From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Thu, May 18, 2023 at 5:18 AM
Subject: 5-18-23 THOUGHTS
5-18-23 THOUGHTS
A bit of self-examination from 1John this morning. John at this time of his life is older and he is certainly challenging in this book. He seems to focus on the “weightier matters of the law.” He is after the simple key ideas of Christianity. The words KNOW, LOVE and DO come to mind. To John, the essence of being a disciple is LIVING LOVE! It is a love that is wrapped up in Jesus and Him crucified. We can know, because our belief has been turned into a life. The Spirit of God through John doesn’t give us the world to play in! John says, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Verse 17 is good summary. It sounds like we need to come to grips with this reading! Truly, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts;” As I contemplate these words, one word comes to mind... PENETRATING! Our hearts need stirring now and then!
1John 2:3-17 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 7 Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. 8 On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. 9 The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
My Prayer:
O Lord, keep our hearts keenly aware of the reality of our lives. Help us to know we are Yours. May we overcome the evil one each day. May we live, loving. Teach us the controls of mind and body that overcome the lusts for this world. May a closer walk with You through Christ Jesus, be our reason for living. May we abide in You, our Vine and Sustainer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.