received. Who then could doubt that he was the Son of God? Whoever saw his death on the cross, and witnessed the amazing scenes which occurred there, could fail to join with the Roman centurion in saying that this was the Son of God? When Jesus died on the cross, He came by blood to stand in our place as a guilty sinner, and to take the punishment that our sin deserved. Who is it then who has felt the influences of the Eternal Spirit on his heart, ever doubted that Jesus was the Son of God? Any one of these is sufficient to convince the soul of this. All combined bear on the same point, and confirm it from age to age. Jesus our Savior is The Son Of God, We indeed should listen to Him.
Questions
1. In verse 2 there is reference to God's commands, What are they? ….Exodus 20: 7-17 2. What is the most difficult one of these commands to keep? 3. Don't we actually like most of what the world offers What is meant by overcoming the world? 4. What is God's testimony about Jesus?
Pg.2
1st John 5: 11-21, Who Has Life
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. 16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. 18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols
Discussion
The first three of the above verses testify to the gospel message given to us throughout the new testament, It is the truest form of stating the gospel message God has given us eternal life, and that comes to us through His Son Jesus Christ, the One given by God so that the world may know the Love of God. And these words are spoken so that we know that eternal life is God's gift to those who are the true believers, true followers of the way... Christians.
Today there are many who think they have life, but in denying the biblical testimony about Jesus they reveal they do not have it. All those who will receive the testimony of God recorded in sacred Scripture, all those who will trust in Jesus alone, all those who will place their destiny in the hands of the Son of God, will have eternal life. Then John says in vs. 16“There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that”. (Mark 3:28-29)
The primary purpose for John in these verses was to impart to certain of the believers in his church who had been troubled by Gnosticism’s false teaching, and had developed doubts about their salvation, even though they were still believers, their faith was wavering. The presence of doubt as with sin,will always be with us, until we are Glorified. As a faithful pastor, John wrote to reassure them that although they may have doubt, their faith must remain strong and the way to remove that doubt is to pray to Almighty God to strengthen our faith.
God wants us to know that through our faith in the belief that His Son our Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to bring his righteousness to all those who will call upon the name of Jesus for their salvation, will have eternal life. And if we, love the brethren, obey God, and confess the incarnation, we can be sure we are born of God’s Spirit. We are indeed God's Children.
Questions
1. Why did John say that he was writing these things to us? vs. 11-13 2. Having confidence in God, If we ask anything of God, How does John say it is to be asked ? 3. Is John telling us that all sins can be forgiven but for one. How is that possible? 4. Then John calls attention to the unforgivable sin, and says not to pray about it. Why? 5. What is our only recourse from condemnation? 6. What is the last verse in this letter all abou
Pg.3
Opening Prayer; Be with us Holy God as we take in Your word, given to us that we may know without doubt that we are Your Children. Help us in our weakness to show our faith and love for You and for our fellow man. Help us in our understanding of Johns words to us that we might truly share this testimony through our daily living in this fallen world, A world of constant temptation which Your commandments help us to overcome. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now as we study Your word as given to us by Your apostle John, In Jesus name we pray Amen.
Scripture References
Jeremiah 31:33-34 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
Exodus 20:7-17 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 13 Thou shalt not kill. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15 Thou shalt not steal. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.
Mark 3:28-29 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin."
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place, bless us with your watchcare over us. We pray that you would make us ever mindful of our Saviors love for us as we go about the daily task of living in this fallen world. Lead us each day that we may not be taken with this worlds temptations Help us to be Christian witnesses wherever we may go. We pray now for our brothers and sisters ___________Those named, and those who are in our hearts desire all who may be in need of your healing touch , that you would bring to them confidence in your word and trust in the care you have for them, and peace that you will ease their suffering. Dismiss us now with your blessing, In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Pg.4
Meditation
Our faith is the victory that overcomes the World. We are of a Holy faith in God, and we are Christian in our belief. We believe in the incarnation, the lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of our life. We are righteous in God's eyes. As difficult as that may seem to believe, because we know that we sin, and thus feel we fall short in our attempt to be a holy and righteous person, it is none the less true, Christ Jesus paid the debt of our sin, both past present and future, because God called us and we answered, we then were chosen of God. We have been justified, it was predestined that way. Christ did not die for you or me alone, Christ died for every lost soul the world over. It was God's plan, and God calls us out. If we answer in the affirmative, repent of our sins, and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, then it is God's predestined plan. We are His Children.
