Morning Message: Blessed Assurance

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Blessed Assurance"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Raised as a Roman Catholic, I learned early on that taking on responsibilities came with the Ten Commandments, and avoiding responsibilities produced feelings of guilt. Even when accomplishing those things, I often ended up second-guessing myself. Was it enough? Or even good enough? The resolution to this dilemma is to trust Jesus for all things. It was a great relief to learn that my salvation was not my responsibility, except to hear God’s Word, and respond to it. That’s a decision-making proposition. Once we hear the Gospel, we have a decision to make: Do we believe God’s Word, or not?

The Apostle John began making his point in the beginning of this Epistle, and now he drives the point home for us in this second half of 1 John 5. From “whosever” meaning me, to an “assurance” of salvation if we believe. Learning that salvation is the work of the Lord, takes that responsibility off from a believer’s shoulders and leaves it upon Jesus’ shoulders, the one who promised it to us. And Jesus promised that even our mustard seed sized faith would grow into a great tree!

This creates a division with the world, and with some others who call themselves believers. Those who remain unbelievers have made their choice, and God will continue to try to get their attention throughout their lives, because it is His desire that none would be lost. And God continues to try to reveal to those other professors that works do not save us. “Works” do not save us, but works do come naturally by faith once an individual realizes that they are indeed “saved,” others can become the focus (Ephesians 2:8,9 and James 2:18, 26).

Belief in the Lord Jesus brings with it first the indwelling, and then the actions of the Holy Spirit of God. The good works come from Him, working through us, in many ways showing our faith by works of compassion and empathy. In these are displayed the gifts of the Spirit. If we ask for them, He will not deny us.

Spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 - Word of wisdom; knowledge; faith; healing; miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; diverse languages; interpretation of those languages. Ephesians 4:11– apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

Bobservations Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

1 John 5:9-21 - "Blessed Assurance"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:  

1 John chapter 5 serves as a concluding exhortation to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It offers reassurance of eternal life and emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in the Christian Walk.

All through the epistle he’s been giving tests, tests that identify the true and the false believers. There were false teachers among these believers. There were antichrists among these believers. There were spiritual fakes and frauds and phonies and deceivers among these believers. They were insecure, as believers tend to be when they’re not well taught, and so John gives tests, doctrinal tests, the test of understanding a true view of man as sinful, the test of understanding a true view of Jesus Christ, who He is and why He came. Those are the doctrinal tests. The moral tests have to do with obedience to the law of God and to Christ, and love for God and not the world, and love for others. 

As we read and study John's epistle, we are easily able to discern whether or not if what we believe lines up with God's Word.  John gave certain tests by which we can test the spirits, doctrines, teachings, teachers and those who claim to be Believers. Believers believe the right things about themselves as sinners and about Jesus Christ as Savior. They obey the Word of God and demonstrate love for Him and love for others.

John declared, “This is why I’ve written this. I want you to know; I want you to be certain; I want you to be confident.”

The apostle John was vitally concerned that his “little children” (5:21) know a number of things because they had come to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. In fact, a quick survey of this 5-chapter letter reveals at least the following things we can know: 

1. We can know that we know God (2:3, 13, 14; 4:7). 
2. We can know that we are in God (2:5). 
3. We can know that it is the last hour (2:18). 
4. We can know the truth (2:21; 3:19). 
5. We can know that Jesus is righteous (2:29). 
6. We can know that we will be like Jesus (3:2). 
7. We can know Jesus appeared to take away sins (3:5). 
8. We can know that Jesus is sinless (3:5). 
9. We can know that we have passed out of death into life (3:14). 
10. We can know no murderer has eternal life (3:15). 
11. We can know love (3:16; 4:16). 
12. We can know that God abides in us (3:24; 4:13). 
13. We can know the Spirit of God (4:2). 
14. We can know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error (4:6). 
15. We can know that we love God’s children (5:2). 
16. We can know that we have eternal life (5:13). 
17. We can know that God answers prayer (5:15). 
18. We can know that we will not practice sin (5:18). 
19. We can know that we belong to God (5:19). 
20. We can know that the Son of God has come (5:20).
21. We can know that the Son of God has given us understanding (5:20). 
22. We can know Him who is true (5:20).

In this final section of 1 John (5:13-21), John the things every believer can and should know. Seven times the word know appears. Christianity is not an “I hope so” or “I think so” faith. It is an “I know so” faith because what has been revealed in the Bible was given to us by God, a God who speaks and a God who speaks only truth. As he brings his letter to close, what is it, in particular, that John wants, that God wants, every child of His to know?

• We can know we have eternal life
• We can know that God answers prayer
• We can know victory over sin
• We can know we belong to God
• We can know what is true

Knowing these things brings confidence.  That confidence is knowing that as we come to God in prayer, He hears our prayers and will answer according to His will (verses 14-17).

Quick Review: The chapter opens by establishing a connection between being born of God, believing in Jesus as the Christ, and loving both God and his children. This love is demonstrated through keeping God’s commandments, which are described as not burdensome. It then highlights the believer’s victory over the world through faith in Jesus Christ.

John presents various evidences for Christ’s identity as the Son of God, including the Spirit, the water of baptism, and the blood of the cross. This section provides believers with confidence in their salvation. John declares that, for believers, this testimony about Jesus is both objective and personal. Christians have evidence of the truth because God lives within them. There are natural, powerful effects of a relationship with Christ that can be seen and felt by ourselves, and by others. Those who do not believe God, John says, are rejecting His truth, which is the same as accusing Him of lying.

There is a final warning in verse 21, that every Believer must heed, Keep yourselves from idols."  John ends this epistle with a warning. Cities across the Mediterranean were filled with idol worship. But throughout this letter, the errors that John has confronted have focused on a wrong Christology, lack of love, and lawlessness. Why does he bring up idol worship now?

Because John has just exhorted his readers that Jesus Christ the Son is "the true God and eternal life" (5:20). The essence of idolatry is substituting something false and unworthy in the place of the true God. So, John is saying: Little children, watch yourselves so that you don't let anything false or unworthy take the place of your true faith in the true God -- a fitting way to conclude!

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Hath the Witness (5:10) - The internal witness is none other than the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is both "in heaven" (as the third Person of the Godhead) and "in earth" (note 5:7-8), as He indwells each believer.  Compare Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 4:6.

Made Him a Liar (5:10) - Those who recoil at the thought of eternal punishment of the lost need to reckon with the infinite magnitude of their sin - that of calling their own Creator a liar.  An infinite sin warrants infinite punishment, especially in light of the infinite sacrifice made for them by their Creator, and the free gift of infinite life (5:11) offered them by that loving God on the basis of His sacrifice.  The punishment is more than merited by the crime.

The Record (5:10) - The same Greek word, in either verb or noun form (martureo, marturia).  It is translated "record" three times in this epistle, "testify" twice, and "witness" seven times.  

