TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 1:5-7
In him was life, and that life was the light of men. - John 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares seemingly unrelated subjects, drawing attention to the likeness or analogy between them. For example, Shakespeare said: “All the world's a stage.” Scripture also employs metaphor. For instance, God is our husband (Hosea 2:16), and Jesus declared that He is the “bread of life” (John 6:35).

John utilizes metaphor in today's text: “God is light.” John restates the theme from his Gospel, recounting that this metaphor comes from Jesus. This is not an assertion that God is electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye; to say “God is light” is not to speak literally of God's physical makeup, but rather to describe God symbolically. The metaphor of light and darkness is used throughout the Bible in various ways (cf. Ps. 27:1; 36:9; John 1:4-5; 8:12; 12:46). In our passage today, it communicates that God is completely pure and holy, without sin or defect.

Three sentences beginning with “if we claim” follow verse 5 (vv. 6, 8, 10). The first clarifies how we have the fellowship with God mentioned in yesterday's passage. We cannot have fellowship with God and continue walking in darkness, the realm in which sinful behavior and attitudes prevail, the realm contrary to His holiness (v. 6). Verse 7 explodes in contrast to verse 6. John teaches that walking in the light not only confirms our fellowship with God but also our fellowship with one another. Implicitly, John pleads that if we claim to have fellowship with God, we will be reconciled to one another.

“How can unholy, sinful people walk in the light of God's presence?” John anticipates this question and points to Jesus' saving and transforming work on the cross (v. 7). Through the blood of Jesus we are purified and set free from the realm of darkness and welcomed into fellowship with God to walk in His glorious light.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's passage, claims to know God are examined against one's lifestyle. The problem of sin is more fundamental than a violation of any particular rule. Sin affects our entire nature and only through Jesus do we find spiritual health and life. Through Christ His Spirit lives in us. Therefore, let us rejoice and turn to the Spirit when we find ourselves tempted to walk in darkness. Through the Spirit's power we are transformed to be like Christ and to walk in His light.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 1:8-10
Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light. - John 3:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine what society would be like if people thought they were sinful. Lee Strobel, in The Case for the Real Jesus, suggests that in contemporary culture, “We may see ourselves as making mistakes, committing errors, or having a lapse of judgment, but few people envision themselves as sinners.” Our passage today addresses the consequences of claiming to be without sin.

John continues his discussion from verses 5 through 7 to help us better understand what it means to have true fellowship with God and with one another. He offers two points, each beginning with “if we claim” (vv. 8, 10).

To walk in the light does not mean we are sinless; we will sin, and the denial of this sin inhibits our fellowship with God. Verse 9 beckons us to acknowledge the sin in our lives, not only to ourselves but also to God, which is confession. Amazingly, the consequence of confession is not condemnation. Instead, God is faithful and just and offers forgiveness and purification. This magnificent promise deserves to be unpacked.

God is faithful. When God proclaimed His name to Moses, He eternally connected His faithfulness with a promise of love and forgiveness (Ex. 34:6-7). Moreover, God's promises are guaranteed in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).

God is also just. He acts righteously when He justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:21-26). Verse 9 celebrates that when we confess our sins, God in His faithfulness and justice cancels our debt and removes all the impurity that resulted from sin.

The second “if we claim” sentence states that if we refuse to admit we have sinned, we disagree with God's assessment of our behavior. We might as well call Him a liar (v. 10). Only through the atoning work of Christ, who cleanses us from sin, are we able to maintain fellowship with God and with one another. Life in Christ frees us from sin's death grip. In Christ, we become new creations, transformed by His Spirit to be the kind of people who walk in the light.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verse 9 refers to ongoing confession and forgiveness in a Christian's life. Unconfessed sin blocks our fellowship with God and with one another, reaping destructive consequences in these relationships. Confession, on the other hand, intentionally moves us out of darkness into light so that our sin is exposed, forgiven, and purified (v. 9; cf. John 3:19-21). Today, spend time in confession, willing to be completely open with God, bringing your sin into His light to meet His forgiveness and transformation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:1-2
He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. - Hebrews 9:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In April, pirates from Somalia attacked the American cargo ship Maersk Alabama. As trained, the crew was hiding, and the pirates demanded to know where they were. Captain Richard Phillips offered to go as the hostage if the pirates would leave the rest of the crew. Captain Phillips endured five days at sea with the pirates. After his rescue, first mate Shane Murphy said the crew had talked with Phillips by phone: “Everyone you see here today has Captain Phillips to thank for their lives and for their freedom.”

