Getting to Know the Father - Exodus 33, 34; Micah 6 and John 4 - July 5, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Getting to Know the Father – July 5, 2009

This begins a new series of study entitled “Experiencing God Triune-ly.”

We will explore the concept of the Trinity and its implications for Christian living.

Our scripture is Exodus 33:18-23; 34:5-8; Micah 6:6-8; John 4:21-24.

July 5 – Getting to Know the Father
July 12 – Exalting the Son
July 19 – Living in the Spirit
July 26 – Key Questions About the Triune God

People who read and study the Bible encounter the Trinity in Genesis 1:26 a:

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. Who is GOD speaking to? Most conclude that this is the first encounter with the Trinity – GOD, THE FATHER, GOD, THE SON and GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Do I think there are three (3) separate and distinct persons? Yes. But there are many different ways to consider the Trinity.

One can build a case for one person with three different roles such as our earthly fathers or mothers. They are a son or daughter to their parent, they are a mother or father to their children and they are a wife or husband to their spouse. This would embrace one person responding in three (3) different ways depending on the circumstance.

I have wrestled with this over the years and what I have concluded is that GOD, the FATHER, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT are three (3) different persons. If you ask a question to any one of the three (3) you will get the same answer. They are separate but are in absolute harmony and unity with each other. But this is my way of thinking about the Trinity. As we study we will explore and the HOLY SPIRIT will lead us to know the truth.

The Bible is the revelation of GOD, on an ever ascending scale, culminating in the revelation of CHRIST and the working of the HOLY SPIRIT in the lives of believers.

Let’s read Exodus 33:18-23:

18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see Your glory.” 19 He said, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name • Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”[3] Rm 9:15 20 But He answered, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.”[4] Jn 1:18

The setting for this scripture was - Moses had led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. They had been camped at Mount Sinai for a period of time. The Israelites had made the golden calf to worship. Moses had offered himself to pay for the sins of the people but GOD said, no. Each person will have to pay for his or her own sin. GOD had instructed Moses to lead the people to the land HE had promised Abraham. This is exciting that we see, even though Abraham was dead, GOD fulfills HIS promise to Abraham.

GOD had revealed Himself to Moses but Moses wanted to know HIM in a more intimate way. He wanted to see HIS Glory. Glory is a Hebrew word which means “something heavy in weight.” The word could also refer to a person that was very important. When Moses used “Glory” in reference to GOD, he was asking GOD to reveal more of HIS character and nature. It means the manifestation of HIS presence. It carries the idea of inexpressible beauty and holiness. GOD’S Glory exists whether or not we see it manifested. But all we have to do is look around us each moment and see HIS Glory manifested through HIS handiwork.

Moses wanted to see GOD’S Glory. GOD informed Moses in verse 20, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” The Purity, Holiness and Righteousness of GOD are more that a human can tolerate. This is hard to explain. The closest I have experienced is while listening to a beautiful piece of music or experiencing a moment of overwhelming love or beholding a scene of inexpressible beauty. These moments are so rich and captivating that I could not find the words or emotions to express what
I was experiencing. These are moments when you think you will explode inside because you cannot express what you are experiencing.

I believe that is why we as humans cannot see the Glory of GOD. Just beholding HIS handiwork through others, nature, music and many other ways is overwhelming and inexpressible. Often, such moments inspire people to take pictures, paint pictures, write music, write poetry, write commentary, breath in the moment to remember it for the rest of their lives and the list goes on.

By GOD not allowing Moses to see HIS Glory gave GOD the opportunity to reveal some attributes about Himself in verse 19:

“I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name • Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”[3] Rm 9:15

GOD’S Goodness is closely related to HIS Glory. HIS Goodness is in direct contrast or the opposite side of sin. It is GOD’S Goodness that produces all the attributes of GOD toward HIS creation. HIS Graciousness and HIS Compassion toward humans is based upon HIS Goodness and not based upon something good HE sees in them.

Yahweh is one of the most important names for GOD in the Old Testament. It was the name that GOD used when HE spoke to Moses from the burning bush. It means “I AM” or “I will be WHO I will be.”

Gracious – GOD shows grace which is unmerited favor. It is GOD’S forgiveness when it is not deserved. GOD showed grace when HE delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. They had not merited HIS intervention. HE intervened because HE had promised Abraham that HE would make a nation from his descendants.

