Author: contemplationrogerscom

I have been a student of the Scriptures since I was a teenager, sitting under the tutorship of many competent Bible Teachers, now that I am old and gray-haired I have been thinking of ways to share what I have learned so as to impact the lives of all the members of my family who are scattered all across the continent, and who knows, where else. Years ago a good friend of mine suggested that I put all my study notes in typewritten form instead of a bunch of lose hand-written sheets of paper collected in the pages of my study books. Today I have many binders full of typed notes sitting on my Bookshelf, and I thought what next? No one else benefits from what I have learned, that was when the idea of a Blog was born. I trust that as you stop by and contemplate your life in view of the material found here, you will be stimulated to make the necessary life changes. Best wishes, Richard. Jan.31, 2012

A TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP [3/30/24]

A study of 1 Sam. 8:1-9

The account states that Samuel grew old and had appointed his sons as Judges for Israel: “But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” <1 Sam.8:3 (NIV)>. So often this is the situation with our children and grandchildren; they do not honour God in the way that we expect of them, they turn away from God and this is certainly disappointing. The dishonesty, acceptance of bribes and perversion of justice of his sons was in direct disobedience to God’s commands, and was just as bad as the administration of Eli and his sons <see Ex.23:8; Deut.16:19>. In this we see the necessity of the transition in leadership that was now necessary, for God will not allow unjust leadership to continue especially in His Church, and we now see the change in direction that was about to take place.

The elders of Israel came to Samuel, and said that he is now too old to govern, and that his sons are not following his example of leadership;  “..now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” <1 Sam.8:5 (NIV)>. This request was disappointing to Samuel as he thought that this was a rejection of his leadership, so he does what should be done by all godly leaders in this situation – “he prayed to the Lord” <1 Sam.8:6 (NIV)>; unlike the approach of the elders who should have done the same by looking for God’s guidance and solution to the predicament that they were all encountering. This so like us today when we are faced with a state of affairs that needs to be resolved – we come up with our own resolution rather seeking God’s solution!

God instructs Samuel to listen to what the people were requesting; “…it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” <1 Sam.8:7 (NIV); cf. Judg.8:23>. How often is this repeated today? Some of us believe that serving God can be done so much more effective by duplicating the ways of “the world” so as to make our service to God more inviting to our unsaved friends. This is a long-standing trick of Satan since the beginning of creation, and the Israelites should have been aware of this for they had witnessed this in their freedom from Egyptian captivity, when Satan duplicated all the actions of Moses before Pharaoh. Let us be aware that Satan still does this today! The result is that we bring things into our worship that makes us no different to the world around us. God has called us to be “different”, in that, our lifestyle should be under the control of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word so that our friends will see that we are God’s people and we have been separated from the world and its influence unto Him! We should not be like “….some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.” <2 Cor.10:2 (NIV); cf. Ex.34:11-16>.

Because of the people’s choice of a king, other than God, we see God’s analysis of His people in rejecting Him: “As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.” <1 Sam.8:8 (NIV); cf. Deut.4:20>. In their freedom from Egypt and all that Egypt represented, God separated His people from the influence of Egypt. In similarity, we have been released from Satan through our salvation in Christ Jesus and are also called to be separate from the influence of the world <cf. 2 Cor.6:14-18>.

We should understand, however, that the people’s request for a king was not the problem, it was their reason and the kind of envisioned kingship that they were requesting: they desired to be like their surrounding nations. The form of kingship that they desired was one that denied the covenant relationship with God; and they broke this covenant by rejecting the Lord who was their King <cf. 1 Sam.12:12b; Num.23:21; Deut.33:2-5>. So God instructs Samuel to advise the people what to expect from a human king: “…warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” <1 Sam.8:9; cf. 8:10-18 (NIV)>. Not only did they reject God then but later in their history they rejected “The King of Kings” in their rejection of Christ, and in so doing they have lived in fear and persecution from their enemies for centuries.

“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.” <1 Sam.8:18 (NIV)>. Let us remember Paul’s warning to the Corinthian believers, for by our rejection of Christ we too will face the same consequence <see 1 Cor.10:6>.

RESPECTABLE LEADERSHIP [3/9/24]

A study of <1 Sam.4:1—7:17>

The unethical leadership of Eli and his sons had to come to an end so that an honourable leader could be appointed. The need for Samuel’s leadership was evident, and God was now setting the stage for this to take place, as His judgment on Eli and his sons was about to take place <1 Sam.4:1-6:21>.

The Philistines who occupied the land to the west of Israel, was one of Israel’s most aggressive enemies and there were constant battles between the two nations throughout their history, and here we see another of these battles that led to the crushing defeat of Israel’s army. We read that when the soldiers returned they were questioned by the Jewish Elders “Why did the Lord bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines?” <1 Sam.4:3 (NIV)>. Why did they fail to defeat the enemy? Was God not with them in battle? They were depending on the presence of God as they went to war but it appeared that God was not there with them for they were severely defeated which was no doubt very humiliating. Have you ever experienced something similar? Have you ever entered a relationship where you expected God’s presence to give you success but there was only failure? What is the answer to such state of affairs? Israel’s response was: “Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.” <1 Sam.4:3 (NIV)>; but the account goes on to indicate that Israel was soundly defeated again; “So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers.” <1 Sam.4:10 (NIV)>.

Scan_20240309The Ark was the visible symbol of God’s presence with Israel <see Num.10:33-35> and represented His Covenant or Pledge that He would lead them and be with them wherever they went; and had led them to significant victories in the past <see Josh.3:3, 11, 14-17; 6:6, 12-20>; however, God’s presence or His help for success was dependent upon God’s purpose for the planned endeavour. Too often we make our decisions and plans and then request that God should approve, rather than seek God’s direction in the matter and act upon His direction. The Israelites presumed that by taking the Ark to the conflict would guarantee God’s presence with them and grant them victory, which was a flawed conception.

