I/II/III John – “Knowing the Truth” Series
Knowing the Truth 2-20-25
Part 20 – 3 John v.5-14 “Testimonies”
Intro: In this latter section, John provides three testimonies of real people in the early church for us to consider.
First, let’s take a look at:
I. A Testimony of Authenticity (v.5-8)
READ: v.5-8
A. Gaius faithfully served others consistently
(It was a pattern over time)
B. Gaius’ service was worthy of God
(it was selfless/sacrificial, reflecting Jesus’ model)
C. Gaius’ service connected the church
(fellow workers from other fellowships)
Second, let’s take a look at:
II. A Testimony of Warning (v.9-10)
READ: v.9-10
A. Diotrephes served himself by posturing
(his operational goal was to elevate himself)
B. Diotrephes served himself by dishonest accusations
(malicious words to undermine others’ reputation)
C. Diotrephes served himself by abusing his position
(denied people the chance to hear the truth)
(punished those who advocated for the truth)
Third, let’s take a look at:
III. A Testimony to be Imitated (v.11-14)
READ: v.11-14
A. Demetrius was doing what was “of God”
(the definition of good-“things of God”)
B. Demetrius was validated as good by others
(multiple people recognized his pattern of good)
C. Demetrius was validated as good by the truth itself
(reveals his standard was the scriptures)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What are the potential impacts of a believer’s testimony/reputation (whether it’s fair or not)?
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Knowing the Truth 2-9-25
Part 19 – 3 John v.1-4 “Relational Truth”
Intro: John opens the letter we call “3rd John” with a series of statements regarding a man named Gaius and the lasting results of “truth investment” in people’s lives.
Let’s take a look at what he wrote:
READ: v.1-4
I. It Produced a Relationship Built on the Truth (v.1-2)
A. It’s one where there is honesty
(a love in truth-no pretense or ulterior motives)
B. It’s one where there is encouragement/celebration
(“that you may prosper”-“I want God’s best for you”)
C. It’s one where there is genuine concern
(prayer for the whole person)
II. It Produced a Life Built on the Truth (v.3)
A. The truth had been fully integrated into his life
(the had been received as authoritative)
(“as received” 2 John v.4)
B. The truth had been displayed to others
(others “testified”, he had proven to be genuine)
(again…time is the great revealer)
C. The truth had informed his “walk”
(the truth had ordered his thinking and pursuits)
III. It Produced a Legacy built on the Truth (v.4)
A. He passed along the mindset of God’s truth as superior
(not an equal option to others, but that it is the goal)
B. He taught the daily practice of the truth as a lifestyle
(breaking the goal down into daily objectives)
C. He identified the greatest joy as “walking in the truth”
(“Truth ROI” was the highlight, not other success)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What does the breaking down of the goal of walking in truth into daily objectives look like to you?
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Knowing the Truth 2-2-25
Part 18 – 2 John v.7-13 “The Reality of Deception”
Intro: At this point in the letter, John turns from commendation and motivation to a strong warning. In other words, this is John saying, “but know this about those working against you”.
Let’s take a look at what he wrote:
READ: v.7-13
I. There are Deceivers Working Against Christ (v.7)
A. They were originally in the church fellowship(s)
(“from but not of” 1 John 2:19)
(many similarities/shared beliefs, but key differences)
B. They reject(ed) the gospel “as received” (v.4)
(doctrine matters, especially key points of the gospel)
C. Their views were/are more compatible with the world
(flawed doctrine enables unbiblical choices)
II. There is Potential to Lose Ground (v.8)
A. This reveals a building process based on sound doctrine
(foundational work-truth upon truth)
B. Guarding against it requires diligence
(it can be tiring, draining, and discouraging)
C. There is reward for the diligence
(it’s not unnoticed or unimportant)
III. There are Those that Go Beyond Truth (v.9)
A. Abiding is being content with good, sound doctrine
(there is submission to Biblical authority)
B. Abandoning truth of Christ is rejection of God also
(there is no separation)
C. Abiding is Christ is also abiding in the Father
(they are and also have been One)
IV. There are Reasons to Avoid False Teachers (v.10-11)
A. Do not endorse the person
(they are not to be “welcomed”)
B. Do not endorse their doctrine
(they are not to be given opportunity)
C. Do not endorse their evil
(their evil is not to be passively allowed)
V. Conclusion
Discussion: In what ways do we see this happening around us?