Compassion or mercy is an aspect of GOD’S love which moves HIM to help the miserable due to circumstance beyond their control.

This attributes give us information regarding the nature of GOD. Moses wanted to know GOD in a more intimate way. He wanted to see GOD face to face, which means up close and personal. Notice that GOD was not offended by Moses request. HE did not say “How dare you!” No!!! GOD revealed that HE was open and willing to work with Moses to grant his request the best that HE could without killing Moses. Moses wanted a more intimate, personal relationship with GOD. That is exactly what GOD wants with all believers, a deeper relationship.

This to me is awesome. GOD is the same today. When HIS children want to seek a more intimate relationship with HIM, HE does all HE can to accommodate them. HE showed Moses where he could stand and GOD would cover him with HIS hand until HE safely passed by and would let him see the back of HIS head.

This is such a fitting example for Moses and all believers. By faith believers can know what GOD is planning but it is awesome to see what GOD has done. It is often difficult to see where GOD is going but awesome to see where HE has been.

Ask GOD to help you build the most intimate, loving relationship with HIM that is possible. Believers have to realize that GOD does not zap them with Holy Dust and they receive instant Spiritual growth and insight. But it is often a process as believers yield their lives to HIM.

Let’s read Exodus 34:5-8:

5 The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed [His]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. name • Yahweh. 6 Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,[1] Nm 14:18; Ps 86:15; 103:8 7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand [generations]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin. But He will not leave [the guilty]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. 8 Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped.

Again we see additional attributes of GOD:

GOD identified Himself as Yahweh.

GOD repeats that HE is compassionate, which means HE empathizes with us and cares about what humans are experiencing.

HE is gracious, slow to anger and forgives wrongdoing, rebellion and sin.

GOD will punish the guilty and bring the consequences of the fathers’ wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. We know that abusers produce abusers. The sinful nature of mankind must be dealt with before it is passed on to other generations or else it will reproduce itself.

The overarching idea is that what GOD has condemned in one generation is still condemned in future generations. People can either through heredity or their environment be inclined toward certain tendencies and lifestyles such as abuse, addictions, violence, lying, stealing, cheating and the list goes on. However, every person is responsible and accountable for his or her own actions.

Moses’ knew that he was in the presence of Almighty GOD and His response was to bow and worship HIM. GOD had revealed more of HIS attributes and nature to HIM that produced a response of worship and awe.

Let’s read Micah 6:6-8 and John 4:21-24:

6 What should I bring before the Lord when I come to bow before God on high? Should I come before Him with • burnt offerings, with year-old calves? 7 Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? 8 He has told you men what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

The Word of the LORD, through the Prophet Micah, was to warn the Israelites that their idolatrous practices would lead to their ruin. Micah lists the things used to worship GOD but are they the most important? He even raised the question regarding human sacrifice by sacrificing their first born. This was connecting them to pagan practice because human sacrifice has never been suggested or implied by GOD. Not the physical things the world has to offer but what is stated in verse 8 – “the Lord requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” GOD does not want you to run to the temple every day but as you live and breathe each moment show the love of GOD to others by serving HIM. GOD is Spirit and those who worship HIM must do so in Spirit and Truth, which JESUS states in our next scripture.

John 4:21-24: (JESUS speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well.)

21 Jesus told her, “Believe Me, • woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans[9] Samaritans is implied since the Gk verb and pronoun are pl. worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

It is not the ritual of going to church every time the doors open that pleases GOD but what pleases GOD is for believers to obediently serve HIM through a loving, intimate relationship. Gathering together is good but only when we do it for the right reasons.

Believers go to Bible study after Bible study, which is good. But putting into practice what they know is what GOD wants for them. Some may say but I am afraid. Good, then you need to go to GOD in prayer and ask HIM to help you. Fear is not from GOD but from Satan.

This study has exposed us to some of the attributes of GOD as our FATHER. It has revealed some awesome characteristics about GOD. How do you see GOD? HE hates evil but loves good. HE is good, merciful, kind, generous, gracious, compassionate but also a GOD of wrath because of evil.

HIS desire is for all humans to accept JESUS as their SAVIOR and that none perish, no not one. The choice is yours. Will you accept CHRIST as your SAVIOR right now? Ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian and not the church you attend.