In this incident we see that because the leadership of Israel under Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas was disgraceful to God, God’s presence was no longer guiding them. God requires that all His followers be “holy”; that is, we must be sanctified or set apart from the practice of sin, we must be pure, we must be faithful to Him in all our ways and our lifestyle if we are to be dependent upon His presence with us, otherwise all our plans and decisions will come to nothing! Israel had lost sight of this central truth, and we today must be careful that we do not repeat Israel’s error: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” <1 Pet.1:15-16 (NIV); cf. Hab.1:13a>, for God cannot and will not lead or be in the presence of those that are not being faithful to Him.

The end result of all this is that Israel was defeated and the Ark captured by the Philistines, Hophni and Phinehas were killed in the conflict, and when this was told to Eli, ““….Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died…” <1 Sam.4:17-18 (NIV)>; and so the corrupt leadership in Israel came to an end. Meanwhile God used the presence of the Ark among the Philistines to bring judgment upon an unholy and unrepentant nation <see 1 Sam.5:6>, so they decided to send the Ark back to Israel <1 Sam.5:11-12>. Their thoughts were correct in the conclusion that God’s hand of judgment was upon them because they had captured the Ark and their gods were being destroyed <cf. Isa.43:10-11; Jer.10:10-11>, but their determination of what God accepted as a guilt offering was incorrect <see 1 Sam.6:4-5; cf. Lev.5:14-6:7>. The account also shows God’s judgment upon His own people for disobedience to His command, “…because they had looked into the ark of the Lord.” <1 Sam.6:19 (NIV); cf. Ex.19:21; Num.4:17-20; 2 Sam.6:7>, they had not displayed the respect to “God’s Presence” that was due; and we today must be careful how we handle Scripture in not being obedient to God’s command and conditions, or how we interpret God’s promises <see Heb.12:28-29>; He may not judge us by death but He will discipline us in some way; for as the question was asked then, we need to show respect to God’s holiness today: “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?” <1 Sam.6:20 (NIV)>.

So, we see that the corrupt leadership in Israel had to be replaced, and God was now going to appoint Samuel as His godly replacement.

The account continues to describe the victories under Samuel’s Leadership <1 Sam.7:1-17>. The record shows that the Ark was returned to Israel but was left at Abinadab’s house in the care of his son Eleazar; and “It was a long time, twenty years in all, that the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim, and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the Lord.” <1 Sam.7:2 (NIV)>; twenty years was a long time for the people not to be under the influence and guidance of God’s presence. Is this a picture of you and your lifestyle? Have you departed from following God and gone your own way? Have you ever surrendered your life to God and been under His guidance? Is your lifestyle honouring to God? <1 Sam.2:30b>. Just as the people “mourned and sought after the Lord” we too should do the same if we do not live in obedience to God’s Word!

Samuel gave the people a solution to their despondency which is the same solution to our hopelessness today: “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only” <1 Sam.7:3 (NIV)>. God’s people were unfaithful to Him and had turned to idol worship under the influence of the Philistines, worshiping Ashtoreth and Baal; and we today must do the same by putting out of our lives the “gods” that we serve, the gods that influence us and distract us from following and worshiping the One True God! “So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only.” <1 Sam.7:4 (NIV)>.

Pursuing God requires our obedience to His Word and constant communion with Him; and here we read that Samuel called all the people to assemble before God: “When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.”” <1 Sam.7:6 (NIV)>. So as to be in constant communion with God we need to be sure to confess our sins to Him on a regular basis <see 1 Jn.1:8-10>, and just as they “poured out water before the Lord” symbolizing a pouring out of the desire of their hearts to serve God only, we too need to do the same if it is our desire and determination to serve God only. We are also reminded that this is a daily routine: “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us” <1 Sam.7:8 (NIV)>, for Israel’s enemy the Philistines, were a constant threat, just as the enemy of our souls, Satan, is always on the attack <see 1 Pet.5:8>. We must also recognize that all our success over our sinful desires and Satan’s attacks is the result of the presence and the help of God through His Holy Spirit, in similarity to Samuel’s symbol of memorial – a stone –named Ebenezer (a stone of help); “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”” <1 Sam.7:12 (NIV); cf. Jn.17:15>.

Here again we see that all the success of Samuel against the Philistines was due to his devotion to God; “Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines.” <1 Sam.7:13 (NIV); cf. 1 Sam.2:30>. Do you honour and thank God continually for His protection and keeping you from the attacks of Satan?

It would be to our advantage today if we had political leadership that was honorable to God, for this would be one solution to the social problems that we face.  It is very important for us to pray that God will overrule in the affairs of their decisions. BUT, what about our church leadership! Is there commitment to God and His Word? Is there faithful teaching of scriptural principles? Is there honour and faithfulness to God in all things?

UNETHICAL LEADERSHIP [2/6/24]

A Study of 1 Sam.2:12-36

Under the leadership of Eli the priest, the worship of God had deteriorated and so did the life of the people. The reason for this decay was due to the life-style of his sons Hophni and Phinehas; “Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord.” <1 Sam.2:12 (NIV)>; their knowledge of God may have been only intellectual or theoretical. To know God is to enter into fellowship with Him and to acknowledge God’s claim on one’s life. Hophni and Phinehas are described as “wicked men”; and the same Hebrew phrase has been used in Scripture in reference to troublemakers and scoundrels <see 1 Sam.10:27; 30:22; 1 Kings 21:10, 13>; and later is used as “Belial”, another name for Satan, who is the personification of wickedness and lawlessness <see 2 Cor.6:15>. The Scriptures encourage us to acknowledge God: “But I am the Lord your God, [who brought you] out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me.” <Hos.13:4 (NIV); cf Jer.31:34>. It is extremely important that all servants of God, whether leaders or church members, must be in fellowship with God and acknowledge His claim on our individual lives! Unfortunately human nature does not automatically change, it only gets worse; we see this in the actions of some our national and local leaders today. Men and women whose only intent in serving is to get as much as they can from those that are not as privileged as they are; they are demanding, they intimidate, and they make life miserable for the less fortunate members of our society.

There are two aspects of the sin of Hophni and Phinehas that made it specifically grievous to God, and are described as: “This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt.” <1 Sam.2:17 (NIV)>; “Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?” <1 Sam.2:29 (NIV); cf Mal.2:7-8>.

