Walking in the truth – The greatest guarantee for a successful race – 2 John

Truth can be defined as that body of facts that can never change. Like the North Pole, it is the fixed reference point from which the direction of man is set just like the compass will always point to the north from whichever point one may be and in whatever direction one faces. Think of the great achievement of man with regard to navigation – from conquering the oceans to exploring space and you will give a lot of credit to the discovery of the compass. Similarly, truth points the way for a successful pilgrimage that every man is engaged in, guaranteeing that with truth in us and with us, destination is sure.
The challenge to every disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, who himself is the Truth and the embodiment of the truth, is for us to  -
i)    know the truth, which guarantees freedom (John 8v32),
ii)    to live in the truth which enables us to come to the searchlight of the seeking dark world around us (John3v21) and
iii)    all our lives to walk in the truth which leads us to our eternal home (v4)

Walking in the truth is only guaranteed and complete when accompanied with two other walks – walking in obedience (v6) and walking in love (v6). They are like a three stringed cord that can not be broken. In fact, one defines and gives meaning to the other. Obedience is knowing the truth as revealed in the word and the Spirit of the Living God that indwells the believer and walking in it and living by it. On the other hand, Truth, to be most effective must be served and wrapped in love otherwise it becomes judgmental and offensive hence Paul’s injunction to speak the truth in love (Eph.4v15).

John highlights some of the benefits that accompany any one who walks in the truth. These include:

1. the guaranteed presence of  God the father and God the son (v9) with all the accompanying grace and mercy – Enjoying God’s favour that is not merited on the one hand and not having the full weight of His wrath that we deserve on the other while enjoying the peace of God and from God (v3)
2. the full display of the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy peace in us (v4).The exciting fact is that in addition to our having these within, we give others joy as they see us walk in truth which is a reflection of the image of the Lord Jesus Christ , the truth himself.
3. it guards and protects us against the deceiver who denies the truth or distorts it (Acts 20v30) or suppresses it (Rom.1v18) because the light of the truth reveals the lie for what it is.
4. the truth preserves our eternal reward (v8). God assured Abraham “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”(Gen.15v1). Walking in the truth assures us of His continued presence and the reward that accompanies His presence. As is often said, anybody in the King’s entourage enjoys the privileges, security and aura that surround the King.

Father, I desire to walk in the truth, in obedience and in love today and always. Empower me with your indwelling Spirit who helps me both to will and to do of your good pleasure. This I pray through your son my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the Truth. Amen

Exploring the right to know – 1 John 5 v13-21

Being a member of Christ’s family conveys a right to know, a right to any information that would build and mature the family.
Some of those rights to know as expounded by John include:

1. The right to know that we have eternal life (v13).  This is not an expectation, it is a reality in the here and now.  We are therefore  pilgrims, a sojourners, a visitors, passersby and  ambassadors here!  Father, help me to live as one in Jesus name!
2. The right to know that we can confidently approach the father for whatever and be sure that we would be attended to (v14-15) even the father invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive grace and mercy in time of  need! (Heb 4v16). With that knowledge, we should convince ourselves to praying for self and for fellow brothers who are under the weather (v16-17) for cleansing, for restoration, for assurance of forgiveness, for grace to live above sin.
3. The right to know that we should not make a habit of sinning – We should not live in sin Yes sin does stare us in the face as long as we are in enemy territory but that there is victory, there is protection given the ever abiding presence of Jesus Christ (v18). We are wont to be angry, lustful, self-centered etc etc, but as the Holy Spirit draws our attention to such defects, we have a fountain flowing with blood, drawn from Emmanuel’s veins – there is cleansing awaiting!
4. We know that we are in enemy territory as long as we are on this side of eternity but we also know that our guide, our preserver, our Lord Jesus has overcome the world and can not be harassed by the evil one (v19)
5. We know that our life is hid in Christ in God (v20; Col. 3v3) – that is security, there is protection as detailed in Ps. 91

In the light of all these knowledge, what is my responsibility?  It is to keep Jesus Christ at the center of my affection (v21)
-    no idols,
-    no other gods,
-    no alternative god,
-    no insurance god
-    only God and God alone.

Father I reaffirm this morning that you must be the centre of my world today and always through Jesus Christ who lives in me.  AMEN.