These Things (5:13) - References all that John has written in his letter.

That Ye May Know (5:13) - While John wrote his Gospel to bring unbelievers to faith (John 20:31), he wrote the epistle to give Believers confidence that they possessed eternal life. 

Confidence (5:14) - Confidence in God.  God's love delivers us from self-condemnation.  The manifestation of God's love in a believer's life and deeds brings confidence about his relationship with God. Christians can know with absolute confidence that God answers prayer when they approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

According to His Will (5:14) - This phrase constitutes a strategic key to answered prayer.  To pray according to God's will is to pray in accord with what He would want, not what we would desire or insist that He do for us (John 14:13, 14).  

He Heareth Us (5:14) - The word hear signifies that God always hears the prayers of His children (Psalm 34:15-17), but not always in the manner they are presented.

Sin Unto Death (5:16) - Such a sin could be any premeditated and unconfessed sin that causes the Lord to end a believer's life.  It is not one particular sin, but whatever sin is the final one in the tolerance of God.  Failure to repent of and forsake sin may eventually lead to physical death as a judgment of God.

Pray For It (5:16) - Praying according to God's will with the specific example of sin leading to death."  No intercessory prayer will be effective for those who have committed such sin.  There is no use in praying for the dead.

Unrighteousness is Sin (5:17) - Here is a very succinct definition of sin.  

Keepeth Himself (5:18) -"Keepeth" is used in the sense of "guardeth."  The born-again Christian should guard himself against the deceptions of Satan by constantly availing himself of "the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18).  We resist the devil steadfastly in the faith (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8, 9).  We follow Christ's example in silencing him with appropriate Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11).  That "wicked one" cannot touch us to the extent that we thus guard ourselves against the wiles of the devil, (1 John 4:4).  The Believer belongs to God, Satan must operate within God's sovereignty and cannot function beyond what God allows, as in the example of Job (Job 2:5; Romans 16:20).  While Satan may persecute, tempt, test, and accuse the believer, God protects His children and places definite limits on Satan's influence or power (2:13; John 10:28; 17:12-15).

We Are of God (5:19) - We can be certain that Christians belong to God.  Only two types of people exist in the world according to scripture:  they are either the children of God, or the children of Satan.  

Wickedness (5:19) - This explicitly refers to "that wicked one" of the previous verse.  Satan indeed is not"the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), the one "Which deceiveth the whole world" (Revelation 12:9).  We, however, "are of God" and certainly should not be pandering to the world system, as so many churches do today. 

True (5:20) - The word means "genuine" as opposed to what is false (vs 21).  Jesus Christ is the TRUE God.  The greatest certainty of all that we know is the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.  This is the doctrinal foundation out of which comes love and obedience.  

Idols (5:21) - John contrasts the term idols with "the true God" of verse 20.  He has reference here to the false teachers who withdrew from the brotherhood with which they had been formerly associated (2:19).  Their false beliefs and practices are the idols from which the readers are commanded to protect themselves.  The false teachers upheld the world's philosophy as superior to God's revelation as demonstrated in their perversion of basic Christian teaching (faith, love, and obedience).  John closes by highlighting the importance of adherence to the fundamentals of the faith. 

Morning Message: Overcoming the World

 

Bobservations' Column
Titled: "Overcoming the World"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The enemies of the Cross are the same that are the enemies of Israel. And what we have seen since October 7, 2023 and April 13, 2024 is the promises of God fulfilled against that enemy. This is a hard saying to receive because of all the destruction and death reported in the media since those days. It has infiltrated every nation, and polarized both sides of the war, and even the unlearned on our college campuses. (See Joshua 5:13 – 6:27)

Hamas and Hezbollah share Iran’s ideology. It promotes violence against Israel (Jews), and the West (Christians). The Islamic teachings state it clearly: “Do not make friends with the Jews or the Christians; for they are friends of one another.” “O Muslim, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.” (this one was spoken by a tree, in the Hadith, one of Islam's holy books.)

“And I shall bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee” from Genesis 12:3, spoken as a promise to Abraham and his progeny. Considering the Palestinian battle cry, “from the river to the sea,” it has backfired on them just as Pharaoh’s threat backfired on him when he cursed the firstborn of Moses. Likewise, the Israelis have pushed Hamas to the sea.

But there’s more: Iran’s attack against Israel on April 13th with hundreds of rockets, drones, and missiles has stirred the ire of the living God! President Raisi of Iran, and many of his upper-level cabinet members were killed in a helicopter crash. Many of his Generals in Syria and Lebanon have also been killed in recent months, including one just Wednesday who was responsible for rockets being launched into upper Galilee from the City of Tyre, in Lebanon.

Why am I telling you all of this? I am telling you this because God’s Word is true. And the media is reporting it! The hardness of the heart of God’s enemies today numbers more than the Chariots and Horsemen of Pharaoh’s Army in the days of the Red Sea crossing. They all perished in the Sea.

Perhaps even more sad is that peace-loving Iranians who hate the regime they live under, danced in the streets and celebrated President Raisi’s death with fireworks! What kind of legacy has he left behind for his family and children. After killing thousands in Iran, he became the Butcher of Bagdad, just as surely as President Bashar al-Assad became the Butcher of Damascus after killing so many of his own country. THIS is the religion of peace?

From Proverbs 8:13 -

 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth.”

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version


Sunday Morning's Audio Message

1 John 5:1-9 - "Overcoming the World"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions: 

This marvelous epistle has a very clear-cut purpose. It has the purpose of demonstrating the tests by which someone can know they’re a Christian. Chapter 5 verse 13 is really the key verse to the whole epistle. 

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.”  

This is a letter written to provide assurance of salvation.  It's basic Christianity 101. It cycles back through the same themes again and again, and each time John cycles back through he broadens and widens our understanding of those themes. 

As we come into chapter 5, however, there’s a special note here in the first five verses. It is the issue of the overcomer. Of the twenty-four times the word occurs in the NT, John uses it twenty-one times (See also: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17; 2:26; 3:5, 12, 21). There are several different forms of this term in these verses, all emphasize the victorious nature of the believer.  

There are so many wonderful titles in the New Testament by which we describe believers in Christ.  We are called Christians, children, children of God, children of light, children of the day, and children of obedience. We are called believers or the faithful. We are called friends of Jesus Christ. We are called brothers and sisters. We are called sheep. We’re called saints, holy ones. We are called soldiers. We are called witnesses. We are called stewards. We are called fellow-citizens. We are called lights in the world. We’re called the elect of God. We’re called the chosen. We’re called ambassadors of Christ. We’re called ministers. We’re called servants. We’re called disciples. We’re called heirs. We’re called joint-heirs. We’re called branches in the vine. We’re called members of the body of Christ. We’re called living stones by which the temple of God is built. We are called epistles, living letters. We’re called temples. We’re called beloved. We’re called followers. And there are more.