God had given specific instructions through Moses in relation to the various sacrifices brought to the priests in the Temple. The animal was to be killed and divided by the priests, with the fat and specific portions that were chosen by God to be burnt on the Altar. The priests would then take specific parts of the animal for their use, referred to as their “portion” as opposed to “God’s portion”. Under Hophni and Phinehas, this practice was arrogantly violated, they insisted on taking their portion of the sacrifice before the Lord’s portion (the “fat”) was burned upon the altar: “But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast; he won’t accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” If the man said to him, “Let the fat be burned up first, and then take whatever you want,” the servant would then answer, “No, hand it over now; if you don’t, I’ll take it by force.”” <1 Sam.2:15-16 (NIV)>. This was not acceptable with God since it violated His Law, and displayed contempt <see Mal.2:8b>; and lack of respect for God was spreading among God’s people. Eli spoke to his sons: “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the Lord’s people.” <1 Sam.2:23-24 (NIV); cf. 1 Tim.3:5-7>. There are some things that are commendable for Eli: he was concerned about the lives of the people such as Hannah <1 Sam.1:17>, and Samuel <1 Sam.3:9>. He also knew about the sins of his sons but he failed to discipline them; “For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them.” <1 Sam.3:13 (NIV); cf.Prov.29:17; Matt.10:37>. It is an important lesson to parents of all ages that when a child begins to show lack of respect for God, such an attitude must be immediately addressed by explaining what the scriptures teach.

Is it possible that such arrogance is present in our churches today? Do we take what belongs to God and use it for our own benefit and gratification?

In contrast to Hophni and Phinehas, the service of Samuel was more dedicated to God, for it is recorded: “But Samuel was ministering before the Lord-a boy wearing a linen ephod.” <1 Sam.2:18 (NIV)>; the linen ephod was a priestly garment worn by priests who served in the Temple (or Tent of worship) distinguished from the special ephod worn by the high priest <see Ex.28:4-5; 39:1>. Samuel grew up serving God in the Temple as opposed to his other siblings; “… Hannah… conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.” <1 Sam.2:21 (NIV)>. He served under Eli the high priest; “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli.” <1 Sam.3:1 (NIV)>, learning what it took to be a leader of God’s people. He needed, however, the revelation of the Word of God, and to be fully committed to God, so that he could have a better understanding of what God expected him to do as a leader: “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” <1 Sam.3:7 (NIV)>; he was doing the work of God in the Temple but he required a personal knowledge of God through His Word. Samuel needed to mature as God’s servant and to be guided constantly by the Word of God; “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.” <1 Sam.3:19 (NIV)>, another requirement for all servants of God is to be constantly directed by God’s commands.

It is important to recognize and understand what was about to change in the lives of the people of God. The current government under Eli was a disgrace and God was about to make a major change in the leadership of His people. The judgment of God was declared upon the house of Eli <1 Sam.2:30-33>, his entire family would be eliminated, his sons would both die on the same day as a confirmation that God would make a major change; “‘And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you — they will both die on the same day.” <1 Sam.2:34 (NIV)>; for God was about the raise up a new leader in Israel in the person of Samuel; “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.” <1 Sam.2:35 (NIV)>.

The Scripture reveals the difference between Saul, his sons Hophni and Phinehas, and Samuel; for we read that The Lord was working in the life of Samuel, leading him in all that he said and did, because “..he let none of his words fall to the ground.” <1 Sam.3:19 (NIV)>; Samuel was obedient to God’s commands. God continued to work through Samuel revealing Himself through His word; and the result was that “..all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word… And Samuel’s word came to all Israel.” <1 Sam.3:20-4:1a (NIV)>. As a true prophet of God, Samuel was God’s representative, and the people recognized this.

Does your lifestyle reflect the grace of God in such a way that those in your social circle see Christ in you?

All individuals, especially God’s servants, should remember God’s seal of approval: “… the Lord declares… Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” <1 Sam.2:30 (NIV)>. Our lifestyle should not be like Eli and his sons who “were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord.” <1 Sam.2:12 (NIV)>, and the account records their rejection by God in their untimely death. Examples of honouring God is seen in the lives of many individuals such as Samuel, David, Moses and others as recorded in the Scriptures.

Is your lifestyle one that honours God?    

RESPONSE TO FRUSTRATION [1/12/24]

A study of <1 Sam.1—2:11>

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah; Peninnah had children but Hannah had none because The Lord “had closed her womb” <1 Sam.1:5>. Because of this Peninnah “kept provoking her in order to irritate her.” <1 Sam.1:6 (NIV)>. Have you ever been frustrated to the point of exasperation? How did Hannah respond? How do you respond to your offender? What did Hannah do with her grief, and how in this is she an example to us today?

There is no indication that Hannah made any angry reply or retaliation, but rather expressed her grief to the Lord, “In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord.” <1 Sam.1:10 (NIV)>. The natural response to any kind of provocation is for the victim to strike back verbally, physically or both, but God’s true children must turn to Him instead; we need to “Trust him at all times…pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” <Psa.62:8 (NIV)>; recalling the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ; “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” <1 Pet.2:23 (NIV)>.

Not only was Hannah suffering at the torments of Peninnah for her physical inability, she was also severely misunderstood by Eli the priest who thought she was intoxicated, “How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine.” <1 Sam.1:14 (NIV)>; in this we see how easy it is for others to judge when God is at work in the life of an individual who has no idea why they experience difficulty in life, and reminds us of the life of Job when God allowed him to go through such agony and to be judged by his wife and his three friends <see Job 2:9>. In her response she says to Eli, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” <1 Sam.1:15-16 (NIV)>. She has been pouring out her soul in a prayer of anguish and grief, and there are so many of us today who need to and are doing so because of life’s difficulties. Finally Hannah is at peace with God for we read, “her face was no longer downcast.” <1 Sam.1:18 (NIV)>, she was no longer sad for she knew that God had heard and would answer her prayer <see Mk.11:24; 1 Jn.5:15>.