_______________________
Knowing the Truth 1-26-25
Part 17 – 2 John v.4-6 “Walking as Commanded”
Intro: Personal story of watching a cake being made.
What would happen if the recipe was ignored and random ingredients thrown in/mixed and haphazardly baked?
It would be a cake right?
But not the glorious one that’s supposed to be/could be.
Would that be the best representation of a cake?
Let’s take a look:
READ: v.4-6
I. The Commendation for Walking in Truth (v.4)
A. They were fully embracing the truth
(Hebrew concept of “believe”- heart, mind, strength)
B. The truth permeated their whole life
(it was evident in their work-a-day life)
C. The truth was “as received” from the Lord/John/them
(not “my truth”, “your truth”-received as authoritative)
II. The History of the Command to Love (v.5)
A. The command was first given to the Jews
(Deut. 6:5, Lev. 19:18-to live/be different)
(Love God first , then love others)
B. The command was then affirmed/given to the disciples
(Matt. 22:37-40, Jesus specifically endorsed both)
(Love God first, then love others)
C. The command was then given for going forward (church)
(John 13:34-35, 15:12,17- by this they will know)
III. The Definition of Loving God (v.6)
A. We show love to God by obedience
(John 14:15, way more than being nice, etc.)
(It’s choosing obedience because of love)
B. We show love to others as part of obedience to God
(John 13:34-it’s always been God’s expectation)
C. We show Him to the world by loving obedience
(John 13:35-the objects/orientation of our love)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: Parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). How do we apply this story considering loving obedience?
__________________
Knowing the Truth 1-19-25
Part 16 – 2 John v.1-3 “Continue to Walk”
Intro: In the process of teaching, coaching, training, and even parenting, there are moments of opportunity to encourage while also passing along reminders (“watch out for that step 4”, “remember your footwork”, or watch out for #56 from the left side” etc.).
The folks receiving John’s letter we call “2 John”, were doing great, so John affirms them and gives some elder advice too.
Let’s take a look:
READ: v.1-3
NOTE: “the Elect Lady” is understood to be either a real person or a reference to a sister fellowship/members (v.13).
I. We Love in Truth (v.1)
A. A common understanding
(in Christ, the embodiment of truth-John 14:6)
B. It involves the will
(beyond emotion or affection)
C. It is facilitated by the Holy Spirit
(He is the Spirit of Truth-John 16:13)
(He is truth and bears witness-1 John 5:6)
II. We Love with Others Who also Know the Truth (v.1)
A. A common bond (in addition to understanding)
(all things of and related to Christ)
B. It includes people we do not know
(local, distant, past, future)
C. It involves a kindred spirit between us
(a sense of relationship)
III. We Love Because of the Truth (v.2)
A. There is a transcendent nature to it
(it goes beyond time and space)
(He in us is “the hope of glory”-Col. 1:27)
B. There is a shared status among us
(all of us are redeemed by grace)
C. There is a shared set of values among us
(which is in contrast to the world system)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: How does the affinity in Christ with others that John describes in verses 1-3 encourage you?
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Knowing the Truth 1-5-25
Part 15 – I John 5:20-21 “In Summary”
Intro: As John closes his letter, he wrote very directly about sin (v.18-19 which we discussed last time) and then there is the final summary of what we know to be true, and the contrast it is to the world system around us.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 5:20-21
NOTE: Take note of the “and” which provides an indication of the phrase being linked to v.18-19
I. This is What We Know (v.20)
A. Jesus has come “in the flesh”
(He modeled the truth and did all that was required)
B. Jesus has given us understanding
(Through the presence of the Holy Spirit)
(Opens our minds, gives insight, teaches, reminds)
C. Jesus has made a way for us to know Him
(we know Him personally, His ways, character etc.)
D. Jesus has placed us into His fellowship/protection (v.18)
(“in Him” is to be inside of His circle/protected (v.18)
E. Jesus/Father/Spirit are true-He defines what truth is
(He doesn’t just speak truth, He literally is truth)
F. Jesus/Father/Spirit-are eternal life and we are in Him
(not just future, but now-we are truly alive!)