Jesus' baptism and crucifixion (the water and the blood) testify to the fact The Father, the Holy Spirit, and we also, testify that God has given us eternal life in Christ. God deemed it so when he Spoke the words at the transfiguration, "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him". Jesus is our Savior, God ordained it. His counsels of old are faithfulness and truth: When we remember the greatness and permanence of God’s Word, it makes us what to praise Him. What is more reliable, more everlasting, more enduring than the Word of God? Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
The true believer's prayers are answered in God's time, on God's terms, and in his will on the basis of their justifiable need. Nothing happens in this world outside the scope of God's soverign will, even the answers to our prayers are under the soverign will of God. We must make our prayers "in His will". God ansewrs the prayers of all His Children, according to His will. Seek His will and it will be found.
There is one sin however that is death, there is no need for prayer in such matters, What is that You ask? look in Acts 5: 1-11 there is also an unforgivable sin. John3:18 &3:36, Matthew 12:31. There is no precise way of knowing which John was writing about, but he was refering to “a brother” which gives one pause to think it might be a non believer.
As to the matter of sin in this world. Anyone born of God does not go on purposely sinning. Satan however does not relent, as long as we are in this world, there will be temptations, and no one is immune. The Christian is protected by Jesus from the power of Satan over their soul. We however do not reach a glorified state (sinless) until we have been taken into the Heavenly realm. The rest of the World is in the power of the Evil One, and Christians in their natural state are vulnerable.
Now to make this epistle complete there is this one final simple statemment. Dear children keep yourselves from idols. Why do you think John wrote that with no further explanation? Think about this world's idols. Does Your life reflect any such thing?.... Amen.
1st John 4 session 6
Opening Prayer Pg.1
Father God we praise you for giving us your word which enlightens our life and gives us thoughts of eternity with you, and for your word to us through the Apostle John. We pray that tonight, you will impart to us that which you would have us learn from Your word. We pray for the members of our group who cannot be here tonight and we ask that you share our blessing with them. Be with us now as we seek your will for our lives through this study tonight. In Jesus name, Amen
Outside of the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, this the 4th chapter of 1st John is perhaps the most defining chapter of love that is contained in the Bible, but it does not start out that way.
1st John 4: 1-6 Testing the spirits
1Jn 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Discussion
These first 6 verses are explaining the necessity of testing the spirits that are influential in the teaching and interpretation of the faith which sustains us as we find it in scripture. We are told of the spiritual faith of the Christian as it relates to the Son of God, and the ways of false teachers and false prophets as they relate to the world. One is of truth and professes the incarnation, and has a passion to tell the world of Jesus christ as savior, (1Corinthians 9:16), the other, acknowledges the world's view of Jesus Christ, and they lay claim to Him for whatever profit may be derived from it. We see and experience such things in our world today, as a way to promote the personal and corporate welfare of the business of religion and as a way to gain acceptance in the worlds view. The world approves them, and they have many followers such as themselves; the world will love its own, and its own will love it. The true doctrine as to the Saviour's person, as leading men from the world to God, is a mark of the spirit of truth in opposition to the spirit of error. The more pure and holy any doctrine is, the more likely to be of God; nor can we by any other rules try the spirits whether they are of God or not. And what wonder is it, that people of a worldly spirit should cleave to those who are like themselves, and suit their schemes and discourses to their corrupt taste? They cleverly cloak themselves in scripture and verse, thus making the recognition of the difference difficult to discern.