Each of these terms give us the definition of who we are in Christ Jesus.  And in a sense, it takes all of those terms to express the fullness of what it means to belong to God through faith in Christ. There’s one other title that is used a number of times in today's text. We are overcomers.  Overcomers are victors, or winners. And they are those who love and obey His commandments.

According to John, entrance into God’s family comes by faith alone. Yet, this faith is never truly alone since it always results in love and obedience. Unlike the apostle Paul, who was at pains to distinguish sharply between saving faith itself and the good works that result from it, for John faith and love are so tightly connected that he can’t speak of one without implying the other. This by no means blurs the lines between the two, but it does highlight one particular strand of our spiritual DNA: Those born into God’s family obey God and love their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. As we have already heard, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

There’s an important caveat here, however: Obedience isn't the entrance fee we pay to get into the family of God. John has already shown that our spiritual heritage is a product of God's great love in Christ and not our own efforts (3:1). Notice also the lack of an imperative in verse three. The translation is not “For this is the love of God, that we OUGHT to keep his commandments," but rather "This is the love of God, that we KEEP his commandments.” Can you see the difference? It’s promissory in nature. We aren’t able to birth ourselves spiritually by demonstrating the requisite amount of love.  We cannot bring about our own spiritual birth any more than a newborn can deliver itself. We need someone else to do it for us, outside ourselves.

So, chapter 5 emphasizes the believer's ability to "overcome" the world (1 John 5:1–5) through the power of Christ. Overcomers are those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The term witness is the theme of verses (6-12).  The passage concerns the witness or testimony of God and the Spirit to the world regarding the great truth of the deity of Jesus Christ.  He gives two kinds of testimony: external (6-9) which we will cover today, and internal (vs. 10-12) which we will cover next week.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Whoever believes (5:1) The term believes conveys the idea of continuing faith, making the point that the mark of genuine believers is that they CONTINUE in the faith throughout their life.  Saving belief is not simply an intellectual acceptance, but wholehearted dedication to Jesus Christ. 

Jesus is the Christ (5:1) - Believes what? The object of the believer's faith is JESUS.  That He is the promised Messiah, the Anointed One. That God sent Him to be the Savior from sin. Whoever places faith in Him as the ONLY Savior, has been born again, and is an overcomer, a winner.

Loves Him Also (5:1) - The test of true love for God is whether we love the children of God, our Christian brethren.

Keep His Commandments (5:2) - This phrase is repeated in verses 2 and 3.  Obedience is a characteristic of an overcomer.  The word keep conveys the idea of constant obedience (see John 8:31, 32; 14:15, 21; 15:10).

Commandments Are Not Grievous (5:3) - Grievous means burdensome.  They are not like the man-made religious traditions (Matthew 23:4).  Jesus said that His yoke was easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:30).  

Overcomes (5:4) - The word overcomes in the original language conveys the idea that believers have continual victory over the world.

The World (5:4, 5) - Satan's worldwide system of deception and wickedness.  Because of Jesus Christ and His provision of Salvation, Believers are victorious over the invisible system of evil that Satan operates to capture people's souls for hell.   Faith in Jesus Christ and dedication of one's life to Him make a person an overcomer.

Water and Blood (5:6) - These constitute external, objective witnesses to who Jesus Christ is.  They refer to Jesus' baptism (water) and death (blood).  John again writing to show that God has given testimony to the deity of Jesus through both His baptism and death. 

Spirit that Beareth Witness (5:6) - This is the witness of the Holy Spirit, who bears testimony of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the world.  Christ's baptism, and shed blood, and the Spirit of truth all give a united testimony concerning the saving work of Jesus Christ. Since the Spirit of God cannot lie, His testimony is sure.

Three That Bear Record (5:7) - Old Testament law required "the testimony of two or three witnesses" to establish the truth of a matter (See Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; John 8:17, 18; 1 Timothy 5:19).  The three that bear record in heaven are the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost - our triune God.

The Spirit...the Water...the Blood (5:8) - At Jesus' baptism, the Father and the Spirit testified to the Son (Matthew 3:16, 17).  The death of Jesus Christ also testified to who He was (Matthe 27:54; Hebrews (;14).  

Witness in Earth (5:8) - The reference to three witnesses "in earth" strengthens the case for the validity of reference in 1 John 5:7 to the three witnesses "in heaven."  They are the same - Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  

Morning Message: Fervent Charity

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Fervent Charity"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In the Book of Revelation, John proved to us that he was an obedient servant in chapter 1:19. When told to “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;” that is what he did, and with precision. He had seen all of Jesus’ Earthly ministry, and the first century of church history. He recorded all of it: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From the blessings of Christian brotherhood to the errors of doctrine that gained a foothold in one church or another, John made sure he wrote of it.

Most pointedly, John addressed those errors in Revelation 2 and 3. There are warnings, and commendations within the two chapters, aimed at individual Churches. 

• The Church at Ephesus had left its First Love. 
• The Church at Smyrna was commended for their faithfulness. 
• The Church at Pergamus, Thyratira, and Sardis received warnings.
• The Church at Philadelphia received a commendation, and 
• The Church at Laodicia, a strong warning for their complacency because of their comfort and wealth. All these were “the things which are,” and they cover all of the Church Age.

But because of what John had seen during that first century, his First Epistle introduces the need for Revelation 2 & 3. False doctrines, false teachers, and false prophets had quietly snuck into Jesus’ Church, lest any forget Whose Churches these are!

Hence the subject matter of the Epistle we are going through now. John is encouraging the reader to examine their hearts and discern if anything has crept into their hearts with subtlety, and/or into their churches!

Just today (5/16/24), I learned of an area Pastor encouraging his Congregation to allow some of the mysticism of today’s Babylon into the practice of their faith through questionable worship music and psychics! Divination, psychics and mystics apparently were to be welcomed in that Church. What will be next? Drug use, and altered states of consciousness from the pulpit? I’ll venture a guess that the spirit of antichrist is already present in that church.

John’s First Epistle is all about “Christianity 101.” He writes of the basic tenets of the Christian faith, for us to review, and examine our own hearts.

The acronym is familiar: 

B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

“And now abide faith, hope, and love; these three; but the greatest of these is love.” - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

1 John 4:1-6 - "Fervent Charity"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:  

This week we come to the fourth chapter of John's first epistle.  Pastor Bob shares some insight from the writing of the epistles to first couple of chapters in the book of Revelation.  It was written about 6 years after John's epistles. When looking at John's epistles, we can easily see why there was a need for Revelation 2 and 3. The Holy Spirit had been showing John exactly what needed to take place, what needed to be done, and what needed to be written in order to restore true faith to the Christian churches, the churches of Jesus Christ.

John turns from the importance of love to the importance of belief in god's truth in the previous chapters.  In chapter 4 he expounds on those two tests, those principles of Christian faith.  