We find an even greater act of sacrifice in our text today. John addresses his readers as “dear children,” reflecting their close relationship. They are his spiritual children. Notice that John shifts from the first person plural “we” in chapter one to the first person singular “I” here. The content of today's passage is more direct and intimate. He articulates his purpose for writing this letter in verse 1. Knowing assuredly that his desire for the Christian community will never be fully met, he reminds his readers of the gospel, the great and precious promise from God.

What happens if anyone does sin? Two scenes illuminate John's answer: Jesus in a courtroom and Jesus in the temple. First, Jesus Christ, the One who has lived righteously, speaks to the Father on behalf of those who have not lived righteously. Jesus is not simply a defense attorney, however, as the second scene makes clear. Jesus is also the Righteous One, our great high priest. Moreover, Jesus—who is without sin—receives God's judgment in our place. He is the “atoning sacrifice” for our sins (v. 2); by His blood our guilt is removed and we are purified (cf. 1:7). In Him we receive forgiveness and purification.

Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (v. 2). Christ's death is sufficient to deal with the sin of every human being (cf. John 1:29). His atoning sacrifice becomes effective in our lives when we “receive him and believe in his name” (John 1:12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, spend time in prayerful and thankful reflection on the work of Christ on the cross and this tremendous demonstration of the Father's lavish love for us. Adopt Paul's prayer for the church in Ephesus that you yourself would “have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Eph. 3:18). Praise God anew for your salvation in Christ by writing a poem, singing a song of worship, or meditating on Isaiah 53.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:3-6
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said. - Mark 1:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
What demonstrates your love for God most powerfully? Do you truly know God? When asked a similar question relating to how Christians could more faithfully witness about their faith in Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live like Jesus did, and the world will listen.”

John, concerned about believers' assurance in Christ and their relationship with God, broaches these kinds of questions in our passage today. How may we be certain that we know God the Father? Knowing Him includes more than believing facts about Him. Verse 3 teaches that having confidence that we know God depends upon continual obedience to His commands. When asked about such commands, Jesus claims that all the Law and Prophets derive from the two greatest commandments: love God wholeheartedly and love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:34-40).

It is not a new idea to connect knowing God with obeying His commands. The prophet Jeremiah delivered the same message approximately 600 years before John wrote this letter. Jeremiah 31:31-34 anticipates the new covenant that Yahweh will make with His people, when His commands will be written on their hearts and consequently, His people will truly know Him. The new covenant comes through Jesus; the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and empowers us to walk with God in obedience as He originally intended.

Some distort the truth by claiming that obedience to God enslaves us, but verse 5 turns this assumption upside down. God's love for us is made complete in us through our obedience; in living according to the boundaries God has set for us brings life and goodness that He intends. Also, as 1 John 5:3 teaches, our love for God is demonstrated in obedience.

Our passage concludes with the metaphor of walking (v. 6). When Jesus says, “Come, follow me,” He invites us to live as He lived, do what He did, love as He loved, and so on (Mark 1:17). We cannot claim to know Jesus—and certainly not to love Jesus—if we are unwilling to walk like Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verse 4 exposes the hypocrisy of saying one thing and doing another. We cannot have an authentic relationship with God if we disobey His commands. John invites us to be people characterized by obedience, who have the desire to obey. Today, let the Holy Spirit search your heart for areas where you have been resistant, stubborn, or blatantly disobedient to His leading and God's Word. Repent and seek forgiveness, and invite the Spirit to transform your heart to an obedient posture as you grow in love for God and people.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:7-11
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Do you wonder how Grandma can say, “Too many cooks spoil the broth” and “Many hands make light work”? Do you understand your father who states, “Better safe than sorry,” yet also charges, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” How can “The early bird gets the worm” and “The first bird out of the bush gets shot”? Today's passage wrestles with similar questions of seeming contradiction.

The readers have had the gospel message “since the beginning” (v. 7). “This old command” is Jesus' command to love one another (John 13:34). It is “old” in that John writes at least 50 years after Jesus' earthly ministry, and the Lord also gave it to His people during Moses' time (Lev. 19:18). Yet, Jesus and John call this command “new” (v. 8), because a new age of grace and power has appeared with Jesus. Jesus is the true king; He is the true light (v. 8). In Him, the evil age in which darkness reigns is passing away, and God is renewing all things.

