I don’t get too many handwritten letters anymore but, when I do I think about the time, effort, love, and focus that was put into crafting a letter to speak to someone. When I first read 1 John 2 I sit back and imagine reading such a letter as John starts out, “My dear children…”
Today’s Reading 1 John 2 and Psalm 40
John was an older (experienced) and wise man when this letter was written. Reflecting on the remarkable life of John I think of the opportunity he had to follow Jesus from his youth. He was our last living apostle and he wrote some beautiful letters to reassure our faith and to remind us to trust God’s word and watch out for false teachings. This whole letter is full of so may amazing truths about our Father but I selected a few takeaways for today. 1) Know who is on our side 2) Remember how to live out our daily lives 3) Remember the importance of our spiritual growth.
- Know who is on our side.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2
We can be reassured that though we are broken and sinners, we can find hope that our advocate Jesus has already paid the ultimate price and will stand with us at time of judgment. Hebrews 7:25 says “Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because He always lives to intercede for them.”
2. Live out the life God calls us to.
We are then reminded to know and keep His commands. 1 John 2:3 “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands.” and 1 John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” What joy we encounter when our day is filled with serving Him and submitting to His will. I pray to have more of these days living in a servant, kind, forgiving, selfless, gracious, and loving way like Jesus did. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 1 John 2:10
3. Importance of Spiritual Growth
I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on the account of His name.
I am writing to you, fathers (mothers), because you know Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men (women), because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, Fathers (mothers), because you know Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men (women), because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:12-14
To all believers of all ages. continue to walk and search for Him each day. Stay in His word and take each step with it guarding you in your heart and mind. Men, women, young and old all have different spiritual walks. Don’t let this journey get static. Grow, develop, and share His wisdom to not only build you up but to share this glory with others. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 or Ephesians 6:10-18.
17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
“I desire to do your will, My God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8
Remain in Him and He has promised us eternal life.
Elevation Worship – Your Promises
References: Tyndale & David Jeremiah Study Bibles
