January 31, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:19-24
19This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
Questions for Reflection:
The letter of 1 John was written into a historical context where a group of people were facing real issues. One of the issues that John addresses in his letter is the issue of confidence, or assurance, in their salvation. What does John point to that should give his readers confidence in their salvation? The reality of the Christian experience is that we each might face moments where we feel condemned or unworthy. Sometimes that condemnation comes from those around us; sometimes that condemnations arises within ourselves. John notes that God is greater than that condemnation. One commentator writes, “Our assurance is anchored in God and God alone, never in our own ability to generate feelings of confidence.”
The message of the gospel is our source of hope. God is greater than whatever doubts you might have. God’s grace is greater than any of your sin. On Sundays, we we often spend time gathered together in worship, singing songs. Take a moment to listen to a familiar song laced with the hope of the gospel.
Out of this work that God has done for us, John reminds us to follow the commands of Christ. What are those commands? When we follow the commands of Christ, what are we testifying to the world? According to verse 24, what allows us to live out that faith? What does God give us as that gives us assurance that we are His children?
Verse 24 contains the first of several references to the Holy Spirit in John’s letters. It’s helpful to pay attention to any reference to the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Why? Because we should want to know God and references to the Spirit are references to God. What purpose does the Holy Spirit accomplish according to this passage? Why is it important that the Holy Spirit lives within us?
Close your time of personal worship reflecting on moments that you sensed the Holy Spirit working in your life. Thank God for those moments and the clarity to identify His presence. Also continue to pray that God would allow you to live out the gospel through your belief in Jesus Christ and your ability to love one another.