How does this relate to the newness of the “old” command? To understand this, recall yesterday's reference to Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Jesus' lesson about wineskins (Mark 2:21-22). In Jesus, God is doing a new thing. The newness of the command is not the command itself, but that in Jesus, through His Spirit, God transforms our hearts to be able to obey the command (see John 3:5; Ezek. 36:25-27). Our hearts are new.

This introduces the necessary connection between living in the light and loving one another (vv. 9-11). One cannot claim to have intimacy with God and simultaneously treat brothers and sisters in Christ with animosity, contempt, or hatred (e.g. Matt. 5:21-22). Likewise, hatred and dissension toward fellow believers are evidence of living in darkness (v. 11). The one who hates a fellow believer does not simply visit this realm but establishes permanent residence there, and the darkness is completely blinding.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Satan attempts to derail Christ's work in our lives and discredit the gospel through division in Christ's body. Is your attitude or behavior toward fellow believers marked by hatred or love? Do you have unresolved conflict with a brother or sister in Christ? We are to reconcile with urgency (Matt. 5:23-24). Seek forgiveness and peace in broken relationships. This is your number one priority. The Bible instructs us on how to pursue such reconciliation (Matt. 18:15-20). If you need a mediator, seek out a pastor or counselor.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:12-14
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. - Revelation 12:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of All Ages,” shouts the ringmaster playfully as he welcomes visitors to the Greatest Show on Earth from underneath the stripes of his clownish top hat. This thunderous welcome address can be heard inside a three-ring circus as the ringmaster hopes to grab the attention of the entire audience. In today's passage, the author employs a similar rhetorical device, but this is no playful, clownish exhortation.

For the second time, the author of 1 John addresses his readers as “dear children” (cf. 2:1). He employs this affectionate term ten times throughout the letter. It refers to everyone in the congregation: men and women, young and old. It is important to note that the terms fathers and men do not exclude women. Rather, in the original language of the New Testament, masculine plural nouns like “brothers,” “men,” and “fathers” include both males and females. Just as we might hear “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” verses 12 through 14 today might sound like: “Dear children: Fathers and mothers, young men and young women. Everyone, pay attention.” Notice that these are titles for family members, reminding us that the body of Christ is a family of brothers and sisters, spiritual fathers and mothers, with Jesus our elder brother and God our father (cf. Heb. 2:11).

It's helpful at this point to re-read 1 John 1. How many echoes of chapter 1 do you hear in our passage today? The author reiterates the fundamentals of our identity to prepare us for the remainder of chapter 2. Verse 13, however, introduces a new idea: “You have overcome the evil one.” Verse 14 includes enhancements: “You are strong and the word of God lives in you.” In this immediate context, the word of God refers to the message heard from the beginning and the command to love one another. Therefore, standing strong means keeping the word of God fresh in our lives, and the consequence is victory over the Evil One (cf. Rev. 12:10-11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God's Word is powerful and effective. It pierces the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts (Heb. 4:12), guides our path (Ps. 119:105), and arms us against the Evil One (2 John 2:14; Eph. 6:17). Memorizing Scripture guards us from sin; its roots grow deep to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 119:11; 2 Tim. 3:16). Take the next step in the discipline of Scripture memory. If you need help, consider the Navigator's tool, Topical Memory System, found at www.navigators.org.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:15-17
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature. - Colossians 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Jesus says, “Come follow me,” He invites us to believe in Him as our Savior and to obey Him as our Lord. Jesus is both Redeemer and King. When we follow Jesus, we leave one kingdom for another. John addresses this issue in today's passage.

To begin, we should clarify the definitions of some words in this text. Whereas love in 2:10 focuses on the well being of others, love in verse 15 refers to a desire to gratify oneself. World occurs 23 times in 1 John; its meaning varies based on the context. Here world refers to values, attitudes, and actions opposed to God.

Love for the world is incompatible with love for God (v. 16). Just as fresh water and salt water cannot flow from the same spring (Jas. 3:11), so likewise it is impossible to love God and simultaneously love the values, attitudes, and actions opposed to God. Note that this is not an issue of limited time and energy, but rather an issue of two different allegiances with two different masters (cf. Matt. 6:24).

