1 & 2 & 3 John – Be Still…

1 John 2:17 – This World

“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:17)

We live in this world and may think we see it fading away, too. It’s good to remember that this world is not our destination. That thought can bring you comfort if your heart is breaking along with God’s over some of the horrific things people are dealing with these days. With hope in Christ, the “fading away” part doesn’t have to be as scary.

Context (1 John 2:15-17) These few verses speak of the world and remind us of an important truth. The world is not what we should be trusting. We should expect the world to disappoint us and not put blind faith in it but in God alone. What are some of your “cravings” in this that entice you away from your relationship with God? The world is good at deceiving us, so beware. Continue reading “1 John 2:17 – This World”

1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14)

The advantage of this memory verse is clear—the confidence that God hears our prayers. But there is an action step for us. We need to be praying what pleases God. Other translations refer to our prayers being God’s will. So, if we ask God for things that are his will, he hears us. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I’m confident he hears all the other babbling we do, too.

Context: This verse appears during the conclusion to John’s first letter (he writes three letters total). John assumes he is writing to fellow believers, wants them to know about eternal life, and to further assure that when God hears us, he answers us. Continue reading “1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray”

1 John 3:16 – Real Love

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

We are weeks away from celebrating Easter as I reflect on this verse. How powerful its significance while walking with Jesus to the cross. I can’t fully wrap my head around God’s love for us, can you? Jesus’ actions define real love in a way nothing else could.

Context: John’s teaching here is all about love, but he is focusing on how we are to love each other. For us to know how to do that, we need only look to Jesus and his example on the cross. That’s why this verse is so important. It helps keep us on track, putting into perspective what love looks like. Continue reading “1 John 3:16 – Real Love”

1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

I was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, so this memory verse is very familiar. Growing up, the pastor would say these words every week during the Confession/Forgiveness part of our liturgy or order of worship. My mind was blown when years later I realized the pastor was quoting scripture.

Context: 1 John 1 is not a very long chapter, but John includes a lot of wisdom here. He shares more about Jesus’ teachings about sin not already contained in his gospel. It speaks of living in the light and how we mustn’t hide our sin but rather confess it. It is then that we are forgiven. Continue reading “1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!”

1 John 1:5-10 Be Cleansed, Be Free!

Read 1 John 1:5-10

We all do it. We walk around lugging our baggage behind us while we miss out on the life of freedom God desires for us. Why do we do it? Good question. I’ve got my theories, and I’d love to hear yours.

Our baggage may simply be the lies we’ve told ourselves so long we almost believe them, like we’re not good enough. Perhaps they are doubts we can’t face, sins we can’t forgive ourselves for, excuses for not taking action. Guilt may also be the baggage robbing you of your joy. But there is good news.