II. So Stay Away from What we Know is Untrue (v.21)
NOTE: “Keep” in v.21 is different than either of the two previous, it means to “stay apart from”.
Ancient or modern, the spirit of idolatry is:
A. A spirit of confusion, foolishness, lack of wisdom
(there is no understanding of the eternal truth)
B. A spirit with no knowledge/fellowship with God
(there is no awareness/guidance/comfort, etc.)
C. A spirit that is not of the truth
(lies stacked up upon other lies)
(lies about creation facilitates lies about choices)
D. A spirit that has no life
(there is no eternal life and no real life here)
III. Conclusion
Discussion: How do you see the spirit of idolatry in our culture and what truth do you default to?
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Knowing the Truth 12-22-24
Part 14 – I John 5:16-19 “On the Matter of Sin”
Intro: In preaching, sin is a subject either focused on too much or avoided altogether. In other words, legalists use it as a means of fear and manipulation, while those of a hyper-grace persuasion avoid the subject altogether. John mixes it into his letter as appropriate under the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Here we find his mention of it near the conclusion as a very strong ”by the way, know this as you go”.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 5:16-19
NOTE: Starting with v.17 first
I. All Unrighteousness is Sin (v.17)
NOTE: Context of brothers and sisters
NOTE: Unrighteousness is that not of God
A. Sin is a real issue and not something God “winks” at
(It all has a cost…period. Jesus paid to cover it)
B. The substance of sin is relevant beyond the person
(there is the impact on others/God’s glory)
(an example is I Cor. 11:30)
II. We are to Pray for Those Sinning (v.16)
NOTE: According to the framework of God’s will v.14)
A. We are to pray for brothers/sisters struggling with sin
(worth the time, energy, effort-modeled by Jesus)
B. Those already sentenced are not to be our concern
(Annanias/Sapphira-Acts 5:1-11, man in I Cor. 5:1-5)
(The Apostles didn’t, or instruct to pray for them)
III. Those Born of God Don’t Continue in Sin (v.18)
A. “Born of God” are those “born again” (transformed)
(The Spirit in us will not peacefully abide with sin)
B. “The “Born of God” are protected by One “Born of God”
C. The wicked one is restricted to permission/limited by God
IV. The World is Under the Sway of the Enemy (v.19)
A. Lost people will/do act like lost people
(their hearts are not yet transformed)
B. The wicked one works his planned out schemes
(“Methodiah”-Ephesians 6:11)
C. The lost are compelled to follow (sway)
(like sheep hearing a voice of their shepherd)
(a common language-the conspiracy of evil)
V. Conclusion
Discussion: What is your take away regarding what to pray for/how to pray going forward?
_______________________
Knowing the Truth 12-15-24
Part 13 – I John 5:14-15 “Praying in Confidence”
Intro: The subject of prayer is much written about, but what does John reveal to us? He places his thoughts toward the end of his letter after laying a broad, solid foundation.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 5:14-15
I. The Confidence to Approach the Throne (14a)
(in Him…)
A. There is knowledge of being accepted
(forgiven, redeemed, sonship-Romans 8:15-17)
(Jesus as High Priest-Hebrews 4:14-16)
B. There is knowledge of His presence in us (Holy Spirit)
(witness with our spirit-5:10 & Romans 8:16)
C. There is knowledge of His character & faithfulness
(unchanging, pure motive, agape´ love)
II. The Exercise of Prayer (v.14b)
(if we…)
A. It should be natural as breathing
(something that is second-nature, on-going)
B. The primary goal is His will
(the framework we start with)
C. The beauty is in “the asking”
(the process itself is by design)
(like tuning an orchestra to the Oboe “long A note”)
QUOTE: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.” – George Mueller
III. The Assurance of His Answers (v.15)
(we know that we have…)
A. The “know” is presence tense (always on-going)
B. He always hears us (regardless of what is feels like)
C. The “connection” and “tuning” depend on us
(like the steps of the Model Prayer)
(we must remember our part too)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What have you noticed over the years with prayer habits changing with maturity?