John gives three broad categories of “everything in the world” (v. 16). First, the cravings of sinful people may refer to the desire to be successful according to the world's standards, longing for validation from others, fearful efforts to seize security, or simply greed. Second, the lust of the eyes may refer to the covetous desire to compete with others, lustful thoughts, promiscuity, or sexual infidelity. Third, the “boasting of what he has” may refer to pride in accomplishments, status, and possessions, attributing success to one's own efforts and abilities.

Verse 17 contrasts the world's desires and God's will. The things we covet are temporary, unsatisfying, and incomplete, whereas God's will is eternal, thirst-quenching, and perfect. Notice the connection between yesterday's passage and today's text. As one scholar says, “Only those whose sins are forgiven, who know Jesus and the Father, who have overcome the evil one, who are strong and have the Word of God abiding in them, are able to refuse the love of the world.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Whether living in the first century or the twenty-first century, when the king on the throne of our lives is our self and the values, attitudes, and actions of the world, we will insatiably seek our identity in achievements, possessions, and other people. We must learn to relinquish the false identities that are not deeply rooted in Christ and in turn serve Christ as King. This is a journey of deep discipleship. Consider reading Robert Mulholland's, The Deeper Journey, as you proceed on this path.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:18-29
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. - John 16:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Nicodemus encountered Jesus, Jesus compared the Holy Spirit to the wind: you can see the effects of the wind but cannot see the wind itself (John 3:. The entire chapter of John 3 emphasizes rebirth through the Spirit. Scripture teaches that the Spirit is our counselor, guarantor, speaker, and power. The Holy Spirit is also our teacher, the role highlighted in today's passage (cf. John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13).

The word antichrist appears only four times in the New Testament, always in the letters of John (see 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). The expectation of an evil figure opposed to God in the last days, however, exists elsewhere (cf. Mark 13:22; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Rev. 20:7-8). Today's text mentions multiple antichrists, many deceivers and teachers who appear before the end of time, and says it is the “last hour.” Clearly the first century was not the end of all time, but this marks a distinct phase in history between Christ's first and second comings.

Note words like lie, liar, denies, lead astray, and counterfeit. In the Garden, the serpent's primary tactic was deception, persuading Adam and Eve to believe that what God said was not true (Gen. 3:1-5). Similarly, these false teachers are deceivers. They deny Jesus as God's Messiah and refute the relationship between Father and Son (v. 22).

Verse 20 introduces a contrast to the deceivers that is grounded in the “anointing from the Holy One,” Jesus Himself (cf. John 6:69). The anointing, the Holy Spirit, is referenced three more times. Here is our protection from false teachers and antichrists: the Holy Spirit abiding in us. On one hand, the text assures that the Spirit remains in us (v. 27a); on the other hand, it also urges us to remain in the Spirit (v. 27c). This verse captures the tension of our spiritual life. We have the assurance of God dwelling within us, and yet we are tempted to stray from the truth (v. 24). If we are to be confident and unashamed before Christ when He returns, we must abide in His Spirit and the true teaching about Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Throughout history, as the church faced those who denied various aspects of Jesus, many debates ensued about His true identity. The humanity of Jesus was one question plaguing John's readers. In a.d. 451, at the Council of Chalcedon, official Christian doctrine affirmed the truth that Jesus is fully God and fully man. Our Christian history is rich. Consider researching the seven ecumenical councils and memorizing at least one of the following ancient creeds: Nicene Creed, Chalcedonian Creed, or Apostles' Creed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 3:1-3
Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. - Romans 5:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Searching desperately for Sohrab, Amir visited a dilapidated orphanage in war-ravaged Afghanistan. Barefoot children in frayed sweaters played among steel-framed beds without mattresses. The orphanage director explained that there is “little shelter, almost no food, no clothes, and no clean water.” Taliban leaders visited regularly to exploit the children in exchange for money; if he denied them one child, they would take ten. Yet the orphanage director continued to sacrifice everything to care for the children. When this scene from The Kite Runner ends, a tiny ray of hope flickers that one day redemption and healing will come to the children. Similar hope of renewal fills our passage today.

Chapter 3 erupts with celebration (v. 1). God, Creator and King, calls us His children; He is our Father. We are adopted into His family. The word lavished evokes images of royal hospitality extended toward a pauper. The Father's love is abundant, expansive, and immeasurable.