The sufficiency of Christ for the now and eternity – 1 John 5 v1-12

It is amazing how what we do with Jesus Christ influences not only the present but eternity.  What we do with Jesus determines the following:

1. Our identity (v1). Faith in Jesus Christ determines our parentage, our family.  We are children of God. No wonder God predestined us to conform to the image of His Son – Jesus Christ (Rom.8v29).  Our response therefore must be to live each day being fully conscious of the family name.
2. The quality of life we live on earth (v4-5).  If we must live a life of victory over the world’s ways then we must be vitally linked to Jesus Christ by faith as in John 15.  The only one that has overcome the world is Jesus Christ and this victory is ours if by faith in Him we face the world daily appropriating His victory.  Remember, He said “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16v33). What other ways can we overcome the challenges of daily living?  Think of the fear of life, of failure, of the unknown, fear of the enemy.  What of the challenges of pain, of disappointments etc.   ONLY Jesus is the multi dimensional and universal medicine that deals with every care of life (1 Peter 5v7).  It is possible for Christ to be relevant to our current circumstances only through faith that accepts the testimony of God regarding the efficacy of His intervention in History about 2000 years ago to reconcile us to God (v6). This is further enforced by the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit (v6) who daily testifies with our Spirit that we are  members of the family of God and helps us know and keep to family values.  (John 16v5-16).
3. Our destiny (v11-12). For the future i.e. eternity, what we do with Jesus now guarantees our destiny. God says eternal life can only be found in Jesus Christ and that by faith that we have in Him, we can be sure of our eternal destination – a place in the heart of God (v10-11). What therefore man does with Christ determines whether he is consigned to eternal life or eternal death (v12).

Jesus, thank you that you have relevance for me both for now and for eternity.  I thank you that I have you as my Lord and Saviour.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit that indwells me to reveal you more to me daily. Father, give me a hungry heart, a hearer’s heart to know Jesus your Son more and more.  In His dear name I pray.  AMEN.

Brotherly love – the pilot light of a relationship with God – 1 John 4 v7-21

We have at one time seen or owned  some electrical appliances that have inbuilt pilot light.  Once they are plugged in and the power is switched on the pilot light come on and stay on until the main source is switched off just to indicate that there is power supply into the appliance!  John says that our love for people is like the pilot light.  It reveals the following:

1. That we know God and have a personal relationship with Him, that we have a Father – Son relationship with Him and that we are   His own.  Because ultimately, it is His love that is flowing out through us just as the pilot light reveals that power is flowing through.  It is not the power itself but a conductor of power (v7-8).
2. Love for people reveals a relationship established by God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and sustained by the indwelling power and presence of His Holy Spirit (v9-13). In other words, our love derives its motivation from His love. We love because He first loved us (v19).
3. Our love for others completes His love in us (v12). No current will flow to provide power as long as the circuit is broken which is what happens if His love does not flow through us to others. If we constitute ourselves as the end of his love, then the circuit that will allow His love to flow through  is not complete.
4. It reveals that we have no fear of judgement because the Judge lives in us and works through us to extend His love to those we are in contact with.
5. It reveals that we are living a life of obedience to His command that our love for God must also extend to our love for people. Earlier Jesus commanded His disciples “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13v34-35).

Father, please ingrain in me this fact that my love for people is and must be a natural outflow of your love for me  and the relationship you have so generously and sacrificially bestowed on me by the giving of your Son Jesus Christ my Lord and by the putting in me of your Holy Spirit (1Cor 1v22).  Anoint me today and daily with His power to love other people in Jesus Christ name.  AMEN.

The importance of loving the brother – 1 John 3 v 11-24

Loving one another ranks only next to loving God in the scheme of things laid out by
God Himself (Matt. 22v37-38).  As earlier observed, love for one another flows out of and is a confirmation of our love for God.  (John 13v34). It is educating that love for our neighbor is a mark of the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.  It is a testimony to the fact that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ (v14).

How then do we understand and practice love?

1. Look to the example (model) of Jesus (v16). Christ loved sacrificially and we are to follow in His footsteps.
2. Express your love through the sharing of resources entrusted to you.  The Macedonian Christians were good at this (2 Cor 8v1-5).  They gave first of themselves to God and the work and they gave of their resources and beyond their ability.  This type of love is not based on disposing of left overs or surplus.  It is sacrificial.  It can be practiced by anybody whatever his status and means.  John therefore instructs love in action (v18).  Incidentally James says that such actions are a confirmation of our faith (James 2v14-26).

Ultimately, two things that please God above all are:

1. Believing on His Son Jesus Christ and growing into His image.
2. Loving our brothers. Loving them enough to bring them into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, loving them enough to share time and resources.

It is only possible for me to dance to this beat of God’s heart by the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit in me. Father, may I live a life of love, practical love daily through Jesus Christ my Lord.  AMEN.