__________________
Knowing the Truth 12-8-24
Part 12 – I John 5:6-13 “The Witnesses of Truth”
Intro: Numerous times in this letter, John has presented details and explanations about the foundational elements of Godly love, truth, living among a world as a contrast, and now he submits the idea of witnesses as solid validation to what we believe. Similar to how Jesus framed what John received in the Revelation, we’ll look at these witnesses as “What was, is and will be”.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 5:6-13
I. The Witnesses of What Was in the Past
A. By water-Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan by John
(presence of the Father and the Holy Spirit)
B. By blood-the world temptations/cross/death/resurrection
(He has overcome them all (2:15) v.4)
C. By other events related to both
(events-His life, earthquake/darkness/veil/saints, etc.)
(people (Jews and Gentiles) at the events)
II. The Witnesses of What is Now
A. Belief-faith born in our hearts that Jesus is Lord (v.10)
(those rejecting Him declare the truth as a lie)
B. Eternal life-transformed from spiritual death to life (v.11)
(we are alive in a world that is still spiritually dead)
C. The presence of the Holy Spirit-John 14:17
(He is the Spirit of Truth in us)
D. The Spirit teaches/guides/reminds (John 14:26, 16:13)
III. The Witnesses of What Will Be
A. The Word-we have a declaration of what will be
(the scripture assumes/declares itself to be true)
(belief extends to trusting the veracity of the Word)
B. The Holy Spirit’s presence provides peace (John 14:27)
(as needed now, and will be as needed each day)
C. The deep assurance of knowing the truth (v.13)
(a settled disposition within us the world doesn’t have)
(a real connection beyond time and what we see)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What are some benefits to realizing/experiencing a “settled” disposition in the Spirit?
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Knowing the Truth 12-1-24
Part 11 – I John 4:20-5:5 “The Milestones of Love”
Intro:
Let’s take a look:
Personal story of “milestones”.
(running, and patrol-“7 steps to Heaven”)
READ: 4:20-5:5
I. An Authentic Love
A. Loving God is to love Jesus (5:1)
(all of the character traits, both Old/New Testaments)
B. Loving Jesus is to love people as He did (4:21)
(His love was honest, real, and consistent)
II. An Obedient Love
A. Loving God is to see His teachings as commands
(they are authoritative, not recommendations)
B. Loving God is to actually do His commands
(which refers to when there is a decision/choice)
(parable of the sons-one said yes, one said no)
(the one who repented/did the instruction was right)
III. A Trusting Love
A. Loving God involves faith (trust)
(it will often be a step prior to answers/explanations)
B. Loving God reflects the “keeping” of the commandments
(the maritime picture of “keeping the stars”)
(knowing, watching, learning, changing, growing)
IV. A Victorious Love
A. Jesus overcame without abandoning a spirit of love
(even in the hard moments, His love was intact)
B. We can/will overcome w/o abandoning a spirit of love)
(because justice is already a done deal in the future)
(which means we see people as Jesus did)
V. Conclusion
Discussion: How do you see (or have experienced) the concept of “milestones”?
______________________
Knowing the Truth 11-24-24
Part 10 – I John 4:12-19 “The End Result of Love”
Intro: At the entry point of faith, the grand truth of Joh 3:16 helps us understand the “why” question behind the coming of Jesus to earth. While it is a complete teaching in itself, John also gives us insight into God continuing to work in us after redemption based on the same premise…love.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 4:12-19
I. Abiding-His Presence in Us (v.12-16)
NOTE: Same phrase in John 1:18 “no one has seen God”
READ: John 1:14-18
A. The glory of God historically
(Sinai, Tabernacle, Temple)
B. The glory of God in the flesh
(we beheld His glory John 1:14)
C. The glory of God in us (v.13)
(Holy Spirit abiding in us)
(progression from Sinai to now…always His plan)
II. Knowing-His Presence Changing Us (v.12-16)
A. We understand what real love is (God love-agape´)
(reminder-last week’s subject-God defines it)
B. We value truth because of God’s love in us (John 1:14)
C. We value others because of God’s love in us (v.11)
D. We learn Him within the framework of real love-agape´
(the Holy Spirit teaches us what is agape´ love)
(the Holy Spirit teaches us what’s not agape´ love)
III. Perfecting-His Presence Completing Us (v.17-19)
A. Our confidence grows in His love (v.17)
(He’s using us here for His purposes)
B. Our personal love for God grows (v.18)
(we move beyond experience/thanks to affection)
C. Our understating of lostness deepens (v.19)
(we see ourselves truly in comparison to Him)
(our pride lessons & humility/gratefulness increase)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: How have you experienced God moving you toward change/completion through His love?