So, the record shows that in the process of time the Lord remembered her and “Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”” <1 Sam.1:20 (NIV)>. In this we see that God has His purpose and time, for as we will see in the forgoing record Israel was in need of a leader to bring God’s people back to Him, and Samuel was the one that God had chosen. After the child Samuel was no longer needing to be breast-fed she fulfilled her vow to God, “I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.” <1 Sam.1:22 (NIV)> and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. Presenting the child to Eli “she said to him, “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” <1 Sam.1:26-28 (NIV); cf Psa.116:12-14; Eccl.5:4-5>.

We should note that Hannah’s prayer request was offered many times, she kept on praying to the Lord <1 Sam.1:12>, and in God’s time her prayer was answered; and when her prayer was finally answered she continues to thank and praise God; “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.” <1 Sam.2:1 (NIV)>. Observe the change that occurred in Hannah’s life when faced the torments of Peninnah <see 1 Sam.1:7-10>, ask yourself: Am I joyful in God: if not, why not?

The lesson we should learn from this is that no matter what our circumstances may be as we suffer through our adversities, whatever those difficulties may be, God hears our prayer and will answer in His time, and when the answer comes we should not forget to give Him thanks and praise <see Psa.89:15-17; Isa.61:10; 1 Pet.1:6-8>. Hannah speaks of God and His acts, giving honour to God by expressing “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” <1 Sam.2:2 (NIV)>; she speaks to His Omniscience (God knows and is aware of all things), “a God who knows” <1 Sam.2:3>; she speaks of God’s acts in creation and in the control of His creation <1 Sam.2:6-8; cf. Lk.1:46-55>. She also speaks to the end-result of all God’s care for those that love Him, and his judgment on those that disobey Him: “He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.” It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.”” <1 Sam.2:9-10 (NIV); cf. 2 Thess.1:6-10>.

There is nothing in the record of what became of Peninnah, but we do see the change in Hannah’s life as she put her trust in God to bring her through her ordeal, and her response to God for answering her prayer. How will you respond to similar adversity?

FAITHFULNESS TO THE TRUTH [12/09/23]

A Study of 3 Jn.1-14

This letter was written by John to his friend Gaius who was a member of one of the churches in Asia. The name Gaius was a common Roman name (NIV Study Bible). It was written to commend Gaius for supporting the travelling teachers sent by John, and indirectly, to warn Diotrephes for his hostility to John’s travelling teachers. John expresses his appreciation for Gaius because he accepted the Truth that Christ was God who came from The Father <see Jn. 1:14>.

John speaks of his joy in hearing that Gaius was faithful to The Truth and that he was continuing to live in light of The Truth <3 Jn.2-4>, although many had fallen to the false teaching of the Gnostics: “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” <3 Jn.3-4 (NIV)>. This speaks to the necessity that all young believers should be carefully taught the Scriptures so that they will be able to identify the false teaching that is prevalent in our world today.

John commends Gaius for his faithfulness in his hospitality to the travelling teachers even though they were strangers to him <3 Jn.5-8>. He listened to their message, compared it to what the scriptures taught and what he had learned from the scriptures, which is exactly what we as believers need to do in consideration of what we see and hear today from radio, television and social media. Let us be assured that their message is “… for the sake of the Name” <3 Jn.7 (NIV)>, the only NAME that is worthy of our praise and worship <see Acts 4:12>. These are the teachers that Gaius accepted and should be the teachers that we accept, and where necessary, show appreciation for the sake of the gospel and of our Lord Jesus Christ; “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.” <3 Jn.8 (NIV)>

John now reprimands Diotrephes for the way he acted as a leader in the church <3 Jn.9-14>, first addressing his arrogance <vs. 9-11>. Diotrephes was an influential leader in the church, and as such exercised dictatorial power over the members, and John describes him as one who “loves to be first”, gossips maliciously, refusing to welcome the travelling teachers, excommunicating church members that accept and show hospitality to the travelling teachers. This is a description of what we have today and can be referred to as a “cult”; where the “church” is led by an individual who demands and obtains full control of the members, and will have no one else as teacher. Such a leader slanders the TRUTH by teaching a false doctrine, and ensures that no one else can enter the church to oppose the false teaching; and further prohibits the members from listening to any other teaching. John warns his friend: “…do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” <3 Jn.11 (NIV)>; in reference to the evil of Diotrephes and any other individual that fits the description of Diotrephes.

John then commends Demetrius but there is no indication as to who Demetrius was, he most likely was an elder or leader in the Church. John’s commendation is one that should be pursued by all believers in Christ: “Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone — and even by the truth itself.” <3 Jn.12 (NIV); cf 1 Tim.3:7, 9>. He was well respected in the Church as well as by those outside the Church. When we live our lives guided by The Truth, our lord Jesus Christ, no one will be able to successfully accuse us of doing what is evil <see verse 11>.

John closes his letter by expressing a blessing: “Peace to you.” <3 Jn.12 (NIV)>, this peace comes only from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and can only be experienced by those who are committed to Him <see Lk.2:14; Jn.14:27; 20:19; Gal.1:3; Eph.1:2>.

In summary, what have we learned from these three letters written by John? Fellowship with God, also referred to as communion or friendship, can only be accomplished by confession of sin; first, for our salvation, and daily for the contamination by sin caused by our living in a sinful world. We should never forget that our salvation rescued us from judgment by God and eternal separation from Him, but there has to be a constant confession of sins committed; by thoughts, words and activities <see 1 Jn.1:7-10>. Remember that John is writing to Christian believers, emphasizing the requirements for fellowship with God; inherent sin has already been forgiven, but daily sins by worldly influence must be addressed <see Jn.13:6-10a>. Fellowship with God will then be evident in our lives and in our association with other believers, so let us put into practice the lessons taught by John, by living in faithfulness to The Truth.

DETECTING HERETICAL DOCTRINE [11/11/23]

Second John cautions about receiving heretics and has much in common with First John regarding the danger of false teachers that deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ; it was written to urge discernment in supporting travelling teachers, otherwise someone might unintentionally contribute to the propagation of heresy rather than truth (NIV Study Bible).

A study of 2 Jn.1:1-13

The first section of this letter instructs us to Abide in God’s Commandments <2 Jn.1:1-6>, and John, in his opening remarks <2 Jn.1:1-3>, addresses his readers – “To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth” <2 Jn. 1 (NIV)>: some Bible scholars take the statement “chosen (elect) lady and her children” literally as referring to a specific person and her children; others prefer to take it figuratively as describing a local church (Nelsons).

