Our study today is from 1 John 3:10-24.  John wants brethren to be confident in their salvation and their relationship with the Lord. He continues to build them up as the Gnostics are tearing them down.   How to know you you are "abiding" in Christ 

1. Keep the commandments 

2. Practice righteousness 

3. Love your brethren   

Also, Mark Sr decides to unexpectedly put Phil to the test with a challenging question in today's text. Let's see if Phil's passes :)

John segues from warnings about the anti-Christs to practicing righteousness. He pleads with his "children" to be confident in their relationship with the Lord.

1. Abide in His word - 1 Jn 2:28

2. Practice His righteousness - 1 Jn 2:29

3. Marvel in His love - 1 Jn 3:1 

4. Anticipate His likeness - 1 Jn 3:2  

5. Be purified in His hope - 1 Jn 3:3   

Practicing righteousness is a way of life. When we live committed to His purity, we will eagerly anticipate His return.

In 1 John 2, John concludes his conversation of "walking in the light" and segues into "abiding in the word (truth)."  He gives his children (Christians) three tests to examine the stability of their faith.  

1. Moral test - "obedience" (2:3-6) 

2. Social test - "love" (2:7-11) 

3. Doctrinal test - "belief in Jesus as Christ" (2:18-27)  

John assures his children they are "anointed" by the "Holy One" (Jesus) by abiding in Him and the Father through the word.

Standard: Fulfill all of the law

Warning: Do not relax in any of it

Practice: Exceed the righteousness of the "religious" leaders

1st John chapter 2

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Chapter 1

God is life (1:3-4) God is light (1:5) God is love (4:8)   John wants us to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus as he did. He writes us so we can be assured of this wonderful "fellowship."  He also guides us through the humility that comes with the Christian "walk in the light." God IS light.   Join us as we discuss these wonderful truths from the Beloved Disciple.

Introduction

1 John was written near the end for the first century to churches that were struggling with many issues. The Apostle John seeks to reassure the saints of the deity of Jesus and their hope in salvation.    "I am writing to you" that you may have fellowship and joy (1:3-4) "I am writing to you" that you may not sin (2:1) "I am writing to you" that you may not be deceived by false teachers (2:26) "I am writing to you" that you may know you have eternal life (5:13)

God wants to bless us.

We must hold onto God.

We must acknowledge who we are (and who we should be).

We must let God change us.