Questions
1. What is the relationship between guarding against antichrists and loving one another? 2. In verse 1, John says we are not to believe every spirit. What does he mean by this? 3. According to vv. 2-3 how can we recognize the spirit of God 4. As Christians, how can we overcome the doctrinal errors that continually confront us (vv. 4-6)? 5. John gives us another test in vv. 5-6. What is this test? 6,Why is there such a great need for Christians to be discerning (v. 1)?
1st John 4: 7-21 The Nature of God Pg.2
1st John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Discussion
John states that love is a fundamental mark of the one who is a Christian, a true believer. If the one who loves has been born of God and knows God, then the one who does not love has neither been born of God, nor does he know God. “God is love” and as Christians, we just naturally love other people, especially fellow believers. Moreover, as Jesus is God and sacrificed Himself for us, we can see we love as God loves only when we are willing to freely give of ourselves in deeds of self-denial, even if it is to help those who are seemingly unworthy of such love.
As a result of God's love perfected in us over time, we gain “confidence for the day of judgment, because, (vs.17b)“in this world we are like Jesus” . As God’s love reaches its full effect in our lives we become increasingly like Christ, and like He was, we are in, but not of, the world. Though we will not be perfectly like Him before we die, our union with Jesus means His love will indeed be perfected in us over time. As we see ourselves become more like Christ we will gain confidence that we will be vindicated on the day of judgment, just as He was in His resurrection.
John tells us in these verses, that while we are definitely called to work with the Spirit of God so we might be more and more conformed to Christ, God must take the first step in order for this love to become effective. For as 1 John 4:19 tells us, “we love because he first loved us.” It is the love of God for us, that makes us capable of love, and it is His example of love that reminds us of our need to love others. We cannot say we love God if we do not love those whom God loves, that being fellow believers who are also objects of God’s saving love. If in fact, we do not love our Christian brothers and sisters, we are little more than liars.
Questions
1. What is one of the common characteristics of all those who love others? 2. What makes us able to do as verse 11 says? Also read vs 12 & 13 3. When does it become evident that we are loving as God loves” 4. How does one gain confidence for the day of judgment? 5. What is meant by the phrase “ in this world we are like Jesus” in vs. 17? 6. How does verse 21 compare with verse 7?
Pg.3
Scripture References
1Corinthians 9:16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Rom 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Closing Prayer
Father God, help us to truly learn what the Love of God can do in our lives, how it affects us, how it is given through us to others. We pray that there will be an awakening in our souls, and a beckoning by the Holy Spirit to have us follow after the words and teachings of Jesus, that we would become more like Him day by day, that the essence of our lives become a favorable aroma to God as he sees what His Son has done in our lives. We pray also for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering with health or other difficult issues in their lives,______________ that You would grant them your strength to endure, and Your healing touch that they might be comforted. Heal their infirmities and grant them Your peace and give them rest.
Be with us now as we leave this place, and deliver us safe and secure as we go our separate ways, We pray this in the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ Amen.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)
Pg.4
Meditation
What is love? Where does it come from? What is it for? Who is it for? Who has it? Who is love?