He then continues to say: “all who know the truth—because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever” <2 Jn.1-2 (NIV)>: those who know the Truth are those who have had a personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ; He is the Truth <see Jn.14:6a; 18:37b-38a>; and those who have accepted The Truth have The Truth forever, He is with us “forever” wherever we go.

“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” <2 Jn.3 (NIV)>: grace and mercy was a common greeting but here it is used to remind us of God’s grace and mercy expressed to us in the person of Jesus Christ God’s Son, who will be with us forever; this is the true grace, mercy and love of God.

John continues to instruct us to “Walk in Truth” <2 Jn.1:4>. “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.” <2 Jn.4 (NIV); 3 Jn.4>: it was gratifying to John that those converted under his preaching were continuing in the faith. It is unfortunate that in some cases, believers get lured away and refuse to comply with God’s word, they follow non believing partners and friends in rebellion to what God’s Word teaches and God sometimes has to deal severely with them. This is what happened to God’s chosen people who were sent into exile: “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’ Therefore hear, O nations; observe, O witnesses, what will happen to them. Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law.” <Jer.6:16-19 (NIV); cf. Prov.13:20; Heb.10:25>. A warning to us that when we need to know God’s will in making decisions, we should never question what God’s Word teaches.

He further reminds us to “Walk in Love” <2 Jn.1:5-6>; and is reminding his readers that this is not a new command, it is Christ’s teaching and refers back to Old Testament times <see Jn.13:34-35; cf. Lev.19:18; Matt.22:39-40; Rom.13:8-10>; and he further defines what true love is: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” <2 Jn.1:6 (NIV)>; living our lives in obedience to God’s command is how we walk (live) in true love, for if we are not living in obedience to God’s command, our “so-called-love” for others is meaningless since we do not practice what we say. True love for others is not self-satisfaction but effectively loving others as we love ourselves; and this love originates from God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the love that defines a believer in Christ!

John continues to instruct us “Abide Not with False Teachers” <2 Jn.1:7-13>, reminding us of the “Doctrine of the False Teachers” <2 Jn.1:7-9>. He cautions his readers of the danger of false teaching carrying on from his previous instructions; “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world.” <2 Jn.1:7 (NIV); cf Jn.1:14>; referring again to the Gnostic heresy that was creeping into the Church. Such a person, John declares, is a deceiver or antichrist <2 Jn.1:7b>; should not be considered as a true disciple of Christ, and should not be allowed to teach such heresy in the Church. All believers in Christ must be extremely careful of what we accept as doctrine in our churches today as the heresy of Gnosticism is still being taught, we must be students of the Scriptures so that we can identify false teachers. John here warns of the result of accepting false teaching: “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” <2 Jn.1:8 (NIV)>; since our acceptance of false teaching will rob us of our reward that Christ will hand out to each of us at His return <see 2 Pet.2:1-3; Rom.14:11-12; 2 Cor.5:10; 2 Tim.4:7-8>. John concludes his warning by comparing the false teacher to the true believer; “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” <2 Jn.1:9 (NIV); cf Gal.1:10>. We should always strive for a better understanding of the revelation given to us in Christ, but we must never go beyond what the Scriptures reveal!

We must stay away from the “False Teachers” <2 Jn.1:10-11>. John closes with a final warning regarding “travelling teachers”; those that were going from city to city preaching and teaching the gospel. He is cautioning the believers that their hospitality could give public approval to the wicked work of false teachers. He is not condemning hospitality to strangers for general conversation, but we should be careful to compare their teaching with what the Scriptures teach: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.” <2 Jn.1:10-11 (NIV)>.

In his closing remarks he says “…. I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your chosen sister send their greetings.” <2 Jn.1:12-13 (NIV)>; it was his desire to be able to make a personal visit the church to discuss his teachings with them. “Chosen sister” could be a reference to another local church.

Detecting heretical doctrine is very important to all believers in Christ, and our discernment of false teaching will only be possible if we are true disciples of Jesus Christ having a personal knowledge of what the Scriptures teach.

PRINCIPLES OF FELLOWSHIP [10/17/23]

A study of 1 Jn.5:14-21

John concludes his first letter by addressing two important principles in our relationship with God. First, he deals with Guidance in Prayer <1 Jn.5:14-17>.

He commences this section with a very important fact in regards to prayer: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” <1 Jn.5:14 (NIV)>; for here we see the requirement of God in regards to our petitions – “if we ask anything according to his will”. How do we know God’s will (desire)? We can know God’s will in any circumstance by being familiar with the teaching of scripture and prayer to God to reveal his desire for us in the circumstance we are facing; and this, sometimes, can be very difficult, but we must wait on God’s direction. By having a good knowledge of the scriptures the Holy Spirit will guide us in our desires and decisions as we present these to God in our prayer. There is no point in praying for direction or a solution to a difficulty that confronts us when the scriptures clearly teach that the decision we make will cause us to sin against God. One of the most common situations is the question of marriage; the scriptures clearly teach that there should be no union between a believer in Christ and a non-believer <see 2 Cor.6:14-15>; unfortunately we see the peril of such marriages in our churches today as the believer thinks that the non-believer can be converted to Christ which is not necessarily the case. This principle applies to almost every facet of our lives whether it be business or pleasure. So, guidance in our prayer depends entirely upon our knowledge and obedience to the scriptures; each believer in Christ must depend on the leading of the Holy Spirit and total obedience to God’s commands <see 1 Jn.3:21-22>. However, there are those circumstances that confront us, and things that we need for our daily living, and God expects us to petition Him for such; and again we must exercise faith in God for our timing may not necessarily be God’s timing, and we are required to wait in prayer for God to respond <see Matt.7:7-8>; and this is John’s summation: “…whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.” <1 Jn.5:15 (NIV)>.