Challenge: May we be growing in God’s love this week through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
__________________________
Knowing the Truth 11-17-24
Part 9 – I John 4:7-11 “The Love of God”
Intro: Last week we looked at the trend of using “judgmentalism” as a criticism of those looking to scripture for truth about cultural norms, etc. Today, we’re considering what the scriptures teach us concerning the word “love”, which is often misunderstood, misapplied or corrupted.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 4:7-11
Note:
Agapetos (beloved, those having received agape´)
Agapao (agape´ in verb form)
Agape´ (God’s type of love)
READ: 4:7-11 substituting the Greek words for context
I. The Love of God as a Noun
Quote: “Love doesn’t define God, but God defines love.”
– Wiersbe quoting Anonymous
A. God’s character and nature define the essence of love
(all of the details of I Corinthians 13)
(pure, selfless, decision-based,)
B. Godly love comes from knowing God
(more than knowledge, it’s an experiential knowing)
C. Those outside of Christ have yet to experience it
(no heart transformation to produce the love of God)
II. The Love of God as a Verb
Quote: “Godly love is not mere sentiment. Sentimentality is a feeling without responsibility”.
– Anonymous
Webster: Sentimentality (having tender or delicate feelings)
A. God’s love was revealed (manifested, displayed) (v.9-10)
(demonstrated-Romans 5:8a)
B. He chose to love us first (v.10)
(while we were yet sinners-Romans 5:8b)
C. The action is on-going, not just at the cross
(that we may live though Him)
(not just for redemption, but to be alive)
III. The Love of God as a Command
A. There is to be an “ought” in us as the “beloved” (v.11)
(an inner compelling from the Holy Spirit)
B. We must remember the decision part of agape´ (v.9-10)
(not sentimentalism, but a cognitive choice)
C. Godly love is an authenticator (I John 3:19)
(Jesus also said others will know us by this)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What difference does this make is the way we approach daily encounters?
Challenge: May we be growing in God’s love this week through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
______________________
Knowing the Truth 11-10-24
Part 8 – I John 4:1-6 “Spirit of God and Spirit of the World”
Intro: One of the trends in recent decades within Christendom has been the claim of “judgmentalism” regarding any attempt to apply scripture-based assessment of theological opinions and practice. For example, for centuries there were clear understandings regarding creation/gender/sexuality/marriage etc. but now there are many who claim to have a more “progressive” understanding of those beliefs. In addition to those topics, there are many more subtleties that are creeping in as well, such as synchronistic approach that combines heresy with truth.
John, addresses a particular heresy of the first century (a teaching that Jesus only inhabited a body for a time) but also gives us a critical maxim for practical use.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 4:1-6
I. An Instruction to Test the Spirits (v.1-2a)
A. It’s a proactive mindset
(not a passive one “after-the-fact”)
B. It’s a pause on belief of something new or different
(an instruction not to be easily entrapped)
(time is a great ally in discerning truth)
C. It’s a standard to live by (by this you know…v.2a)
(one that’s not subject to preference or emotion)
II. How to Recognize the Spirt of God (v.2b,4,6)
A. “Confess” is an “attesting” to the real Jesus
(a full acquiescence to all of His teachings)
B. The Holy Spirit (and those of Him) point to the real Jesus
READ: John 15:25-26, 16:5-15
C. There is power to overcome in Him (v.4)
(the context is specifically truth over lie)
D. There is a commonality in the Spirit
(a hearing of His voice within this framework)
III. How to Recognize the Spirit of the World (v.3,5)
A. There is a rejection of the real Jesus
(counterfeits and knockoffs)
B. There are distractions/diversions from core teachings
(unlike what Jesus said in John 15/16)
C. There is a commonality among those of the world
(no need for conspiracy, they think alike)
D. Their ways are a defeated way
(he/they depend on deceit/intimidation/seduction)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: How have you seen these two different spirits at work in practical life?