The implication of being God’s children – 1 John 2v29 – 3v10

Exploring the implication of my relationship with God as a Son is mind blowing.  Just reading Deut. 32 communicates the depth and expanse of God’s love for  His children. John in 1 John 3v1 is awed by the greatness  of the love the father has LAVISHED on us as sons, as children.

What are the things that are expected of God’s children? – They must bear His image, be a reflection of our father physically, emotionally, “everything-cally”.  We must be what the world refers to as being the true sons of our father, a chip off the old block!  Observation about this expectation include:

• it is the father’s desire and plan before the beginning of the world – that we would be like Christ (Rom 8v29);
• That the process of becoming like Christ is gradual not instant (2 Cor.3v18).  This happens as the Spirit of Light exposes us in increasing level to the light of God’s Glory (similar to the process the photographer develops his film and produces a photograph from the negative).
• That the final picture of how we match the image of Christ would be complete at His coming (v2).  These are God’s role, God’s part.

Our part in this process of transformation into the image of the Son include:

1. That we should continue in Him (2v29).  He would not force us against our will.  He desires that we respond to His love willingly, enthusiastically, warmly.  We should stay plugged into Him. In John 15, Jesus Himself observed that it is only in abiding in Him that we can do anything.
2. We must live a life of purity (3v3).  The Lord does not behold sin, His temple must be kept clean.  We must be humble and willing daily, regularly to submit to the cleansing power of the blood as the Spirit within, the Spirit of light reveals stains and dirt in dark corners of our lives.
3. We must not make a practice or habit of sinning (3v6; v9).  Put another way, sin must not become a habit or a second nature.  It is inevitable that sin would come (1John 1v8) but hurriedly get it washed by the blood of the lamb.
4. Love the brother (v10).  It is a test of our love for God.  It is the practice ground for   responding to the love God has so lavishly showered on us.

Father, I thank you for being my father, for making me your Son.  I praise you for giving me significance.  Make me pliable in your hands as you mould me increasingly into the image of your Son, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  AMEN.

Knowing the truth – 1 John 2 v 18-27

Down throughout the ages man has sought to know the truth.  “What is truth”  Pilate asked in John 18v38.  Truth is the opposite of lie.  It is telling the truth, living the truth, being truthful, truth is reality.

How do we know the truth?

1. The secret is know Jesus Christ.  Jesus said in John 14v6 “I am the way, the truth and the life” therefore know Him.
2. Know the word of God because God does not lie.  Know His promises, His commands.  Know His word who incidentally is Jesus.  Spend time and time and time with Him in His word.
3. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, receive the anointing daily (v20). Christ said of the Holy Spirit  that “when He comes He will lead you into all truth” (John 16 v13).  In fact He is referred to as the Spirit of truth (John 16 v 13).

Why do  we need to know the truth?

1. Because the end times are here and there are so many lies out there, lies that are coated with what appears to be truth, lies that resemble the truth, lies that seek to deceive us from following the truth and living the truth.(v18)
2. We need to know the truth to be able to identify the liar, the antichrist (v18-23)
3. Knowing the truth enables us to remain in the Son of God and it guarantees an unbroken fellowship with God.  It guarantees His presence earlier promised (Ex. 33v14, also v27).
4. Knowing the truth enables us to recognise the promises of the Father, it enables us to keep the goal of our faith in view which is eternal life (v25).

The Reward of knowing the Truth

1. God Himself, His presence, His promises, His indwelling presence.  The anointing (v20;   Gen. 15 v1).
2. Eternal life (v25).  A life that would be lived eternally (forever) in His presence).

Father, as I go throughout the day, may no lie pop up to soil the fellowship of your presence with me.  I pray that I would be an embodiment of truth today through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.  AMEN.

A choice between two loves – 1 John 2 v12-17

Man is made with a need, a void in his heart that can only be filled with one thing -  something outside of himself -  that thing called love. John however, draws attention to two types of love – love for God and love for the world (v15) two loves that are diametrically opposed to one another both in their focus for the now and for eternity.

The characteristics of love for the Father reveal amongst other things that:

1. It comes form outside of self on account of someone else – Jesus Christ and the price He paid. It therefore predates and also is not dependent on the person loved (Rom 5v8) Such love first sought the loved (1Jn4v19). Just like a case where parents love their new born baby long before the baby appreciates being loved (v12).
2. This love proceeds from eternity, has always been there from the beginning of the world (v13; Rom 8v29)
3. This love gives us victory.  It is expressed all over by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and the power of His word. His presence constantly being with us and giving us rest (v14; Ex.33v14). A love that gives us victory over the number one enemy, the devil.  One love that gives us,  mortal beings, supernatural power – power to say no to deliberate sin.