John now speaks to two occasions where guidance in prayer is definitely needed: “…a sin that does not lead to death” <1 Jn.5:16 (NIV)>. There has been much said about this passage, too much to be included here. What does he mean by a sin that does not lead to death? The scriptures teach that sin results in the eternal death of the individual, and that is the reason that Christ came and died on the Cross. From the point of view that all believers in Christ have been delivered from the judgment of eternal death and separation from God, we have to understand that a believer who sins will be punished in some way in this life. That is the reason John began this epistle teaching that we all continue to sin, even after our conversion to Christ, and because of this we need to continually confess our sins to God and seek His forgiveness. The promise to each believer is that we will never perish – <Jn.3:16; 17:11-12, 15> meaning that once saved we are saved for all eternity, but as we live our lives on this earth we are constantly bombarded with sin and evil, and Christ demonstrated this to His disciples <see Jn.13:6-8; 1 Jn.1:7-10>; the lesson to us is that since we live in a sinful world, and we are contaminated by sin, we need the cleansing of the Word of God through the Holy Spirit working in us. So, here John says that when we see a fellow believer engaging in some sinful activity we need to pray to God that the believer will acknowledge the sin and repent seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing. John continues to say that; “There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.” <1 Jn.15:16 (NIV)>, and in this statement we see that there is a difference. There are those that “profess” to be believers in Christ but have never been truly saved from their sin, and eventually display this in their lifestyle by turning their backs on the Lord Jesus Christ, for such there is no further repentance, only to be lost for all eternity <see Heb.6:4-6>. John says there should be no prayer for such since they have already sinned unto death. Let us remember that John is addressing the difficulty of Gnostic teaching in the Church, which has led to some accepting this teaching of adamant and persistent denial of the truth of the Scriptures, denying the deity of Christ, and such unrepentant sin only leads to spiritual death.

John concludes by stating that “All wrongdoing is sin” <1 Jn.5:17 (NIV)>, and repentance is required whether it be a believer or non-believer. Therefore, God’s response to our prayer is directly related to our understanding that God’s will for all believers is to live a life that is as far from sin as possible.

Finally, he addresses a difficulty that faces all believers in Christ: Freedom from Habitual Sin <1 Jn.5:18-21>; and he has already given us two affirming statements:

(1) “….you may know that you have eternal life.” <1 Jn.5:13 (NIV); cf Jn.3:15, 36; 17:1-3>, a present possession that will be completed at Christ’s second coming:

(2) “….we know that he hears us” <1 Jn.5:15 (NIV)>, on condition that we ask according to His purpose.

And concludes by adding three more:

(3) “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin” <1 Jn.5:18 (NIV)>, all believers in Christ fit this category for we are born into God’s family <see Jn.1:12; Rom.8:14, 16; Eph.2:6-9> and the characteristic is that we do not willfully commit sin. We are confident in the fact that Christ keeps us safe from the evil one – Satan “…the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.” <1 Jn.5:18b (NIV); cf. Jn.17:11-12, 15, 20>. We are protected from evil and sin by God Himself through the work of The Holy Spirit, and since sin no longer controls us we need to live victoriously over sin <see Rom.6:11-14>.

(4) “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” <1 Jn.5:19 (NIV)>, the main difference between believers and non-believers is that the children of God are led and controlled by God while the world of non-believers are under the control of Satan.

(5) “We know also that the Son of God has come” <1 Jn.5:20 (NIV); cf Jn.1:1-2, 14>, and He has given us this understanding by His Holy Spirit and the Scriptures, that He is the True God and eternal life.

He concludes his letter by stating, “…..keep yourselves from idols” <1 Jn.5:21 (NIV)>; since we have been brought to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is God, anything that takes His place in our lives is an idol, and most important we should remember that this is the sin of the Gnostics who teach that Jesus Christ is not God.

SIGNIFICANCES OF FELLOWSHIP [9/29/23]

A Study of 1 Jn.5:4-21

John is continuing his teaching on Fellowship with God and fellow believers, and here he deals with victory over worldly influences and confirms the Guarantee of our salvation.

Victory over the World is a possibility for all believers in Christ who obey His commands <1 Jn.5:4-5>. Having already cautioned us of the subtle attraction of worldliness; the realm controlled by Satan and organized against God and therefore at war with all Christ’s followers <see 1 Jn.2:15-17>; John now reveals to us how this worldliness can be conquered. First, he reveals who are the overcomers: “…for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” <1 Jn.5:4a (NIV); cf Jn.1:12-13>; all those who have heard the gospel message and have turned to God in true repentance have been brought into the family of God as His children <see Eph.1:13; 2 Cor.1:21-22>; we have been adopted into God’s family in the person of His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, John states that the overcoming factor is our faith in God: “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” <1 Jn.5:4b (NIV)>; and confirms this with his next statement: “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” <1 Jn.5:5 (NIV)>; and he gives the reason why this is possible in the previous passage by stating that true love for God is “to obey his commands” <1 Jn.5:3 (NIV)>; so, we see that victory over the world is possible to all believers who constantly obey God’s commands. In this world with all its attractions that challenge us each day as we are confronted with important decisions; how do we know God’s commands? We can only find and obey God’s will for us by being familiar with what the scriptures teach, and work toward the application of these teachings in every aspect of our daily lives. By doing this we can begin and continue to resist the devil and all the deceits he brings to us <see Jas.1:22; 4:7>.

Every believer in Christ is given a “Guarantee of Salvation” <1Jn.5:6-13>. There has been much debate as to the meaning of the first sentence: “This is the one who came by water and blood — Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood.” <1 Jn.5:6a (NIV)>; but it is evident that John is trying to correct the false teaching of the Gnostic heresy. Gnostics believed and taught that Christ came upon “the man Jesus” at His baptism and left Him before His passion in the Garden of Gethsemane, stating that The Christ did not die on the cross, it was only the man Jesus who died (Believers Bible Commentary and NIV Study Bible). Here John uses “water” as an emblem of Jesus’ baptism and “blood” as the symbol of Jesus’ atoning death. John is teaching that Jesus was the Christ when He died on the cross just as much as when He was baptized; and concludes the statement with: “And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.” <1 Jn.5:6b (NIV); cf Jn.14:16-17a; 15:26>. He then proceeds to give us five affirmations that Jesus is the Christ – The Son of God.