Challenge: May we be growing in God’s truth this week through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
____________________________
Knowing the Truth 11-3-24
Part 7 – I John 3:10-24 “God’s Love in Action”
Intro: The word “love” has been twisted, contorted, redefined, added to, and repurposed to fit and describe every kind of activity there is. As followers of Jesus, we have clear definitions of love (both positive and negative). Jesus Himself taught about what to love and what not to love (which John echoes in 2:15-17).
In this section, John describes God’s love in action, but much more than just acts of kindness and so forth. He builds a foundational teaching about the powerful effects of God’s love in us and through us.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 3:10-24
I. The Confirmation of God’s Love in Us (v.10-15,24)
A. The Spirit in us is a contrast to the world (v.13,15,24)
(the different attitude is evidence of being in Him)
(sinful hearts can be bitter toward it (Cain) v.12-13)
B. The Spirit in us changes our hearts toward others (v.14)
(we see people different if we’re willing to)
C. The Spirit in us compels us to do right (v.24)
(The Spirit will guide us back to Jesus’ teachings)
(Godly love does not enable sin/disregard scripture)
II. The Continuation of God’s Love in Us (v.16-18)
A. God’s love is a sacrificial kind of love (v.16)
(Jesus modeled love that went beyond convenience)
B. God’s love is a selfless kind of love (v.17)
(Jesus purposed Himself to be about others)
C. God’s love is more than just talk/virtue signaling (v.18)
(it’s a real response (deeds) and solid words (truth))
III. The Confidence of God’s Love in Us (v.19-24)
A. We are encouraged by His promptings to love (.v19)
B. We get restored when feeling guilty over past sin (v.20)
(moving on from sin that is confessed and forgiven)
C. We grow from law-keeping to God-pleasing (v.19-20)
(out of love for Him by knowing His gracious love)
D. We get more clarity by studying His teachings (v.24)
(His words become a “ballast” deep in our person)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What do you find encouraging in these verses? What do you find challenging in these verses?
Challenge: May we be growing in God’s love this week through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
______________________
Knowing the Truth 10-27-24
Part 6 – I John 3:1-9 “Children of God”
Intro: Over time, a concept, idea, or identification can change or drift into something different than previously understood. For example, if you were to ask 1,000 random people in 1955 what it is to be an American, and then compared it to 1,000 random people in 2024, you may get some similar answers, but many would be quite different.
When it comes to being a “Child of God” (which by the way is a Biblical phrase not a church created one), it is beneficial to go back and understand what it truly means based on the truth of the scriptures. The scriptures also declare what it is not, which is both helpful and sobering.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 3:1-9
I. What it is to be a Child of God (v.1-3)
A. It is based on God’s love (v.1)
(the entire plan for coming was based on love)
B. It is a father/child relationship
(personal with each one, not national like Israel)
C. It is facilitated by Jesus’ sacrifice (v.5)
(He couldn’t just will it to be, He had to suffer for it)
D. We should seek to please Him as his child (v.22)
(honoring Him as a righteous Dad (Rom. 8:15)
II. The Spirit of Rebellion is Sin (v.4,8)
A. Patterns of serving self is against God’s instructions
(v.4-Lawless-same pattern/attitude as 2:15-17)
B. Pride is a common trait with the devil
(of him as in the same attitude…tower of Babal)
III. Jesus Came to Destroy the Work of the Devil (v.8)
A. The works are the products of the devil’s rebellion
(sin/death/destruction)
B. “destroy” is to render inoperative (not removed yet)
C. “manifested” to defeat the devil on his own turf
(within the confines of the Law/demands of justice)
IV. Children of God Don’t Reproduce Rebellious DNA
A. His (God’s) seed remains in us (v.9)
(The old person is gone-does not practice sin)
B. Spiritually, we are to reproduce God’s DNA in others
V. Conclusion
Discussion: How have we seen “drift” in what the phrase “Child of God” means? How do we pass along the right DNA?
