GOD REVEALED – A New Testament Journey (PART 7)Sample

1 John – Enjoy Fellowship We are created for fellowship – with God and others; for beautiful relationships. While sin has marred this ideal, Christ is restoring it – partially now, completely later. Are we enjoying what we are created for? Walk in the Light (Ch 1, 2) Light expels darkness and sin. Characteristics of this walk include: - Fellowship (1:3, 6) - With God and His people is only possible if our lives reflect Christ - Cleansing (1:7) - From ALL sin by the blood of Jesus, an ongoing process - Obedience(2:3) - We know that we know when we obey - Knowledge (2:3) - Knowledge springs from actions, from a godly life - Love (2:10) - Reflects our status in Christ and vice versa Grow in Purity (Ch 3, 5) A conducive environment for purity is created from: - Steadfast Hope (ahead) (3:3) - Eternal seed (within) (3:9) - Atmosphere of God (around) (3:24) - Abiding means remaining in this atmosphere. In a mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally conducive environment. - Confidence in Prayer (upward) (3:21-22, 5:14, 4:16) when we are in line with His will and our conscience. John mentions that prayers can only be made for sin “not leading to death,” i.e., sins made indeliberately. Repeated rejection of God eliminates potential for recovery. Discern the Spirits (Ch 4) The world and church then and now is flooded with false prophets. Loveable, charismatic, they subtly twist the word in order to attract people (4:1). How do we identify them? At the lower end, there are myriads of those following the wrong teachers who influence others with false teachings as well. How do we differentiate and remain with the right influences? John talks of four types of spirits: - Spirit of Christ (4:2) - Will confess Jesus as Son of God, our only Saviour. Will also live like Christ. - Spirit of Antichrist (4:3) - Deceptive, leading people away from God. Satan is in control of the world (5:19) and has his people everywhere. - Spirit of Truth (4:6, 5:3) - Strong conscience, receptive to God, joyfully obedient to teachings. Does not find God’s commands burdensome. - Spirit of Falsehood (4:1, 6) - Weak conscience, receptive to Satan, disobedient to Christ’s teachings. Where do we stand? John simply and clearly assures that the person who has Christ ALREADY has eternal life (5:11-12). He has the spirit of truth dominating. He can be sure of salvation. Do we listen to the voice of truth speaking through our conscience? Are we sure of our salvation?