He begins by giving the first three assertions: “…the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”  <1 Jn.5:8 (NIV)>. What does this mean? The Holy Spirit affirms the fact that Jesus is the Christ (God) because the Spirit is truth <1 Jn. 5:6b>, and this affirmation is seen throughout the N.T., and we see two examples of this. First, the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism <see Jn.1:32-34; Matt.3:16>; and the Spirit continues to confirm this in the hearts of believers that Jesus’ baptism and death verify that He is the Christ, God’s Son <see 1 Cor.12:3; 1 Jn.2:27>. Secondly, confirmation that Jesus is God is seen at His baptism (“water”) where God affirms it <see Matt.3:16-17>. Third, the “blood” which speaks to Christ’s death on the cross, or His atoning sacrifice <1 Jn.2:2> also affirms His deity; in this we observe that His life was not taken from Him on the cross, He gave up His life <see Matt.27:50; Lk.23:46; Jn.10:17-18; 19:28-30>. This is further confirmed to us in the resurrection of Christ, for if the work of redemption was not completed in Christ there would be no salvation for us <see Rom.5:18-19>. In this we observe that all the conditions for our salvation is complete in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

John continues to give two more assertions. Fourth, it is the confirmation of each and every believer in Christ: “Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.” <1 Jn.5:10 (NIV)>. Our belief and acceptance of Christ testifies to the fact that Jesus is God’s Son <see Jn.1:9-14>, and the life of the believer should be a witness to this fact; as John concludes that those who reject Christ are accusing God of dishonesty. The fifth and final assertion is that of God Himself; “God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.” <1 Jn.5:9 (NIV)>.

He concludes this section by giving the greatest assertion: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” <1 Jn.5:11-12 (NIV)>; this is the summation of all of the gospel message, we have eternal life in and through Jesus Christ only. Eternal life cannot be achieved by creeds, religious beliefs, church membership, good religious works and activities or by any other means <Acts 4:12>, it is only through belief and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as God’s eternal Son! That is the whole purpose of the Scriptures and the message of the gospel: “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.” <1 Jn.5:13 (NIV)>; this is our assurance of salvation! Can you honestly say that you have this assurance?

EVIDENCE OF FELLOWSHIP [9/8/23]

A Study of 1 Jn.4:1 – 5:3

True fellowship with God and other believers should be evident in our character. Here, John warns us that we should not accept all that we hear or are taught from Scripture, we need to be fully informed by Testing the Spirits <1 Jn.4:1-6>, as he continues to teach the characteristics of our fellowship with God. “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.” <1 Jn.4:1 (NIV)>. John instructs us to “test the spirits”; what does he mean by the spirits? An individual is moved by a spirit, either by The Holy Spirit or by an evil spirit; here he is reminding us of the fact that there are many that wish to identify as members of our churches who are not truly believers in Christ. They are being controlled by the spirit of Satan, because they have abandoned their faith in Christ <see 1 Jn.2:19; cf 2 Pet.1:21; 2:1; Matt.7:15; 24:11; 1 Tim.4:1>. The teachings of Gnosticism were a problem that faced the early church, and is still a bigger problem in the Church today.

John gives us two tests that will expose the false spirit. First, he states: “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” <1 Jn. 4:2 (NIV)>; those that do not acknowledge Jesus Christ, is not of God; for as he has previously stated, those that are from God will testify that Christ, who is God, has come in the flesh, (human form) <see 1 Jn.1:1-4; cf Jn.1:1-2, 14; Phil.2:5-7>, and that while in His humanity He fulfilled all that was prophesied in respect to Him <see Deut.18:17-22; Jn.1:45; 5:46>. Those then, who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has appeared in human form, and teach that He is not God, are exhibiting the spirit of the anti-Christ, and John again warns us that such spirits (persons) are already in our churches <1 Jn.4:3>, and that “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.” <1 Jn.4:5 (NIV)>. John gives a second test: “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.” <1 Jn.4:6 (NIV)>; and this test will prove the false spirit (person) because they will refuse to acknowledge the Deity of Christ since they acknowledge the viewpoint of humankind. John then concludes the test stating: “This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” <1 Jn.4:6 (NIV)>, and it is appropriate for each of us as followers of Christ to be sure to test the teachings that we hear in our Churches today.

As he completes this section, John directs us to Love as Christ Loved <1 Jn.4:7—5:3>. Love is a word that is so misused in our society today. For most people it has no real meaning and is only used to express affection or some kind of appreciation. In this section John shows us that love is not only an expression but an action, for real love comes only from the One who is Love. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” <1 Jn.4:7-8 (NIV)>. Here we see that love originates in God, and is passed on to the individual that is born of God <see Jn.3:6-7>; this is the source of our love for each other, the basis of Christ’s command <see Jn.13:34-35>, and the characteristic of true discipleship. This love was made possible for us as individuals because of God’s eternal love for us, for we could not possess or experience real love apart from God’s gift to us, and we are reminded of this in what John says here: “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. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” <1 Jn.4:9-10 (NIV); cf Jn.3:16; Rom.5:8>. The example of love is seen in God’s love for us as sinners by the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and we should love each other as Christ loved us even though we did nothing to deserve it. We live in a society where true love is absent, and as Christ’s followers, we are commanded to express His love for others even when it may be difficult, and sometimes almost impossible! <see 2 Tim.3:2-5>.

John continues to describe the relationship of the believer to God, and that no greater or closer relationship can be conceived. First, he states that God lives in us and His love is made complete in us; “…but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” <1 Jn.4:12 (NIV)>; and out of the depths of our relationship to God, because He has given us His Holy Spirit, when we express true love to others, we testify of God’s love to all people <1 Jn.4:14; cf Jn.15:26-27>. Secondly, he states that in our acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is God’s Son (Christ’s Deity), God lives in us: “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” <1 Jn.4:15-16 (NIV); cf 1 Jn.4:2>; confirming the close relationship that we have with God and Christ. This is the reason that we must express true love to others in obedience to Christ’s command! God’s love is made complete in us when we express His love (the love that He passes on to us) to others. His love removes the fear that the non-believer has for God; and we express love for others because God first loved us, even though there are times in our life when love is difficult to be expressed. We cannot say that we love God and not express that love to others, especially to other believers: “…. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 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. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” <1 Jn.4:16-21 (NIV)>.