Challenge: May we be modeling the right qualities daily through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
___________________________
Knowing the Truth 10-20-24
Part 5 – I John 2:18-29 “Abiding in the Truth”
Intro: On the journey of faith, there are many choices that will be made over a lifetime. As an elder apostle, John provided timeless insight for staying anchored to the truth when times get murky. The culture and philosophies may have changed over time, but the underlying spirit of opposition has not.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 2:18-23
I. Denying Christ’s Deity is Rejecting the Truth (v.18-23)
Note: “Last hour”-(a kind of time vs. duration of time-W.W.)
(no event left except rapture/return/final events)
A. John’s exclusive use of “antichrist”
(a specific person in the Revelation)
(daily activities with “anti” having dual meanings)
(against/fighting and scheming against Christ)
(in place of/replacing with falsehoods)
B. False teachers were made manifest-v.19 (revealed)
C. True believers have the anointing of the Holy Spirit
D. Denial of the Son is denial of The Father (v.23)
(there is no partial allowance-Jesus is God)
READ: v.24-27
II. The Truth of Him is to Abide in Us (v.24-27)
A. We are to always go back to original truth
(“source truth” that is “from the beginning”)
(like Jesus did with the disciples from Emmaus)
B. There will be those promoting deception
(inside and outside of church circles)
C. The Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus/His teachings
READ: John 15:5-15
READ: v.28-29
III. We are to Abide in Him (v.28-29)
A. In Him there is confidence for eternity
B. In Him is a desire to “practice righteousness”
C. In Him there is a bearing of fruit (John 15:1-5)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What parts of “abiding” have you found most helpful?
Challenge: May we be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
_________________________
Knowing the Truth 10-13-24
Part 4 – I John 2:12-17 “The Power of Love”
Intro: An iconic movie from decades ago made a song famous with the phrase “the power of love”. We use the word love in many ways, but in the context of these verses, the power of love can drive many different choices and consequences. We’ll start by reviewing how John describes the ones receiving his letter.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 2:12-14
I. The Composition of the Hearers (v.12-14)
A. “little children” (“born ones”, same as 2:1)
(all…are forgiven)
B. “fathers” (mature) know the Father
(steady, solid in their faith)
C. “young men” (growing)
(overcoming the enemy by the Word)
D. “little children” (v.13b) (young in faith)
(capacity to grow and mature)
READ: v.15-17
II. The Competition for Love (v.15-16)
Note: 3 references to “world”:
-Physical (John 1:10)
-Humanity (John 3:16)
-World system (1 John 2:15)
A. Lust of the flesh
(the natural passions that can become wrong)
B. Lust of the eyes
(the desire for possessions and to possess)
C. Pride of life
(the pursuit of position and recognition)
III. The Renewal of the Mind (v.17 & Romans 12:1-2)
A. There is the contrast of temporary versus eternal
(what has temporary value versus eternal value)
READ: Romans 12:1-2
B. Renewal-regarding “lust of the flesh”
(What is good according to God)
C. Renewal-regarding “lust of the eyes”
(What is acceptable (or pleasing) according to God)
D. Renewal-regarding “pride of life”
(What is perfect will according to God)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: With all 3 in v.16 elevated and celebrated by “the world”, how does scripture factor into the transformational process?
Challenge: May we be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds through the power of the Word and Holy Spirit.
_________________
Knowing the Truth 10-6-24
Part 3 – 1 John 2:3-11 “The Real Walk”
Intro: When it comes to our walk of faith, there is an endless number of voices (past and present) speaking to the details. However, in John’s letter he narrows down the criteria for assessing an authentic “walk” or “life in Christ” to some key words; keep, love, know, and light. While there are many other subjects and instructions in the scriptures, this section is pointed and presents a clear call for reflection.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 2:3-11
I. The Real Walk Includes Keeping His Commandments
A. The proactive part (keeping)
(tereo-meaning sailors knowing/keeping the stars)
B. The sincere part (same principle as Phil 1:10)
(sin cera-meaning ‘without max’)
(sculptors used wax to cover mistakes in marble)
II. The Real Walk Includes the Love of God
A. Agape´ type love- (love defined by God-1 Cor. 13)
(loving by choice and selfless in nature)
B. Love modeled by Jesus (John 13:34)
(“…as I have loved you”)
(a further clarification of the command to love)
III. The Real Walk Includes Awareness of It
A. v.3 “knowing that we know”
B. v.5 “perfected” – completed, maturing, confident
IV. The Real Walk Includes the Light of God (v.10)
A. There is purity of motive in the Light
B. There is illumination of obstacles in the Light
(as opposed to lack of vision in the shadows)
(hate and bitterness create blindness)
V. Conclusion
Discussion: What do you think the “keeping with sincerity” (point I) looks like?