The subject in the opening six verses is to "test the spirits."  John focuses, once again, on the doctrinal test, and emphasizes the need to know God's Word, and to obey sound teaching. 

Scripture is filled with stern warnings against false doctrine, error and against corrupting God's revelation both in the Old and New Testaments.  From cover to cover there is one warning after the next about those who corrupt the Word of God.  Ever since his temptation of Eve, Satan has sought to distort and deny God's Word (Genesis 3:1-5).  He is the ultimate demonic source behind ALL FALSE teachers and false doctrine (2 Corinthians 11:13, 14).   This week we come to the fourth chapter of John's first epistle.  Pastor Bob shares some insight from the writing of the epistles to first couple of chapters in the book of Revelation.  It was written about 6 years after John's epistles. When looking at John's epistles, we can easily see why there was a need for Revelation 2 and 3. The Holy Spirit had been showing John exactly what needed to take place, what needed to be done, and what needed to be written in order to restore true faith to the Christian churches, the churches of Jesus Christ.

John turns from the importance of love to the importance of belief in god's truth in the previous chapters.  In chapter 4 he expounds on those two tests, those principles of Christian faith.  

The subject in the opening six verses is to "test the spirits."  John focuses, once again, on the doctrinal test, and emphasizes the need to know God's Word, and to obey sound teaching. 

Scripture is filled with stern warnings against false doctrine, error and against corrupting God's revelation both in the Old and New Testaments. 

Since possession of "the Spirit which he has given us" (3:24) is a ground of assurance for the believer, it is important to test the spirits, because not every spirit is the Spirit of God (4:1-6).

In verse 1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." John understands how important it is to realize that you can’t believe everything you hear. You can’t believe everything that is purported to come from God. You can’t believe everything that is supposedly biblical. You cannot believe all teachers of religion. You cannot believe all Christian preachers, or Christian evangelists or teachers. You cannot believe all who claim to speak for God and claim to have a prophetic voice. See Acts 17:11; Colossians 2:8-10.

There is set loose in the world, you’ll notice at the end of verse 6, the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Religious information is not benign. It either comes from the Spirit of truth, who is the Holy Spirit, so called by our Lord Himself, and there is the spirit of error who would be Satan and his demons. Nothing is benign. All spiritual truth either comes from a divine source or a demonic source. And we know that God speaks truth and reveals truth and Satan speaks a lie and is a deceiver and so it is critical that we be able to discern the difference. God’s truth must be guarded very, very carefully. It is always under attack. It is relentlessly under attack. It amazes me, frankly, even though the Bible is clear on this, how inept the church has been through its history at protecting biblical truth. Every generation seems to fall into error. This is why the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy at the end of his first letter to him, 1 Timothy chapter 6 verse 20, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust.” And what had been entrusted to him was the treasure of divine revelation. Guard that.

It requires the knowledge of sound doctrine, and secondly it requires the recognition of error. Sound doctrine and sound discernment, are essential in the church. This is our primary responsibility.  Sound doctrine and sound discernment go side by side and are the primary responsibility of every preacher, every elder, every shepherd and pastor in the church. 

In this epistle here in chapter 4, John commands believers to test the spirits. This is necessary if you’re going to discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. You have to know whatever information is coming to you by its source.  Error is not benign; it is malignant. It is not human; it is demonic. Spiritual truth comes from the Holy Spirit and it is life-giving, life-sustaining, life-producing, God-glorifying, or it comes from demons. It is either the doctrine of God or the doctrine of demons. It is either that word which is sent and energized by the Holy Spirit, or it is that which comes from seducing spirits. And teachers are either the true teachers of God or hypocritical liars, espousing the doctrine of demons fostered by seducing spirits. We must know the difference because of the malignancy of error, because of the power of truth. The truth gives life; error kills.

And so here, John is writing to his flock, to the people that have been put in his charge and all beyond them whom he can influence, including us today.  And among the instructions that he gives here in this epistle, much of it, of course, is about who is a true believer. John gives all kinds of criteria for us to evaluate that, both doctrinal tests and moral tests. And part of that instruction includes these commands to make sure that we discern the truth from error.

In the second division of this chapter (4:7-21), John is true to his pattern of developing the same subjects, each time broadening, expanding, and expounding their significance.  John returns once again to the moral test of love.  These verses constitute one long unit describing what perfect love is and that it is available to us.  

God's love is a godly love that is a giving kind of love that does not require anything back. God is love.  What does that mean?  I think it means something like: God's absolute fullness of life and truth and beauty and goodness and all other perfections is such that he is not only self-sufficient, but also, in his very nature, overflowing. God is so absolute, so perfect, so complete, so full, so inexhaustibly resourceful, so joyful, that he is by nature a Giver, a Helper, and a Protector for us. God is full enough always to overflow and never to need.  God is love. The implications of this for the way we live are big. Without love, faith is really dead (James 2:17). As John put it, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (1 John 4:8).

Since God's nature is love, whoever is born of God loves. John makes the point that in the new birth, this aspect of the divine nature becomes part of who you are. The new birth is the imparting to you of divine life, and an indispensable part of that life is love. God’s nature is love, and in the new birth that nature becomes part of who you are. Love is, and love starts with God. Any love that we have is because we are connected with God by the new birth.  We are born again into His family, as sons and daughters, and we have been given the Holy Spirit's abiding presence in our lives.

The chapter concludes by emphasizing that perfect love casts out fear, offering believers confidence and security in their relationship with God.

Morning Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Do Not Believe Every Spirit (4:1) - The mention of the Holy Spirit in 3:24 prompts John to inform his readers that other spirits exist (demonic spirits) who produce false prophets and false teachers to propagate their false doctrine.  Christians are to have a healthy skepticism regarding any teaching, unlike some among John's congregations who were too open-minded to anyone claiming a new teaching regarding the faith.  Christians are to be like the Bereans who, as students of the Word, examine the Scriptures to determine truth and error (Acts 17:11, 12).  

Test (4:1) - The word test is a term used for assaying metals to determine their purity and value.  Christians must test any teaching with a view to approving or disapproving it, rigorously comparing any teaching to the Scripture.

False Prophets (4:1) - By juxtaposing "spirits" with "false prophets," John reminds his readers that behind human teachers who propagate false doctrine and error are demons inspired by Satan.  Human false prophets and teachers are the physical expressions, the mouth pieces, of demonic, spiritual forces.

By This You Know the Spirit of God (4:2) - John gives a measuring stick to determine whether the propagator of the message is a demon spirit or the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is Come in the Flesh (4:2) - This is the first test of a true teach:  they acknowledge and proclaim that Jesus is God incarnate in human flesh.  They confess that Christ came in human flesh to the earth.  His human body was physically real.  Both full humanity and full deity of Jesus must be equally maintained by a teacher who is to be considered genuinely of the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit testifies to the true nature of the Son, while Satan and his forces distort and deny that true nature.  John accentuates the crucial importance of sound doctrine expressed in God's Word as the only absolute and trustworthy standard (Isaiah 8:20). 