John commenced this section by stating: “Dear friends, let us love one another…” <1 Jn.4:7 (NIV)>; and in view of Christ’s teaching <see Matt.22:36-37>, why does he say “love one another”, instead of “love God”? As he has stated here in the conclusion of the section, only the true believer in Christ has the characteristic of the love of God; so, when we express love for other believers (and non-believers) we are expressing the love of God, and is the evidence of our real love for God. Further evidence of this is seen in his statement: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” <1 Jn.5:1-3 (NIV)>. When we are obedient to Christ’s command to love each other, this is proof that we love God!

The questions that need to be asked is: Where do I stand, or what is my position, pertaining to John’s teaching? Do I simply accept all interpretations of the Scriptures, or do I verify the  Scriptures for myself? Do I express the love of Christ in all my relations with other believers and non-believers? 

THE CHARACTER OF FELLOWSHIP [8/17/23]

Study of 1 Jn.2:28—3:12

The quality of a believer’s fellowship with Christ is manifested in the INTEGRITY OF LIFESTYLE <1 Jn.2:28—3:3>: “…continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” <1 Jn.2:28 (NIV)>: in our daily lifestyle we must persist in following Christ’s commands, for we are awaiting His return which can occur at any moment in time, and we should not be in a situation where we will be ashamed at His coming <cf. Phil.4:8; 1 Tim.5:22b; 1 Jn.1:9>. In so doing, we will maintain our righteousness, through the help of The Holy Spirit, demonstrating the fact that we have experienced the new birth <Jn.3:3>.                                                    

The characteristic of our fellowship is also confirmed in us because we are true children of God, because of our acceptance of Christ and His sacrifice for our sin, and although the sceptics of this world do not acknowledge this fact, that does not alter God’s love for us: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” <1 Jn.3:1 (NIV); see Jn.1:10, 12-13>. We see here then that we are children of God because of our belief in and acceptance of Christ, and that our future with Christ is unimaginable so we need to guard what has been given to us <see Col.3:4-5>.

Not only has God showered His love on us, the full extent of our future is not evident at the present time; but we are assured of one thing, we will be like Him in respect to our physical actuality and appearance: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” <1 Jn.3:2 (NIV)>. John has given us a description of Jesus’ resurrection body, in that He was seen and touched by His disciples <see Jn.20:10-29>, and that He ascended to heaven in a body that could be seen <Acts 1:9-11>; John now assures us that we will be like Him at His second coming.

So then, we are encouraged by John to ensure that our character demonstrates our fellowship with Christ by getting rid of the impurities of sin through the cleansing of the scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit: “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” <1 Jn.3:3 (NIV)>.

In our PRACTICE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS <1 Jn.3:4-12>, John continues to expand on the instruction: “If you know that he [Christ] is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. [Christ]” <1 Jn.2:29 (NIV)>, and gives five reasons why sinning is utterly incompatible with being a Child of God, (i) “Everyone who sins breaks the law” <1 Jn.3:4 (NIV)>; yes, we know that Paul has taught that a believer in Christ is no longer under the condemnation of the Law <see Rom.6:14>, but the effect of the Law still stands and for the believer there is an accountability to Christ <see Rom.14:12>. (ii) “Sin is lawlessness” <1 Jn.3:4b (NIV)>; and as such, God’s child must be law-abiding just as Christ was. (iii) “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.” <1 Jn.3:6 (NIV)>; for in continuing to sin we have neither “seen” Christ nor “known” Christ; but in our practice of righteousness we exhibit the life of Christ. (iv) “do not let anyone lead you astray” <1 Jn.3:6 (NIV)>; those that are led astray are not being led by The Holy Spirit, but by some other spirit, possibly an anti-Christ, as he has already warned us. (v) “He who does what is sinful is of the devil” <1 Jn.3:8 (NIV)>; and the reason why Christ appeared was to destroy the devil’s work <1 Jn.3:8b>. So, John sums it up by stating: “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” <1 Jn.3:9-10 (NIV); cf Rom.6:1-2>. The believer in Christ, God’s child, cannot, or must not continue to be led astray by sin, for this is the characteristic distinction between a believer in Christ and a non-believer. Therefore, we see that righteousness is exhibited by our practice of obedience to Christ’s commands, and by love shown to each other as believers.

John now describes how mutual Christian love is demonstrated in ACTION AND GENUINENESS <1 Jn.3:13-24>, being the essential characteristic of God’s children, and that hatred is inadmissible. First, he reminds us of Christ’s teaching: “Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.” <1 Jn.3:13 (NIV); cf Jn.15:18-19; 17:14>, for this is one indication that we have been born again <1 Jn.3:14> as we have been taught, reminding us that we have “passed from death to life” and this is the reason why we must express love to each other as believers in Christ <see Jn.5:24; 1 Jn.2:9; Matt.5:21-22; Gal.5:19-21>. He continues to show us how real love is expressed by reminding us of Christ’s love for us <1 Jn.3:16>, and that we should pattern Christ’s example in our love for our fellow believers. Just as Christ saw our spiritual destitution, we must liken that to the material requirement of our fellow believers: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” <1 Jn.3:17-18 (NIV); cf Jn.15:12; Eph.5:1-2>; and if our spirit convicts us in a positive way when we respond by expressing our love in actions and in truth, this is proof that we belong to Christ, and The Holy Spirit confirms our true belief in Christ <1 Jn.3:19-21; cf Heb.6:9-10; 1 Jn.4:17>. But we should understand that we can be condemned by our spirit by actions that are contrary to the love of Christ!

If a believer has a clear conscience by expressions of love, The Holy Spirit confirms that there is obedience to Christ’s commands <1 Jn.3:21-23>, for there is true love demonstrated to others in our actions and; “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” <1 Jn.3:24 (NIV)>.

Therefore; by the integrity of our lifestyle, our practice of righteousness, and the genuineness of our actions; the character of our fellowship with God and our fellow believers is clearly manifested.