We can go through this life learning about what it is that drives us, how we are inspired, and what it takes to live a fulfilled life and we can do all this without ever giving a thought as to what we seek is made available to us through the love of God. Quite simply it is because God loves us. Just reflect on God’s gifts to us (life, family, friends, faith, church, eternal life). all because of “God's Soverign Love”
“God's Soverign Love .” John 3:16 sets forth Christ as the Gift of God, which is the manifestation of His great love. It says, “God so loved the world that he gave.” So the first clause in that verse tells us what moved God to give His only begotten Son, and that was His Great Soverign Love. Then we see the second clause tells us for whom God gave His Son, and that is for “whoever believes in Him” (or a better translation, "everyone that believes") Then we see as we look more closely at the text that the last clause tells us why God gave His Son — that is, the purpose for which He gave His Son is “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” The Sovereign Love of God, and also the great fact of whom God loves, is given to us in this one verse. The Word of God sets forth the nature of God that God is love (I John 4:8),“He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for “God is love.” It doesn’t say, “God loves, “ but, “God is love”. He is love itself. All through the Scriptures we find it set forth God’s love which is not merely one of His attributes, but His very nature. The nature of God's love is sacrifice
The Lord has revealed in the Scriptures the law of the priesthood of Melchizedek, of which Jesus is high priest. It is the law by which the Lord is calling all believers to live. It is the oldest and the highest law of God and is the law of heaven. It is beautifully simple and easy to understand because it is the only law that has no exceptions. It is the law as in Jeremiah 31:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people……...It is the law of love
In 1st John 4: 7-21 we are given the ultimate explanation of where love comes from, for whom it is intended and who makes it available to us. We are literally surrounded by God's love, it is everywhere all the time, and as true believers it will never leave us. Jesus Christ is the perfect culmination of God's love
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
In the name of Jesus.... Amen
Father God we praise you for giving us your word which enlightens our life and gives us thoughts of eternity with you, and for your word to us through the Apostle John. We pray that tonight, you will impart to us that which you would have us learn from Your word. We pray for the members of our group who cannot be here tonight and we ask that you share our blessing with them. Be with us now as we seek your will for our lives through this study tonight. In Jesus name, Amen
Outside of the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, this the 4th chapter of 1st John is perhaps the most defining chapter of love that is contained in the Bible, but it does not start out that way.
1st John 4: 1-6 Testing the spirits
1Jn 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Discussion
These first 6 verses are explaining the necessity of testing the spirits that are influential in the teaching and interpretation of the faith which sustains us as we find it in scripture. We are told of the spiritual faith of the Christian as it relates to the Son of God, and the ways of false teachers and false prophets as they relate to the world. One is of truth and professes the incarnation, and has a passion to tell the world of Jesus christ as savior, (1Corinthians 9:16), the other, acknowledges the world's view of Jesus Christ, and they lay claim to Him for whatever profit may be derived from it. We see and experience such things in our world today, as a way to promote the personal and corporate welfare of the business of religion and as a way to gain acceptance in the worlds view. The world approves them, and they have many followers such as themselves; the world will love its own, and its own will love it. The true doctrine as to the Saviour's person, as leading men from the world to God, is a mark of the spirit of truth in opposition to the spirit of error. The more pure and holy any doctrine is, the more likely to be of God; nor can we by any other rules try the spirits whether they are of God or not. And what wonder is it, that people of a worldly spirit should cleave to those who are like themselves, and suit their schemes and discourses to their corrupt taste? They cleverly cloak themselves in scripture and verse, thus making the recognition of the difference difficult to discern.
Questions
1. What is the relationship between guarding against antichrists and loving one another? 2. In verse 1, John says we are not to believe every spirit. What does he mean by this? 3. According to vv. 2-3 how can we recognize the spirit of God 4. As Christians, how can we overcome the doctrinal errors that continually confront us (vv. 4-6)? 5. John gives us another test in vv. 5-6. What is this test? 6,Why is there such a great need for Christians to be discerning (v. 1)?
1st John 4: 7-21 The Nature of God Pg.2
1st John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Discussion
John states that love is a fundamental mark of the one who is a Christian, a true believer. If the one who loves has been born of God and knows God, then the one who does not love has neither been born of God, nor does he know God. “God is love” and as Christians, we just naturally love other people, especially fellow believers. Moreover, as Jesus is God and sacrificed Himself for us, we can see we love as God loves only when we are willing to freely give of ourselves in deeds of self-denial, even if it is to help those who are seemingly unworthy of such love.