Spirit of Antichrist (4:3) - These false teachers who denied the true nature of Jesus Christ are to be identified among the antichrists in 2:18, 19 (2 John 7).  The same demonic deception, that will work to produce the final world ruler who rules as the false Christ, is always actively seeking to distort Jesus Christ's true nature, perverting the gospel.  The final Antichrist will not be something new, but will be the ultimate embodiment of all the antichrist spirits that have perverted truth and propagated satanic lies since the beginning. 

Greater Is He That Is In You (4:4) - Believers need to be aware and alert to false teaching but not afraid, since those who have experience the New Birth with its indwelling of the Holy Spirit have a built-in check against false teaching (2:20, 27).  The Holy Spirit leads into all truth, sound doctrine for genuine Christians, evidencing that salvation has actually occurred (Romans 8:17).  True believers have nothing to fear, for even Satan's hosts with their perversions can't take them out of the Lord's hand.  Here, as in 2:18-27, protection against error or victory over it are guaranteed by sound doctrine and the indwelling Holy Spirit who illumines the mind. 

Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error (4:6) - The Old and New Testaments are the SOLE STANDARDS by which all teaching is to be tested. In contrast to the Spirit of Truth, demonically inspired teachers either reject the teaching of God's Word or add elements to it (2 Corinthians 4:2; Revelation 22:18, 19).

God is love (4:7, 8) - This is the first of five reasons Christians are to love, God is the essence of love. Some cults and even some evangelicals misuse this verse, making God essentially synonymous with "love," denying in effect His other attributes. The Gnostics believed that God was immaterial spirit and light, but never defined the source of love as coming from His inmost being.  As He is spirit (John 4:24), light (1:5), and a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), so He is love.  Love is inherent in all he is and does.  Even His judgment and wrath are perfectly harmonized with His love.

Let Us Love One Another (4:8) - The original language conveys the idea of making sure that love is a habitual practice.   Those who are truly born again exhibit the characteristic habit of love (2:10, 11; 3:14) because they receive God's nature (2 Peter 1:4). Since God's nature exhibits love as a chief characteristic (verse 8), God's children will also.

Only Begotten Son (4:9) - This is the second of five reasons Christians love: to follow the supreme example of God's sacrificial love in sending His Son to bear the judgment of sin on the Cross.   John always uses "only begotten" in reference to Christ.  It pictures His unique relationship to the Father.  His preexistence and His distinctness from creation.  It was He whom the Father sent into the world as the greatest gift ever given so that we might have eternal life.

Propitiation (4:10) - The word means "appeasement" or "satisfaction." The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross satisfied the demands of God's holiness for the punishment of sin.  It is used in the sense of a substitutionary sacrifice to satisfy both God's justice and love.

No Man Hath Seen God (4:12) This is the third of five reasons why Christians love:  because God's love is the heart of Christian witness.  God is invisible, and men cannot physically see God loving.  Since Jesus is no longer physically in the world to manifest the love of God, the only demonstration of God's love in this age is the Church.  That testimony is critical (John 13:35; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).   Love originated in God, was manifested in His Son, and demonstrated in His people.

Herby Know (4:13) - This is the last of eight "tests" in 1 John beginning with the phrase, "Hereby know," each one providing a means of testing the reality of our saving faith.  See 1 John 2:3,5;3:16,19,24; 4:2, 6, 13.

Note: (4:13-16) - John gives the fourth of five reasons why Christians love: love is the Christian's assurance. 1. The benefits of love are: 1. assurance of salvation (3:17-24); 2. answered prayer (3:22); and 3. the abiding presence/empowerment of the Holy Spirit (3:23, 24).

Love Made Perfect (3:17) - The fifth reason why Christians love:  because love is the Christian's confidence in judgment.  John is not suggesting sinless perfection here, but rather mature love marked by confidence in the face of judgment.  

No Fear in Love (3:18) - The denial of God and rejection of Christ because of the fear of men will indeed lead to torment, because "the fearful...shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire..." (Revelation 21:8). A Believer will never experience this, because they are forgiven.

Morning Message: Love One Another

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Love One Another"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

It astounds me that in these end-times, that there is such a lack of discernment and knowledge among “learned” individuals, and even in many so-called Christian Churches. Among the “Gifts of the Holy Ghost” are discernment of spirits, a word of wisdom, and a word of knowledge.

1 Corinthians 12 mentions these and other gifts of the Spirit. These are just a few of the gifts mentioned in the chapter and there are other Spiritual Gifts mentioned elsewhere in the Epistles, and all were meant to build faith and enhance ministry; literally, “to profit withal.”

Critical thinking in our times has been replaced by Critical Race Theory, but mind you, it’s only an unproven theory that is being deliberately promoted by racist minds. Reality in our times seems to have escaped our educators, and our students. And little Johnny’s hopes of being President someday are being replaced by hopes of being a female! Twenty years ago, the Country song hits included singer Shania Twain’s song, “MAN! I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN.” The song is resurging on the charts again! If ever there was a time for common sense, it’s now when there seems to be such a lack of it.

The current Hamas/Israel war is a perfect example for the youth of today. Maybe you have noticed that today’s young people always will support whoever they perceive as being persecuted. From the surprise Hamas attack of October 7th, they were all feeling supportive for Israelis because the attack killed so many, and Hamas took many others hostage. How the tables have turned now! Hamas’ goals were to have public opinion of Israel turned against them. And it has worked. Hamas brought the proverbial “knife to a gun fight.”

Hamas planned for this turn of events, and to change the pity for Israel, to Hamas themselves. They started a war they knew they could not win, so now they are the underdogs that our youth rally around. The Hamas battle cry against Israel has always been “From the river to the sea,” driving the Jews from the Jordan River and into the Mediterranean Sea. Now Israel has its guns out, and it is Hamas that’s being driven to the sea.

There was enmity between Cain and Abel; and between Isaac and Ismael, and Joseph and his 11 brothers. Jealousy was at the core then, and is still at the core today between brothers, and/or neighbors.

“…perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment.”  - 1 John 4:15

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

1 John 3:10 - 24 - "Love One Another"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:  

Christians who are genuinely born of God manifest a transformation by means of righteousness and love. We have been born again by the Spirit of God, and literally have His abiding presence in our lives. Therefore, the characteristics of God, become ours.

As we begin our study in 1 John 3:10, John is summarizing his teachings in verses 1 through 9 with two characteristics.  They are two basic behavior tests, the measurements of conduct.    The first is righteousness (verses 4-10). The one who practices righteousness, verse 7, is righteous. But the one who practices sin is of the devil (verse 8).  In other words, a person who does not "practice righteousness" is not from God. A true believer will seek to live according to God's ways, not deliberately "walking" in darkness. We are told why in verse 9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 

As we come to verse 10, John sums it up for us, "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God...” – Now comes the transition, verse 10 – “nor the one who does not love his brother.”

