Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above theme from 1 Jn 2:1 and following. Indeed, about sin, these verses bring together several truths of great importance: First, we will have sin in us all our lives (1 John 1:5-10); it is the flesh or the old nature. Then He produced until our conversion the only fruits that can be expected from it: we have sinned. Then the blood of Christ cleanses us from all these acts committed. Then, nous can no longer sin, by the power of life that has been given to us. Finally, if we still sin – and, alas, our daily experience confirms this all too much – the Lord Jesus still intervenes. No longer as a Savior whose blood was shed, but as an Advocate to the Father, to restore communion.
For the obedience and love of the brothers and sisters are the two proofs that life is in us. The second is the result of the first (John 13:31-35). However, if we love the Lord, we will never find His commandments painful (1 John 5:1-5). But God gives us an even higher measure. Walking as He walked is more than obeying commandments. We find in John’s gospel what is true in Christ and in his epistle what is true in us. It is the same life and it must show itself in the same way (1 John 4:17-21).
Note that Paul considers Christians to be the Assembly of God. For Peter, they are His heavenly people and His flock. For John, they are members of His family, united by the same life received from the Father. In general in a family, siblings are of different ages and developments – although the relationship and inheritance share of the newly born is the same as that of the 20-year-old son. This is so in god’s family. It is entered by the new birth (John 3:1-8), which is normally followed by spiritual growth. The little child who only knew how to recognize his Father (Gal 4:1-7; Rom 8:12-17) moves to the stage of youth and fighting. Fights whose stake is his heart: will he be for the Father or for the world? The lust of the flesh, that of the eyes and the pride of life are the three keys used by “the Wicked” to bring the world into every heart where he finds space.
The apostle said all this to strengthen little children against those who taught seductions. Il returns again to the Anointing, for it is through the Spirit given to them that all these things are at their disposal. What an encouragement to know that the Anointing dwells in us! There is no variation or failure here. And the Anointing not only dwells in us, but it teaches us all things. Instruction may come from the outside, but it is through the Holy Spirit that we have the ability to grasp it. We don’t need a man to teach us. For gifted doctors are not absolutely indispensable, while anointing is indispensable. Thank God, we also have the Anointing. That is why this word “you will dwell in Him” is also for us. We can be only little children, with little knowledge, but let nothing distract us from this life and the communion in which we are! Everything is centered on Him. Let us abide in Him.
He had just assured the little children that they had the Anointing and that, therefore, they could “dwell in Him.” He now turns to God’s entire family and exhorts them to “abide in Him.” Car ce who is good for little children is good for all, and the only way to grow spiritually and bear fruit is to abide in Him. When we turn away from Him and the affections and interests of our hearts are centered on the things of the world, then we are weak and barren. The apostle considered the manifestation of Christ when we are all manifested in our true character, and he desired that we all have confidence on that day, and that we should not be ashamed.
He will be manifested, and we too will be manifested at His coming; it is obviously possible that a believer is covered with shame at this solemn hour. It is very likely that, with these words, the Apostle indicated his own sense of responsibility towards them, and he wished that they would honour him – if we can put it that way – on that day. But these words surely also indicate that each of us can be shamed on our behalf. May each of us truly dwell in Him, that now we may bear fruit, and then have assurance; and thus there may be no shame either for us or for those who have worked on our behalf, be they evangelists or pastors.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
A new commandment:
- Promises for those who keep the Words of Christ
Eternal life Jn 8:51 Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.
-The constant presence of the Comforter Jn 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
Communion with God John 14:23 Jesus answered him: If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him; we will come to him, and we will make our home in his home.
-Divine Revelation John 17:6 I have made your name known to the men you have given me in the midst of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me; and they kept your word.
-Assurance 1 Jn 2:3 If we keep His commandments, then we know that we have known Him.
Access to God Rev 3:8 I know your works. Behold, because you have little power, and you have kept my word, and you have not denied my name, I have put before you an open door, which no one can close.
- Spiritual Temples: Christ Dwells in the Believer
-revealed by the coming of the Holy Spirit Jn 14:20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, that you are in me, and that I am in you.
Demonstrate to the world the nature of Christ’s mission Jn 17:23 me in them, and you in me, that they may be perfectly one, and that the world may know that you have sent me and that you have loved them as you have loved me.
-The old life dies in order to give way to the new life Gal 2:20 I was crucified with Christ; and if I live, it is no longer I who live, it is Christ who lives in me; if I now live in the flesh, I live in faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.
-Is obtained by faith Eph 3:17:19 so that Christ dwells in your hearts by faith; that being rooted and founded in love, 19 and knowing the love of Christ, which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may be filled to the fullness of God.
-A glorious mystery Col 1:27 to whom God wanted to make known what is the glorious richness of this mystery among the pagans, to know: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Obedience is essential 1 John 3:24 He who keeps his commandments dwells in God, and God in him; and we know that he dwells in us by the Spirit he has given us.
-Is possible for all Ap 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house, have dinner with him, and he with me.
- Resembling a child, an essential part of the Christian life
Ps 131.2 Far from it, I have a calm and tranquil soul, like a weaned child who is with his mother; I have the soul like a weaned child. Mk 10:15 I tell you in truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter it. Luke 18:16 And Jesus called them, and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not prevent them from doing so; for the kingdom of God is for those who are like them. 1 Cor 14:20 For the kingdom of God consists not of words, but of power. 1 Pet 2:2 desire, like newborn children, spiritual and pure milk, that through it you may grow for salvation,
- Holy Spirit as a teacher
Neh 9:20 You gave them your good spirit to make them wise, you did not deny their manna to their mouths, and you provided them with water for their thirst. Luke 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at this very hour what to say. 1 Cor 2:13 And we speak of it, not with discourses taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit, employing spiritual language for spiritual things. 1 John 2:27 For you, the anointing which you have received from Him dwells in you, and you need not be taught; but as His anointing teaches you all things, and that it is true and not a lie, abide in Him according to the teachings She has given you.
From all of the above, we note that the young man becomes a father, having a personal experience of Christ. It is to the little children that the apostle writes the most. They are by their inexperience more exposed to “any wind of doctrine”. Let us fear that we will remain little children all our lives (Eph 4:10-16). “This is the promise He has given us: eternal life.” John refers to this word of the Good Shepherd: “My sheep listen to my voice… and I give them eternal life” (John 10:27-30). Another promise of the Lord was the gift of the Holy Ghost (John 16:7-15). This “anointing on the part of the Saint” today rests not only on those who are called the “fathers,” but also on the “little children” in Christ to lead them into all truth. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life – said the Lord Jesus; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:1-7). The apostle confirms here that he who denies the Son does not have the Father either; “If you had known me,” Jesus said to the Pharisees, “you would have known my Father too” (John 8:12-20). The Father cannot be known outside of Jesus (Mat 11:27-30). This is why the Enemy exerts so much effort against the person of the Holy Son of God and especially to cast doubt on his eternal existence and divinity. Let us know how to recognize the voice of the Liar. What is “from the beginning” is valid until “the last hour” (1 John 2:18-19). In the presence of all the “novelties,” our safety is to stick to the teaching of the beginning (Gal 1:6-9). And the obedience and love of the brothers are the two proofs that life is in us. Our prayers are with you all.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to react to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow “hope and purity of God’s children. “
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.