As we conclude the Illuminated Word podcast, we read from John's encouragement to stay faithful, to allow the Spirit to give discernment and to lead us, and to not be lead by what other's think or feel but be lead by God's Word and the Holy Spirit.

John reminds his readers that if our love is to emulate the Father's we cannot love the way of the world. 

John reminds us that as we walk with the LORD, we will sin. When we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus, who is a propitiation for our sins. John points out that part of being an authentic Christian means we obey Jesus and love our brothers and sisters. 

The psalmist leads us through a prayer asking for spiritual renewal. Rarely do our lives follow a continual upward trajectory in our walk with Christ. We have plateaus and valleys in our faith. This psalm helps us in times when we need renewal. 

When we are called to follow Jesus, we are called to be servants. So how ironic was it that in the upper room, none of the disciples acted like servants! The only one who did was the only one in that room that could've demanded to be served. And yet, he washed their feet...

John speaks to two different groups in his epistle. One group is struggling with their faith. They are wondering if what they received is reliable. Another group is promoting a heresy known as Gnosticism. They are upsetting the faith of others. In this introduction, John lays out important teaching to encourage believers and dispute the false teachers. 

The Psalmist inverts how we look at God's providence. God is able to take valleys in life and make them times of fruitful abundance. It is through hardships and trials that God shapes us and molds us. 

What separates God from all the other "gods"? He is a God who gives us the choice.

John the Baptist is described as a witness. We are called, according to God's mission, to witness as well.

John, in his prologue, tells the reader some profound truths. He reveals that Jesus, before becoming a man, was the preexistent logos of God. The Son had always been and had perfect fellowship with the Father. John reveals to us who Jesus really is.