The first test (moral or behavioral) that validates one’s claim to be a Christian is the test of righteous conduct. The second is the test of love. 

Now remember, there were false teachers who were in this particular church who were coming against this particular assembly of believers, and they were claiming to have a relationship with God, the Creator and to have a relationship with Christ. However, they were not willing to acknowledge their sin. In fact, according to chapter 1, they were pretty much denying they had any sin, nor were they manifestly characterized by love for the brethren. John is pointing out here that no matter what somebody claims, the truth can be determined in these two behavioral ways. Obedience, righteous behavior and love are evidences of true sons of God.

In 1 John 3:12, the apostle goes on to give us an example of what love is not, the opposite of love, is hate. John says we are not to be like Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve. Cain is at first presented in God’s Word as one who worshipped God and even offered a sacrifice, but when his sacrifice was not accepted by God and his brother’s sacrifice was accepted by God, Cain became jealous and hateful and rose us and murdered his brother, Abel. His murderous actions revealed that inwardly his deeds were evil.  Self-styled religion has been rejected by God.  Pleasing God is not left to our own design, or standard or imagination, but rather obeying His will, doing what God has asked of us.  We know that Cain was a very religious man.  His sacrifice was rejected because he didn't bring the right sacrifice.  The brother's were asked to bring an animal sacrifice. Abel did, Cain did not. Rather than bring a sacrifice which God asked, Cain brought the fruit of the land which he himself had toiled to produce.  Our relationship with God is not based upon our own accomplishments, but true faith produces obedience and love.   

In verses 11-15, John focuses on love believers should have for one another.   John goes on to tell his readers to not be surprised if the world hates them. We have heard the stories throughout history, from the early church of the first century to our present day how the world hates Christians and shows it by persecuting them.  John then reminds us of the hope that we have, the truth that makes it possible to endure the hatred and persecution of the world, he says we know that we have passed out of death into life, and this is seen because we no longer hate, but instead we love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can even love those who hate us and persecute us. Becoming a Christian is a resurrection from death to life and a turning from hate to love. When this love is lacking it is an indication that the person who does not love is spiritually dead. John is trying to show us that love for one another is a sure test of whether someone has experienced new birth in Christ or if they are still in the darkness of spiritual death or are as John writes, abiding in death, dwelling there, because no resurrection has taken place.

In verses 16-18, that love is evidenced by our actions. Since we now understand what love is not, John introduces the standard of love, what love is for the one who has placed their faith in the Lord Jesus. John writes, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:” (1 John 3:16). John has given us the measuring stick for every expression of love.  Those who are in darkness, are ruled by Satan and his characteristics.  They are filled with hatred and murder.  Their lack of love is seen as indifference toward the needs of others. Contrasted with this is the selflessness of Christ, who was considering only the needs of others as He laid down His life for us. This phrase, “He laid down His life…”  is a phrase that is unique to John (see John 10:11; 15:13).  This standard of love is about self-sacrifice and giving of yourself, it truly is the opposite of hate as you are sacrificing yourself for someone else. Jesus Christ giving up his life so that sinners might be reconciled to God, have their sins forgiven, and become His people, having a new nature characterized by His love. As God’s children, we ought to be willing "to lay down our lives for the brethren."  God has called us to the same standard of love that He has for us. There are not many who will be called to make this supreme sacrifice, to lay down his life for his brother, but this same kind of love can be shown in lesser ways. John goes on to give us an example and this is where the rubber meets the road. This is where we are confronted with Scripture, and we must do something about what we read.

Then in verses 19-24 discusses whether our hearts condemn us or not. Every human being is born with a knowledge of God, and with the law of God written in their conscience.  This law accuses or excuses depending on the person's actions in regard to His law.   This means every person has the ability to recognize right and wrong.  When we obey the Word of God, our conscience informs us that we are doing right, pleasing God.  As a result, we have confidence before God.   When we live a lifestyle opposed to God's law, we are condemned, our conscience indicts us (John 8:9).  A believer who persists in sin, disobeying God, will become fearful, insecure, doubting their faith and salvation (Psalm 32:3-4; 38:1-8; 40:11-12). First John 3:21 notes, "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God." When we have confessed our sins and abide (remain) in Christ, we can ask for anything according to His will and receive it (1 John 3:22).

The final two verses also offer an important reminder. John again focuses on love for God through Jesus as well as loving one another, offering teaching closely similar to the Great Commandment in Matthew 22:37–40.  These verses also highlight the triune nature of God. John mentions God twice in verse 24, the Son Jesus Christ in verse 23, and the Spirit in verse 24. All three persons of the triune Godhead are distinct yet serve in perfect unity as the One True God.

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Children of the Devil (3:10) - There is nothing more sobering to learn that according to the Scriptures, there are only two kinds of children who exist in this world:  children of God and children of Satan. It's one or the other.  Children of God exhibit His righteous character.  Children of Satan exhibit his sinful nature.  Children of the Devil are also called:  children of the wicked one (Matthew 13:38), children of disobedience and children of wrath (Ephesians 2:2-3).  

From the Beginning (3:11) - Since the beginning of the proclaiming of the gospel, love has been a central theme of Christianity.  What they heard "from the beginning" John has now repeated several times to emphasize that the false teachers were preventing that which God, through the apostles, proclaimed.  

Cain (3:12) - In Genesis 4, outwardly Cain is a worshiper of God who even offered a sacrifice.  Cain's murderous actions, however, revealed that inwardly he was a child of the devil, "of that wicked one" (John 8:44). 

The World Hates You (3:13) - History is filled with stories of persecuted Christians. This should not surprise believers.  Jesus taught, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Such people will be rewarded (Matthew 5:12). Jesus also taught, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). As opposed to the claim that salvation will make all of our earthly trouble vanish, the gospel implies that loving God means being hated by the world.

Passed From Death Unto Life (3:14) - Becoming a Christian is a resurrection from death to life, from sin to obedience, and from hate to love (Gal. 5:6,22).  Love is the sure test of whether someone has experienced the new birth or is still in darkness, or spiritual death (2:9, 11).  Someone who is characterized by hate has never experienced the new birth, they "abide in death."

Love The Brethren (3:14) - By doing righteousness (3:10); self-sacrificing, being willing to lay your life down for the brethren(3:16); willing to ease the burdens of others, meeting needs (3:17). 

A Murderer (3:15) - Hatred is spiritually the same as a murder in the eyes of God.  As Jesus taught the disciples, the attitude is equal to the act.  Hate is the seed that leads to murder, as seen in the example of Cain. See Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 22:15.

Lay Down Our Lives (3:16) - The meaning here is "be laying down."  Our love and service are a daily "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) for the sake of the brethren.  God calls Christians to the same standard of love for one another as He had for us (see verse 16). 