As a result of God's love perfected in us over time, we gain “confidence for the day of judgment, because, (vs.17b)“in this world we are like Jesus” . As God’s love reaches its full effect in our lives we become increasingly like Christ, and like He was, we are in, but not of, the world. Though we will not be perfectly like Him before we die, our union with Jesus means His love will indeed be perfected in us over time. As we see ourselves become more like Christ we will gain confidence that we will be vindicated on the day of judgment, just as He was in His resurrection.
John tells us in these verses, that while we are definitely called to work with the Spirit of God so we might be more and more conformed to Christ, God must take the first step in order for this love to become effective. For as 1 John 4:19 tells us, “we love because he first loved us.” It is the love of God for us, that makes us capable of love, and it is His example of love that reminds us of our need to love others. We cannot say we love God if we do not love those whom God loves, that being fellow believers who are also objects of God’s saving love. If in fact, we do not love our Christian brothers and sisters, we are little more than liars.
Questions
1. What is one of the common characteristics of all those who love others? 2. What makes us able to do as verse 11 says? Also read vs 12 & 13 3. When does it become evident that we are loving as God loves” 4. How does one gain confidence for the day of judgment? 5. What is meant by the phrase “ in this world we are like Jesus” in vs. 17? 6. How does verse 21 compare with verse 7?
Pg.3
Scripture References
1Corinthians 9:16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Rom 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Closing Prayer
Father God, help us to truly learn what the Love of God can do in our lives, how it affects us, how it is given through us to others. We pray that there will be an awakening in our souls, and a beckoning by the Holy Spirit to have us follow after the words and teachings of Jesus, that we would become more like Him day by day, that the essence of our lives become a favorable aroma to God as he sees what His Son has done in our lives. We pray also for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering with health or other difficult issues in their lives,______________ that You would grant them your strength to endure, and Your healing touch that they might be comforted. Heal their infirmities and grant them Your peace and give them rest.
Be with us now as we leave this place, and deliver us safe and secure as we go our separate ways, We pray this in the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ Amen.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)
Pg.4
Meditation
What is love? Where does it come from? What is it for? Who is it for? Who has it? Who is love?
We can go through this life learning about what it is that drives us, how we are inspired, and what it takes to live a fulfilled life and we can do all this without ever giving a thought as to what we seek is made available to us through the love of God. Quite simply it is because God loves us. Just reflect on God’s gifts to us (life, family, friends, faith, church, eternal life). all because of “God's Soverign Love”
“God's Soverign Love .” John 3:16 sets forth Christ as the Gift of God, which is the manifestation of His great love. It says, “God so loved the world that he gave.” So the first clause in that verse tells us what moved God to give His only begotten Son, and that was His Great Soverign Love. Then we see the second clause tells us for whom God gave His Son, and that is for “whoever believes in Him” (or a better translation, "everyone that believes") Then we see as we look more closely at the text that the last clause tells us why God gave His Son — that is, the purpose for which He gave His Son is “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” The Sovereign Love of God, and also the great fact of whom God loves, is given to us in this one verse. The Word of God sets forth the nature of God that God is love (I John 4:8),“He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for “God is love.” It doesn’t say, “God loves, “ but, “God is love”. He is love itself. All through the Scriptures we find it set forth God’s love which is not merely one of His attributes, but His very nature. The nature of God's love is sacrifice
The Lord has revealed in the Scriptures the law of the priesthood of Melchizedek, of which Jesus is high priest. It is the law by which the Lord is calling all believers to live. It is the oldest and the highest law of God and is the law of heaven. It is beautifully simple and easy to understand because it is the only law that has no exceptions. It is the law as in Jeremiah 31:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people……...It is the law of love
In 1st John 4: 7-21 we are given the ultimate explanation of where love comes from, for whom it is intended and who makes it available to us. We are literally surrounded by God's love, it is everywhere all the time, and as true believers it will never leave us. Jesus Christ is the perfect culmination of God's love
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
In the name of Jesus.... Amen
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