John illuminates the identity of God's children. Those who receive Jesus and believe in His name inherit this birthright (see John 1:12), not by natural birth, but through spiritual rebirth. Paul teaches that the Spirit testifies to our adoption and we are co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 4:6-7). God's children are united with Christ: just as the unbelieving world did not recognize Jesus as sent from God, it will not recognize us (v. 1).

Notice the present and future indicators (v. 2). We are now God's children; at Christ's return, we will be like Him in His purity, “for we shall see him as he is”—not as in His earthly ministry, not even by faith as we do now, but in the fullness of His heavenly glory (v. 3). The hope of becoming like Christ in the future ignites our desire to become like Him in the present. In response to God's love and this future hope, we obey Christ's commands and trust that presently God is transforming us into Christ's likeness through the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, in response to God's lavish love for you in Christ, spend time in prayerful adoration and thanksgiving. Meditate on the Father's love for you, focusing on these passages: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 124:1-8; Luke 15:11-32. If you feel like expressing your thoughts, you could write a poem or song of gratitude as you bask in the Father's love. Or sing “How Deep the Father's Love for Us” or another worship song that expresses your praise for God's love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 3:4-6
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. - John 15:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Repentance is not simply being sorry for something you did. Repentance is being sorry that you are the kind of person who does what you did. Following Jesus is not simply about forgiveness; it is also about transformation, becoming like Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18). Yesterday we celebrated the Father's lavish love for us in Christ, but the author of 1 John does not leave us to cruise on autopilot. Our adoption into God's family comes with an imperative: we cannot live in Christ and continue to live in sin (v. 6).

Verse 4 parallels verse 3 from yesterday's passage. Both verses begin with “Everyone”: everyone who is a child of God is moving along a trajectory of purity, becoming like Christ who is pure (v. 3); everyone who sins is on a trajectory of rebellion against God (v. 4). To sin is to break God's law. John explains that at its root, sin is a refusal to submit to God's lawful standards. It is a selfish flouting of God's moral guidelines, a refusal to live in accordance with love (2:3-11).

Verse 5 reminds us that Jesus is completely without sin (cf. 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; Heb. 4:15). In order to live in Jesus, we who are sinful must be purified. Thus, verse 5 also reminds us that Jesus Christ came to take away our sins. Notice first that whereas verses 1 through 3 speak of Christ's Second Coming, here “appeared” refers to His Incarnation or first coming (v. 5).

Now, what does it mean to say that Jesus takes away our sins? It means that He has forgiven us and rescued us from spiritual death, the ultimate consequence of sin. Considering the exhortation in verse 6, it also means that Christ has freed us from the bondage of sin, so that we have the ability to become more like Him. We are empowered through the Spirit to discontinue our life characterized by sinful behavior and rebellion against God. If we live in Jesus, we cannot persist in ongoing sinfulness. We might still sin, but our response will be repentance and gratitude for forgiveness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We must be vigilant against persistent, indwelling sin. Spend time in reflection, using the following prayer: “Merciful Father, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor as myself. Please forgive me, transform me into the likeness of your Son, and incline my heart to walk in your ways.” Close by rejoicing in God's redemption (Rom. 8:1-4).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 3:7-10
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. - 1 John 3:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
“She called me chip o' block,” the toddler cried, describing the affront by her cousin. The child's tears quickly dried as her aunt explained that “chip off the old block” in this case meant that the little girl resembled her mother, a compliment and not an insult. We all reflect our parents in some way, whether our physical appearance, personality, or preferences. In today's passage, children of God are compared with children of the devil, and the identifying markers are found in actions.

The author again warns of the deceivers that were referenced in 2:18-29 and gives another litmus test to distinguish these faulty trail guides. Verse 7 parallels verse 8. The letter repeats some earlier themes: John encourages us to do what is right, including walking in the light (1:7), obeying his word (2:4-6), and loving one another (2:9-11). When we do these, we are righteous, reflecting Christ, the Righteous One (2:1).

The contrast is doing what is sinful. There are no neutral origins; sinful actions are “of the devil.” The echo of Genesis 3 and 4 recalls Satan's sin, lying about what God said to Adam and Eve and then crouching at Cain's door (cf. John 8:42-46). Followers of Jesus live under the influence of the Holy Spirit abiding in them. Those who do not follow Christ live under the influence of the Evil One and are seduced by him.

Do not miss the powerful ending of verse 8. Jesus came to take away our sins (v. 5) and to destroy the devil's work (v. . God came in the flesh to undo the work of the Evil One. Christ did not come only to stop the Devil from killing, stealing, and destroying, but also to adopt us into a new family—to redeem us from being the devil's children to being God's children. Our adoption was a rescue mission. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we have been given new birth from God and freedom from sin. This is why “no one born of God will continue to sin” (v. 9).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verse 7 sounds a warning. What leads you astray? Is it people (false teachers, deceivers, or divisive people) or things (consumerism, sexual misconduct, media, gossip, laziness, or lies)? Be vigilant; pray for protection from the Evil One. Christian musicians, Casting Crowns, capture how easily we can slip away from following Christ in their song “Slow Fade”: “It's a slow fade, when you give yourself away, when black and white turn to gray; thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid; People never crumble in a day.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 3:11-18
Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. - 1 John 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The end of yesterday's passage anticipates the whole of today's study. Doing what is right generally is manifested in loving one another specifically. Genuine love for fellow believers is one of the identifying marks of God's children. Today's text depicts what loving one another is not (vv. 12-15), and then describes what loving one another is (vv. 16-18). Today we'll explore the remarkable contrast.

The opposite of loving one another is hatred, for which Cain is the prototype (see Gen. 4:1-25). The brewing jealousy in Cain's heart bloomed into murder. The author is not talking about “other people.” We are not off the hook of this exhortation. The readers of 1 John 3 are to reflect on the murderous thoughts and intents of their own hearts.

v At first, verse 13 might seem misplaced, but Jesus' message to His disciples in the Upper Room clarifies the connection. Jesus' exhortation to love one another (John 15:9-17) is followed immediately by the lesson that the world will hate His followers (15:18-25). In order to face the inevitable hostilities and persecution of unbelievers, Jesus' followers must love one another.

Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross is the prototype of loving one another and provides the absolute contrast to Cain. Hatred results in the death of others; love results in the death of self, the laying down of one's life (v. 16). Eternal life is not an infinite extension of life as we know it; it is new, resurrection life in Jesus. Our lives become newly defined by Christ and His love—we are not only reconciled to God, but also to one another (vv. 14-15).

Verses 17 and 18 apply the call to lay down our lives in very practical terms. We are invited to love generously, expending our resources to relieve the needs of others (cf. Deut. 15:7-9; James 2:15-16). This cannot be reduced to a metaphor for spiritual poverty. The passage is talking about material needs, and love ought to manifest “with actions and in truth” (v. 18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The resounding message of today's text is that “we should love one another” (v. 11), “not with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth” (v. 18). The early church embodied Christ's love toward one another (see Acts 2:42-46). Is there a brother or sister in Christ you know who is in need? Pray and ask God how He is leading you to embody His love, and begin praying for Christ's generous, sacrificial love to characterize you more and more.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 3:19-24
God is greater than our hearts. - 1 John 3:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
The narrator of Edgar Allan Poe's story, The Tell-Tale Heart, murders his neighbor and hides the body under the floorboards. During police questioning, the narrator hears a faint noise growing progressively louder. He determines it is the heartbeat of the neighbor, still alive under the floorboards. Overcome by guilt and fear, he confesses to the murder and insists they remove the floorboards immediately, later realizing that the haunting sound was his own condemning heartbeat. Poe's gothic tale colorfully depicts the reality of our conscience-stricken hearts, which are also in view in today's passage.

John's message provides confidence for those times when our hearts condemn us with guilt, self-doubt, and self-recrimination. According to the context, condemnation arises from what others might say (v. 7) or even from lies within. Examples include instances when our thoughts suggest that a sacrifice of love for a fellow believer in need is unnecessary and avoidable, or when we believe lies that genuine love can exist without a costly surrender of life or material goods (vv. 17-18). God is greater than these thoughts, and His Spirit persuades our spirit that our sacrifice is required and good (vv. 20, 24).

When our hearts are at rest and we have confidence before God, we receive from God whatever we ask (vv. 21-22). Notice the word because; this is not a carte blanche for us to turn God into our personal vending machine. When we live in the path of God's commands, then we receive what we pray in accordance with His will and desire (cf. John 14:12-14).

The two commands referenced in verse 23 are to believe in the name of Jesus and to love one another. Belief in God's Son is belief in His saving work on the cross and in His resurrection. This belief requires total commitment and obedience to Him. These commands are inseparable: no valid faith exists apart from obedience, and obedience cannot exist apart from faith (see 1:6; 2:9-11). Finally, today's passage highlights another role of the Spirit; He is the guarantor that God in Christ abides in us (v. 24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are often persuaded by the selfishness in our hearts. We object to lavish generosity and costly demonstrations of helping our brothers and sisters in need. The confidence in our text today is found beyond ourselves. Instead, it is only in God and in His compassion and generosity, demonstrated most lavishly in the sacrificial gift of His Son. Through His Spirit, God transforms us to be generous and compassionate like himself. Consider reading Randy Alcorn's challenging book, The Treasure Principle for more insights into generosity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 4:1-3
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. - 1 John 4:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the greatest struggles the early church faced was the threat posed by the Gnostic heresy. Charismatic teachers, such as Valentinus and Ptolemy, claimed access to secret knowledge, which they would share with only a few select “spiritual people.” Given their belief that matter and the body are evil, some Gnostics denied that Jesus was truly human. Gnosticism not only threatened to divide Christians into two classes, but also endangered the doctrine of the humanity of Jesus.

Yesterday's passage ended with our confident assurance of knowing that Christ lives in us through the Spirit He gave us (3:24). In today's text, the author brings to our attention the many others who claim to have God's Spirit indwelling them, but in fact are “false prophets.” We are urged to exercise discernment each time we encounter people who claim to speak in the name of God (4:1). John gives a straightforward measurement for testing the spirits and evaluating their messages carefully. The content of their teaching will determine whether they are truth or falsehood. The criterion of examination is spelled out in verse 2.

False prophets at first appear to be genuinely from God (cf. Matt. 7:15), but God had warned His people long before that many would try to distort God's Word, dilute the truth, and urge people to go after other gods (see Deut. 13:1-8). A proper belief regarding Jesus' Incarnation was the issue at hand for the original recipients of 1 John. To “acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” affirms His humanity (v. 2). Belief that Jesus is not only fully God but also fully human is essential to our salvation as well as our transformation to become more like Him. Early church leaders fought relentlessly against those who would teach otherwise. The spirit of the antichrist is a spirit of deception and lies. In our context, the spirit of the antichrist deceives people by denying the truth about Jesus (v. 3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul urged Timothy: “Watch your life and doctrine closely . . . if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:16). Whether you are a spiritual teacher, mentor, or student, you must be thoughtful and “test the spirits.” Consider the influences and teachers in your life. Do you utilize spiritual discernment as you listen to their messages? The Bible is the ultimate litmus test to measure the content of what you hear and read. Be attentive to the Spirit so that you will not be led astray.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 4:4-6
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! - John 16:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus devoted much of his philosophy to the problem of death. His answer was to deny the existence of an afterlife. He argued that humans need never fear punishment nor anticipate reward from the divine after death. As Christians, we confidently reject Epicurus's answer to the problem of death, for Christ has overcome death through His resurrection. As today's passage teaches, in Christ we are also overcomers.

“Them” and “in the world” require us to review 1 John 4:1-3 in order to understand today's text (v. 4). John refers to “many false prophets” (v. 1). He confirms that his readers are God's children, and that through His Spirit they overcome false teachers by rejecting heretical teaching. “World” in verse 5 refers again to the unbelieving world and its accompanying values, attitudes, and actions (cf. 2:15-17). Just as the world does not know us because it did not know Jesus (1 John 3:1), so also the false prophets “from the world” are known by the world (v. 5). Audiences approve when their values, attitudes, and actions are validated. As Paul declared, “to suit their own desires” many will follow false teachers to hear “what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:3).

“You” of verse 5 changes to “we” and “us” in verse 6. John refers to himself alongside other true teachers, his fellow Apostles. At first, his statement may seem brash if not altogether arrogant (v. 6). The basis of his authority, however, is not his personal gifts, capabilities, or charisma. Rather, his authority is founded in his relationship with Jesus, the One he has known from the beginning, whom the eyewitnesses have heard, seen, and touched (1 John 1:1-3). John confidently makes this claim because persistent acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ confirms those who are from God. Likewise, persistent rejection of the gospel identifies those who are not from God. John concludes by reiterating that the Spirit bears witness to the truth about Jesus Christ (v. 6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In this life, many people, circumstances, and influences threaten to destroy our relationship with God. Whether you or someone you love is being attacked, experiencing such times of despair and feeling separated from God, cling to the confident assurance of Romans 8:31-39: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us . . . neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”