Challenge: May we live empowered by the Holy Spirit this week to “keep” His commandments this week.
________________
Knowing the Truth 9-29-24
Part 2 – 1 John 1:5-2:2 “The Real Message”
Intro: As the church was expanding in the early days, new believers were being added and new leaders were coming along who were not present for the Lord’s ministry. As it is with a game of “telephone”, the truth could easily get misunderstood, changed, edited, etc.
In John’s first letter, there are pointed statements to help clear up any misunderstandings by presenting a message directly from the Lord.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 1:5-2:2
I. The Message about God (v.5)
A. God gave the message directly to John
(what He specifically wanted them (& us) to know)
B. God is light
(not in the light, He is inherently light)
(He defines the light)
C. God has no darkness in Him
(no deceptions, ulterior motives, shadowy places)
II. The Message about Fellowship (v.6-7)
(koinonia)-common, oneness
A. Fellowship with Him is walking in the light (His light) (v.6)
(not just a generic, secular concept/idea of light)
B. Fellowship with Him is practicing the truth (v.6)
(proactive and often imperfect in the execution)
C. Fellowship with Him connects us together (v.7)
(He is our bond together, not our ability to keep it)
D. Fellowship with Him involves cleansing (v.7)
(original salvation and on-going forgiveness)
III. The Message about Sin (v.8-2:2)
A. Sin is an on-going presence (v.8)
(walking in truth involves avoiding self-deception)
B. Confessed sin is forgiven and cleansed away (v.9)
(no longer present-gone)
C. We have an Advocate with the Father when we sin (v.1)
(speaking on our behalf when the accuser comes)
D. Our Advocate’s defense case is based on His work (v.2)
(His sacrifice satisfied/satisfies justice’s demand)
E. His work is an open invitation to all (v.2)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: How does “walking in light” apply to our everyday activities?
Challenge: May we live empowered by the Holy Spirit this week to walk in the True Light.
_____________________
Knowing the Truth 9-22-24
Part 1 – 1 John 1:1-4 “The Real Word”
Intro: A common misconception in matters of faith, is that there is a need to separate cognitive processes from faith. However, John’s 1st letter is the opposite. He includes forms of “know” and “known” 38 times. In other words, he wanted the reader to “know”, not to just live with a vague hope or “freeform” version of Christianity.
His letter is pointed, concise and powerfully focused on the truths that Jesus taught, modeled and instructed him to pass along.
Let’s take a look:
READ: 1:1-4
I. The Origin of the Word
A. Eternal-“from the beginning” (v.1)
Echoes John 1:1/He predated time
From the creation, to the cross, to now
B. Clearly revealed-“manifested” (v.2)
First-spoken words to people (Noah, Abraham, etc.)
Second-written words (history, instructions, etc.)
Third-Living Word physically here-clearly revealed
II. The Communication of the Word
A. A complete message-“we have heard” (v.1)
(on many different matters over time)
B. Truth in action-“we have seen” (v.1)
(Jesus’ ways in many different contexts)
C. Proof-“we have handled” (v.1)
(He really lived, really died, really came back to life)
D. Instructions-“we declare” (v.2)
(articulated after active learning, being corrected)
E. Common bond-“fellowship” (v.3)
(common bond with Christ
(common bond in Christ with others)
F. Joy-“that your joy may be full” (v.4)
(fullness, completeness, deep serenity)
III. Conclusion
Discussion: How specifically do “these things” facilitate fullness of joy?
Challenge: May we live empowered by the Holy Spirit this week to live in joy by knowing the truth.
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