Seeth... Shutteth Up His Bowels of Compassion (3:17) - The verb is a continuing present - "goes on seeing."  This does not refer to a chance encounter with someone in need, but a continual refusal to help a fellow Christian who we are in frequent contact with and is truly in need. Genuine Christian love expresses itself in sacrificial giving to other Christians' needs (his brother).  It is a Christian's practical love that finds motivation in helping others (1Timothy 6:17-19; Hebrews 13:16; James 2:14-17). 

Not Love in Word (3:18) - Claiming to love is not enough.  Love is not sentiment, but deeds.  Our love for God is demonstrated by living it, not by talking or singing about it.  Our love for the brethren is manifested in our relations with other Christians. 

Hereby We Know (3:19) - A lifestyle of love in action is demonstrable proof of salvation.

Shall Assure Our Hearts (3:19) - The benefits of love is the assurance of salvation (3:17-21; Answered prayer (3:22) and the abiding presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit (3:23-24). 

We Receive of Him (3:22) - The condition for answered prayer is that we pray according to His will, and also to do according to His will

He Gave Us Commandment (3:23) - Loving God and loving our neighbor (see Matthew 22:36-40).

He In Him (3:24) - See John 15:4,7, 10.  We are commanded to abide in Christ and to allow Him to abide in us. We have assurance when we love His words and seek to obey them.

The Spirit (3:24) - Another assurance of salvation is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16-17).  

Morning Message: Trusting His Holy Spirit

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Trusting His Holy Spirit"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

A Christian female friend attended a Pastor’s Conference at a local church, and by the end of one pastor’s final conference presentation, she was doubting her salvation. Though she had professed Jesus as her Savior some 15 or 18 years prior, she became worried that her profession of faith wasn’t as sincere as it “needed” to be.

Though that Pastor’s teachings were always good, he sometimes came across as doubting his audience’s commitment to the Lord, which in turn brought some hearers also to doubt their own walk with the Lord. Chapter 3 of John’s first Epistle follows the warnings against false teachers and the spirit of antichrist. John’s words move from warnings to an assurance of an individual’s salvation, based upon the indwelling (abiding) presence of the Holy Spirit in the Believer. The spirit of antichrist will always be opposed to the Holy Spirit.

Conviction is for the Holy Spirit to bring through the Word, and teachers are to supply encouragement from the scriptures. As with the Prodigal Son in the parable, he realized his greed, and his hunger eventually, and knew right away that his father would not abandon him now that he was in need. But it would take some humility to admit to his father how wrong he had been. Even so, it was love that brought them back together. Love never fails. But if you remember the parable, the father received his son with open arms and never once humiliated the young man. In fact, the father gave him a robe and shoes to wear, and a ring for his finger.

God’s program of “Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16) never includes humiliation but is uplifting to the goal of a closer walk with Jesus. It is the spirit of antichrist that tells us we are not good enough. God’s love and acceptance of us is never in question when approach Him in humility. Humility is something that we put on ourselves. Humiliation is something the others put on us.
John repeatedly uses the phrase “my little children” in this Epistle. He takes ownership of his readers, and like the consummate father-figure-teacher, draws the reader into that close relationship with himself and with Jesus. John’s heart-warming style has been perfected in his exile.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grevious words stir up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1

Bobservations Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

1 John 2:26 - 3:10 - "Trusting His Holy Spirit"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:

This week we continue in John's first epistle, from chapter 2:28 - 3:10.

Previously, we learned that Christians have two safeguards against heresy:  the Holy Spirit and God's Word.  The Holy Spirit is doing His part.  Our part is to be obedient to Scripture.  

John presented a picture of the Christian in contrast to the antichrists.  Unbelievers depart from the fellowship, deny the faith and try to deceive the faithful.  Christians accept the faith and remain faithful.  Why?  Because of the anointing of the Spirit (v. 20), and the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.  God has so endowed the Christian with discernment that they ultimately will not be deceived by lies. 

As we begin our study today, starting in 1 John 2:26, John continues to contrast the differences between false and true Christians, false and true teachers, the spirit of antichrists, and the Holy Spirit. For the young believer, some who have not yet been taught much, it is many times difficult for them to sort out the differences.  John wants to make those distinctions clear, to know the truth from lies, true believers from heretics.  As he has already given them several doctrinal and moral tests of a true believer. John then builds up their faith, by defining the Spirit that indwells every believer.

Now remember he is writing to them concerning those who are trying to deceive them (vs 26). They have come into the church and the deny the faith, the reality of Jesus Christ that is central to the gospel.  They deny sin, the trinity, the deity of Christ, the atonement of Christ, and in doing so they are calling the Holy spirit a liar, because the Holy Spirit testifies of Christ.  They introduce damnable heresies to lead people astray.  So how can believers discern between what is true from all the lies?  John says, "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things."   You have an unction (anointing), and you have knowledge.  How?  The Holy Spirit who indwells the believer. Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you," Acts 1:8. And who gave us the Holy Spirit?  It's Jesus Christ, the Holy One. 

The Gnostics claimed to have a special anointing, a special elevation, a superior knowledge, higher than everyone else, but the Holy Spirit doesn't work that way.  Anyone who claims such things does so to intimidate and deceive others.  

Believers have a true knowledge, the knowledge of the true gospel, the revelation of the truth, the truth that saves.  Through His presence in us, and through His inspired Word, the things of God are revealed to us.  The Holy Spirit is our teacher.   He is the built in lie detector.  You don't need some human teacher to come in and offer to take you to the heights, the higher, deeper, truer, greater knowledge that contradicts the gospel that saved you. You have the truth already. This is the affirming and securing factor against the threat, intimidation and seduction of false teachers (antichrists).

This section also deals with the "purifying hope" of every Christian--the return of Christ. John uses this hope to elaborate on the love and obedience of the believer. The hope of Christ's return has a sanctifying effect on our behavior.

God is the source of hope, and He has graciously given that hope to us and laid it out for us in Scripture. He secured that hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, then confirmed and energized in us by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

It is the Holy Spirit who stirs up that hopeful attitude in the heart in response to the promises of God revealed in Scripture. This is a marvelous hope. This engulfs all of redemptive purpose. This encompasses the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father gives the hope, the Son secures the hope, the Spirit confirms the hope. We are to live with hope. We are not a people who have hope only in this world; we have hope in the world to come, and it is a living hope. It is a hope for real life, guaranteed and secured for us because Jesus conquered death not only for Himself but for all who are in Him.

True believers, says John, believe the right thing about themselves and their sin, they believe the right thing about Christ and His salvation. True believers conduct themselves in obedience to the Word of God, and true believers demonstrate love for God and for others and not for the world. True believers live in hope and are motivated by that hope to purity by the Holy Spirit.

