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1 John: We Talkin' About Practice?! (1 John 2:28-3:9)
Scripture References: 1 John 2:28-3:10, Revelation 2, John 3:16, John 3:3-8.
Intro:
- Introduction with Lane Clevenger reading the scripture.
- Explanation of repetition and repackaging in 1 John for deeper understanding.
- John’s purpose: to equip the church to discern true faith from false teaching.
- Three tests of true faith: theological, moral, and social.
Key Points:
- The Importance of Discernment:
- The church in Asia Minor was being led astray by false teaching.
- John wants believers to distinguish between genuine Christianity and counterfeits.
- The three tests help identify true faith: belief, behavior, and love.
- The Test of Obedience:
- 1 John 2:28-3:10 focuses on the moral test: how believers live.
- John emphasizes “practice of righteousness” and “abiding in Him.”
- False teaching (Gnosticism) promoted a separation between spiritual and physical behavior.
- Born of God:
- Believers are “born of God,” a new identity and reality.
- This is not based on performance but on God’s grace.
- Resemblance to God is the result of being born of Him.
- God’s love is lavished upon us, making us His children.
- The World’s Rejection:
- The world (system of values apart from God) does not recognize believers because it did not recognize Jesus.
- John combats Gnostic ideas with emphasis on “what can be known to all.”
- The Appearing of Christ:
- Jesus’ first and second appearing are significant.
- Understanding His purpose (cleansing from sin, destroying the devil’s works) should influence our behavior.
- Believers will be conformed to Christ’s image at His second coming.
- Hope and Purification:
- “Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.”
- Genuine hope in Christ has a purifying effect.
- Sanctification is a “we-He” process; we cooperate with God’s work.
- The Practice of Sin:
- John addresses the “practice of sinning,” not occasional lapses.
- Habitual, persistent sin is incongruent with being born of God.
- Repentance and a change in behavior are signs of true faith.
- Abiding in Him:
- “Abiding” (making our home in Him) is the answer to overcoming sin.
- Walking in the Spirit and practicing righteousness are essential.
- Dualism (separating spiritual and physical) is a false teaching.
Conclusion:
- True faith is marked by obedience and integrity.
- Understanding Christ’s appearing and our future hope should transform our lives.
- Habitual sin is incompatible with being born of God.
- Abiding in Christ and practicing righteousness are essential for believers.
Call to Action:
- Examine your life: are you practicing righteousness?
- Repent quickly and avoid repeating sin.
- Abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit.
- Reject dualism and live integrated lives of faith.
- Remember Christ’s sacrifice and forgiveness at the Lord’s Table.
- Embrace the love of God that makes us His children.
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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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