The infinitely repeated test of loving others

1 JOHN 3:13-24

How we can make the test easier and not harder

1. YOU EXPERIENCING HATE, BITTERNESS, JUDGMENT, OR UNFORGIVENESS DOES NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO RE-TRANSMIT IT TO OTHERS. YOUR RESURRECTION LIFE IS TIED TO YOUR REPRESENTATION OF CHRIST LOVE IN THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN EVERYDAY. IF YOU WANT LIFE YOU MUST LET GO OF DEATH.
2. THE DEED AND THE TRUTH IS WHAT SHOWS THE PROOF. YOUR ACTIONS CARRY MUCH MORE WEIGHT THAN YOUR WORDS. TIME WILL SIFT THE WORDS YOU SPEAK TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ACTIONS BACK THEM UP. LOVE IS MUCH MORE THAN LIP SERVICE; THERE IS A PRACTICAL SERVICE REQUIRED.
3. LOVE IS A CONTINUOUS PRESENT TENSE REALITY TO A FOLLOWER OF JESUS; IT IS THEE EXPRESSED EVIDENCE OF A COMMITMENT OF FAITH. IF YOU WANT TO TRACK YOUR GROWTH AND MATURITY, FOCUS ON YOUR ABILITY TO FORGIVE, SACRIFICE, RELEASE PEOPLE, NOT BE DIVISIVE, LOVE THE BRETHREN, RELATE WITH THOSE YOU HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH, AND ON AND ON IT GOES.. THE CHALLENGE OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE..

1. lust of the flesh is anything natural that you prioritize, give power to, or pervert above the righteousness of God and His Spirit. The parts that you trust least typically are the ones he wants to prove himself to you most, if you’re open. I’d your feelings dictate your faith, more than your faith dictates your feelings, this one’s for you.
2. Lust of the eyes is the root of “eye-dolatry”. Awareness of the darkness is the first step in seeing the light. Comparison and coveting are quiet killers are the quiet killers of the Christian faith today. I’d you don’t own your eyes, He can’t own your heart.
3. The boastful pride of life is the opposite of the bride of Christ. If we are drinking cultures kool aid we can’t be mad when we don’t experience contentment. Status in the kingdom is suffering well, long obedience in the same direction, resilient discipleship, and being aware of sand castles and what actually matters. There are no comfortable crosses.
4. Your practices of abiding determine the depths of which you will know God. Your habits with will make you holy if you allow your humility to admit where you’re weak and from that place where to start. If we aim for nothing we will be sure to hit it.

1. A child of God is not one who possesses physical looks and legal guardianship...it's one who has the likeness and character that proves who their Father is. We prove our likeness by our Godliness.
2. Purification is the process of becoming like; if you don't want to live pure you will not become like. You may keep your seat at the table, but you won't be allowed to taste what He has prepared for you. Filled up on the wrong things, craving the right ones.
3. Stop using poison to water seeds. The seed grows in an environment cultivated for growth, habitual sin hijacks an environment of growth and kills any life in Christ that is trying to take root in you. If you're poisoning the roots with sinful behavior don't be mad when you never eat of the fullness of a surrendered life in Christ.

1. If your beliefs aren’t changing your behavior; your behavior will rewrite your beliefs.
2. Knowing the commands and doing the commands is what we’re commanded. There should be some rigid routine inside of your relationship with God and scripture. Don’t be mad you’re not full if you’re not eating.
3. If the law and blessing is love; the breaking of the law and curse of doing so is rooted in hate, offense, and bitterness. If you cannot forgive the lights will be getting shut off.

1. He must be your light rhythmically, before you will ever be His light publicly.

2. The World is looking for light more than it’s looking for signs.

3. The more intense the light the more noticeable the blemishes; don’t ask for more if you’re not wanting to deal with what might be revealed.

4. Confession and self awareness have been the accelerators of taking sinner to Saint since the beginning. If you don’t repent; and you aren’t aware of the sin in your life you struggle with and are actively trying to change it; don’t get mad when life feels like fumbling in darkness.

1. Fear is a connection issue. Tighten up your habits and watch your life transmit holiness.
2. Practicing courage are the weights of development you must lift for your spiritual health over the long haul.
3. Fear speaks from personal insufficiency, courage speaks of Christ's sufficiency. You must have a revelation Jesus is sufficient or you will always feel insufficient.
4. Fear is not handled timidly, you must be on the counter-attack of what wants to destroy you.

1. If the Lord is your Shepherd get ready for your wants to be redefined
2. Don't pray for green pastures and be mad when He makes you lay down in them.
3. Your soul restored comes from drinking deeply in the quiet waters of a relationship as a son/daughter.
4. Before you're trusted to blaze a trail, you better be faithful following the well worn paths of righteousness.
5. Everyone will walk through the valley of the shadow of death, it's your choice if you sit and stay longer than God's intended purpose.
6. The rod of correction comes before the staff of comfort, trust the process.
7. How you dwell determines where you sit, what cup you drink from and if goodness and loving kindness will follow you.