On the other hand, the love of the world is:

1. self serving and self focused (v15-16) always  me, me, me,
2. seeks what would satisfy his growing lust for food, lust for pleasure and pride of life.  In other words this type of love seeks those things such as:

-    wanting your own way – (self-centered)
-    wanting everything for self (greed)
-    wanting to appear important (power)

Unfortunately, this love is temporary, because it is a love for the created rather than the creator.  Man must choose.  The Lord or the world.

Lord, I choose you because you have chosen me, to love me, to make me your own.  So may it be till eternity in the name of Jesus who loved me for Himself.  AMEN.

Dealing with the problem of sin – 1 John 1v5-2v2

Sin is like a birth mark that would not just go away, a bad coin that keeps reappearing, a reality that we can not just wish away, that must be dealt with. It is given names from the exotic to the heinous, some of its names are designed to play down its effect like sugar coating a bitter pill, others make light its weight while others project the eternal damnation that sin brings. John desires every child of God to come to grips with the fact of sin, the reality of sin and the best way to deal with it.

1. The fact of sin. Sin is universal. John says “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us”(v8). Paul extensively dealt with the issue of sin in his writings to the Romans and re-echoed the fact that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Rom.3v23), that “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned”(Rom.5v12). The fact is that because of Adam’s rebellion, man is born a sinner, “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was[is] only evil all the time”(Gen.6v5),and his “heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure”(Jer.17v9). Over and above the fact of the sin nature inherited form Adam (some call it the original sin) and because of it, we commit sin and are prone to committing it. Try as hard as we may, we cannot escape the claws of this enemy. James observed that “  whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it”(Jam.2v10). We sin, deliberately, unconsciously, by omission or commission, We sin presumptuously, secretly, even not acting in faith is sin (Rom.14v23), ignoring to do the good we ought  is sin ( Jam.4v17) and we can go on.
2. The consequences of sin. Paul summarises it simply as follows: “For the wages of sin is death”, (Rom.6v23). Not so much physical death these days (even thought it was often the case in the old covenant) but more fatally, eternal death, a life in eternity away from the presence of God and His glory, a life in perpetual hell fire in the company of Satan and his collaborators. Hear the Lord’s final word on this matter “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death” (Rev. 211v7-8). In the mean time, when we sin, we can not avoid the immediate consequences such as broken relationships with God and with one another. We can not imagine living daily without the assurance of His presence and all the benefits that go with functioning under the watchful eyes of the Almighty. Jesus cried out when the Father turned His eyes away from Him because of the blight of our sins which He   was carrying on the cross. We can all identify with other consequences such as bruised consciences and emotions, physical disabilities and incurable illnesses to mention a few.
3. Dealing with sin. We must deal with sin at two levels. At the preventive level and the curative level. The most ideal situation is to prevent and John’s counsel is clear:

• Walk in the light (v7). God is light and in His presence there is no darkness at all. In other words, function daily, moment by moment under the shadow of His wings (Ps 91).
• Maintain Godly company (v7). When we walk in the light of His presence, we keep company with fellow travellers enjoying the additional benefit of the continuous cleansing and purifying power of the blood of the Lamb. Paul stated clearly elsewhere that “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor 15v33). Solomon summed up the advantages of   keeping good company: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecc.4v9-12).
• Renew your heart and mind daily. We would do well to heed Solomon’s advise to “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Prov.4v23). In the same vain, Paul advised that we should let the words of Christ rule our hearts (Col.3v1). Sin is never wished away, or dealt with by resolutions. It is managed out of the system by dealing with its source by stuffing it out with the word of God.

Understanding the call to witness – 1 John 1v1-4

Many of us are scared stiff when confronted with situations that require us to testify to what we believe. How often I am prompted by the Spirit but I develop lumps in my throat for fear of not being sure of how to start, what to say or of the consequences of what I say! Yet the mandate and expectation of us is clear. The Lord Himself said “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1v8). The psalmist called on all the redeemed of the Lord to say so (Ps. 107v2).

An analysis of the beginning of John’s letter reveal a structure to witnessing that makes it down to earth and in the process removes the jitters out of it.  In simple terms, the witness is called upon to testify to an event he or she had experienced or witnessed period! We may give it frightening or threatening names like, preaching, evangelism, ministry even witnessing but the bottom line is that witnessing is recounting what happened to you or  what happened in your presence or some verifiable facts that has been experienced. These points were brought out clearly by John as follows: