1 John,  2011 - Through The New Testament

1 John 2

September 30, 2011

1 John 2

Bible Passage:  1 John 2

Elder John gave an overall good assessment of the spiritual state of the believers then. Refer to verses 12 to 14 of this chapter. He mentioned that the children have ‘known the Father’, the young men are ‘strong, abided in the word of God’ and have ‘overcome the wicked one’ and the fathers have ‘known Him who is from the beginning’.

Yet, Elder John thought it was needful to write to them, reminding them the fundamentals of their faith. It also serves as a good reminder to us today.

“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it…”

~ 1 John 2:21

Examples include:

  • We can say we ‘know God’ only if we keep His commandments, otherwise the truth is not in us (1 John 2:3-4)
  • If we keep God’s word, and walk as He walked, we abide in God (1 John 2:5-6)
  • If we hate a certain brother/sister, we walk in darkness and do not know where we are going (1 John 2:9-11)
  • Those who love the world or the things in the world, the love of God is not in him (1 John 2:15)

Elder John also wrote to the believers to warn them not to be deceived by lust and pride.

“These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.”

~ 1 John 2:26

The arrogance of human beings is to think that we know more than others do. There existed many teachings which deviated from the truth in those times, teachings of Gnosticism and Cerinthianism. Some chose to believe, many more were swayed.

There is also the glitter of the world and what it offers which appeals to our fleshly desires. The believers then, as we ourselves today, face numerous challenges on a day-to-day basis in overcoming lusts.

“…these things I write to you, so that you may not sin…”

~ 1 John 2:1

Lastly, Elder John gave encouragement, strengthening and comforting those believers who make a conscious effort to walk on the right path. He mentions that if we do His will and abide (a big word which includes believing, practising and guarding) in God, we will receive God’s promise of eternal life for us.

“… abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

~ 1 John 2:28

May God guide each one of us to press on till the end.

 

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