The Believer's Hope Abides in Christ (2:28), makes righteousness a habit (2:29), magnifies God's love (3:1), anticipates Christ's return (3:2) and desires to be like Him (3:3). 

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  1 John 2:16-3:10

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Anointing (2:27) - See 1 John 2:20. The word in the Greek is Chrisma, meaning the special endowment of the Holy Spirit. The anointing we have received from the Holy Spirit never needs to be repeated, it abides in us, and we shall abide in Him.  John assures his readers that they already possess this anointing and that it is sufficient to instruct them in all they need to know. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the all-efficient means of enabling believers to possess a knowledge of the truth.  God's Holy Spirit guards and guides the true believer into the truth.  Because God is true, and Christ is the truth, so is the Holy Spirit.  This is our triune God.  He abides in us, and we should abide in Him.

Teach You (2:27) - This in no way lowers the value of God-called teachers, in fact, scripture tells us that He has given them to us "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). What it does show us is that each believer is not only capable but responsible to study the Word of God for himself.  The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, and He has anointed and indwells each believer.  We are called to "walk in the truth." 

Little Children (2:28) - Specifically those who are new Christians, but it applies just as urgently to all Christians.

Abide in Him (2:28) - To “abide” is to live, continue, or remain; so, to abide in Christ is Faithful Christian living.  Abiding in Christ is taught in 1 John 2:5–6, where it is synonymous with “knowing” Christ (verses 2 and 3). Later in the same chapter, John equates “remaining” in the Father and the Son with having the promise of eternal life (verses 24 and 25). Biblically, “abiding in,” “remaining in,” and “knowing” Christ are references to the same thing: salvation. The phrase abiding in Christ pictures an intimate, close relationship, and not just a superficial acquaintance. In John 15:4–7, Jesus tells His disciples that drawing life from Him is essential, using the picture of branches united to a vine: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

When He Shall Appear (2:28) - This refers especially to the rapture and gathering of the church (John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and the judgment seat of Christ to follow (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10).  All believers are to anticipate Christ's return at any moment. Whether by His return, or natural death, or other means, each person is always a heartbeat away from meeting God face-to-face.

Confidence... Not Be Ashamed Before Him (2:28) - This does not mean loss of salvation, but rather shame and loss of confidence if we are behaving inconsistently when Christ returns.   Close fellowship with Christ (Abiding in) leads to two important results when He returns. First, is confidence, both in our salvation and in our relationship with Him. Second, we will not need to be embarrassed about our lives and lifestyles. Instead of shame, a faithful believer can have confidence and look forward to Christ's coming. First Thessalonians 4:18 says that believers should encourage one another with the truth of Christ's imminent return.

Doeth Righteousness (2:29) - The believer's habitual lifestyle of righteousness stands in sharp contrast to false teachers who practiced sin.  The context of this statement is purely positive: godly behavior is a sign of a close relationship with God. John is building towards a key point in 1 John 4:12–16, which is that when a person truly walks with God, God is working directly through them. Righteous living does not provide salvation; righteous living is the result of salvation. All have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Salvation is not earned by works, but is the result of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Good works should naturally result from the person who has become a believer (Ephesians 2:10). When they do, such righteous deeds offer evidence that a person has truly come to faith in Christ.

Born of Him (2:29) - This is the first of seven occurrences of the phrase "born of God" or "born of Him" in 1 John, each giving a "description" of those who are truly born again. See 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18.

Sons of God (3:1, 2) - Becoming a child of God is seen as a great sign of love from God the Father. John specifically mentions that believers are not only "called sons of God;" believers truly are God's children. We can be called the "Sons of God" because we have been "created in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10) and are "new creature[s]" in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Everyone who exercises genuine saving faith becomes a child of God at the moment of belief (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; 2 Peter 1:4).

 

Shall Be Like Him (3:2) - At Christ's return, the believer will experience ultimate conformity to His likeness.  When He comes, He "shall change our vile body, to be fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21).  He will "make all things new" again (Revelation 21:5).  

Purifieth Himself (3:3) - Living in the reality of Christ's return makes a difference in a Christian's behavior.  Since Christians someday will be like Him, a desire should grow within them to become like Him now. Because believers have hope, and anticipate being with Jesus for eternity, they pursue a pure life. The goal of living a pure life is to be like Christ. He is pure, and believers seek to live like Him. Purity is a strong theme in the New Testament. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus taught, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Paul sought to present believers as a "pure virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2). Believers are to "be pure and blameless for the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:10). 1 Peter 3:2 speaks of the "pure conduct" a believer should pursue, which stands out to unbelievers. To be pure is to be free from sin, to live increasingly like Christ in a world filled with evil. Those who do can look forward to heaven rather than fear future judgment.

Committeth Sin (3:4) - The verb in the Greek conveys the idea of making sin a habitual practice.  In contrast with the purity described in verse 3, John labels the "practice of sinning" as "lawlessness."  The term lawlessness conveys more than transgressing God's Law.  It conveys the ultimate sense of rebellion:  living as there is no law, or ignoring what laws exist (James 4:17).  Christians cannot practice sin because it is incompatible with the Law of God which they love. (Psalm 119:34, 77, 97; Romans 7:12, 22).  Christians cannot practice sin because it is incompatible with the work of Christ, who died to sanctify (make holy) the believer (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 5:25-27). 

He Was Manifested (3:5) - Three important truths are noted in this verse.

1. That Jesus appeared; earlier verses in 1 John specify that this was in a real, flesh-and-blood form. While false teachers argue Jesus never came as a human, believers accept the coming of Jesus to this world, called the incarnation, as an essential part of the faith (John 1:1–14).
2. Jesus had a clear purpose for coming to this world. He did not come to merely make us better. His mission was to remove the power of sin from our lives. He did so by paying the price of our evil actions on the cross. Christ's sacrifice.  He is the only One sufficient to pay the price for every sin, once and for all. Why?
3. Jesus was sinless.  Hebrews 4:15, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."  See also: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22.

Let No Man Deceive You (3:7) - Deceive means "to be led astray."  Since false teachers were attempting to pervert the fundamentals of the faith, the possibility existed that some Christians might be fooled into accepting what they were advocating.  To prevent this from occurring, John repeatedly emphasized the basics of Christianity... obedience, love, and a proper view of Christ. 

From the Beginning (3:8) - Satan was originally created as perfect and only later rebelled against God (Isaiah 13:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-17).  Sin characterizes him completely, so those characterized by sin are of the devil.  

Children of the Devil (3:10) - Those who do not habitually "practice righteousness" and "love his brother", are children of the devil.  There is no middle ground.  You are a child of God, or a child of the devil. Scripture also calls them "children of the wicked one" (Matthew 13:38), "children of disobedience" and "children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:2-3). A person who does not "practice righteousness" is not from God. In other words, a believer will seek to live according to God's ways. They may fail, sometimes miserably (Psalm 51:1–4), but they will not persist in deliberately "walking" in darkness.