Confidently Victorious - 1 John 5:12-21 - June 28, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Confidently Victorious – June 28, 2009

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “Beyond Doubt.”

Our scripture is 1 John 5:12-21.

The Apostle John has given believers a lot to ponder so they will be equipped to discern between truth and error, live confidentially with the assurance of their salvation and eternal life through CHRIST. Believers know the truth and are anointed or indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT.

The title of our series is “Beyond Doubt.” Doubt to me can be healthy, provided we seek the truth. I have found that a lot of my spiritual growth has come about as the result of seeking to satisfy a doubt. Believers must be honest with GOD and reveal a doubt or concern to HIM and ask HIM to help them understand the truth. The answer may not come in a flash but it will come because believers know for sure that GOD hears them.

Let’s read 1 John 5:12-13:

12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

I used this scripture in last week’s study. The Gnostics denied that JESUS was the CHRIST or the true Messiah. They denied that JESUS was 100% human and 100% Divine. JESUS’ sinless humanity is vital to a believer’s salvation. GOD demanded that blood from an unblemished lamb be shed. The shed blood of the lamb was a place holder for believers under the law, until JESUS, the perfect sacrifice, gave HIS life to pay the penalty for sin. GOD confirmed that JESUS was the perfect sacrifice by HIS resurrection from the dead. John testified that he and the other disciples were witnesses to all of this including the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell all believers.

JESUS has life eternal and HE in turn gives eternal life to all who believe in HIM and accept HIM as their SAVIOR. It is CHRIST in a believer that makes a person a Christian and not the church he or she attends or belongs to. John makes salvation plain. Those who have the SON of GOD, JESUS, have eternal life. Have you asked JESUS to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life? If so, you have CHRIST in you and are a Christian. If not, do so now because all humans are one heartbeat away from eternity.

Let’s read 1 John 5:14-17:

Effective Prayer
14 Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not bring death, he should ask, and God[3] Lit He will give life to him—to those who commit sin that doesn’t bring death. There is sin[4] Or is a sin that brings death. I am not saying he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin that does not bring death.

The word “confidence” comes from a Greek word which carries the idea that every person has the right to present his/her case before the judge with boldness. Believers can approach CHRIST with confidence and boldness with the assurance that HE hears us. GOD hearing us is one thing but HIM granting our request is another. An answer can be yes, no or wait. The caveat is “according to HIS will.” I shared an experience I had regarding this very scripture in the study May 31, 2009. I repeat it here:

The LORD brought to my mind an experience I had years ago. I was driving out of town to attend a meeting which the distance would mean an overnight stay somewhere along the way. I was listening to the radio and a preacher was preaching on “Ask and you will receive.” I took issue with what the preacher was saying and began talking to the LORD like, “I have asked and not received. If you listen to this preacher you would think that Christians can just ask whatever and receive it.” When my lecture to the LORD finished, the still small voice of the LORD said, “When you ask according to MY will it will be done.” So I said, “Okay LORD I have to spend the night somewhere on the road tonight. Where do YOU want me to stop? I want to do YOUR will. Whatever YOU ask me to do, I will.” I went to the meeting and when I left the meeting I said LORD, “Where do YOU want me to spend the night? I was in Raleigh, NC and had the choices of staying in Raleigh, Greensboro or driving back to Spartanburg, SC. The LORD clearly said Greensboro. So I drive toward Greensboro. As I got close to Greensboro, the billboards reminded me that the NCAA Tournament was going on. I again asked the LORD where I should stay because rooms would be scarce. HE led me to a certain motel and I asked for a room. The desk clerk looked at me and asked, “Where did you come from? Don’t you know there is no room within fifty (50) miles of Greensboro?” I uttered a prayer and the LORD said in essence, don’t worry you will have a room. The desk clerk said, “If you are willing to wait, I have one room and if the person does not show, you can have that room.” I waited and asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do. I suggested tickets to the NCAA tournament would be nice but HE said I want you to go to church. I asked what church? It was on a Wednesday. I was led to go to the Yellow Pages of the telephone book.

I went over to the telephone directory and looked through the Yellow Pages. I picked out a church or two but the LORD said “no”. I went across one church and HE said that was it. I went on to others but HE kept leading me back to this one church. I said okay. As I write this I do not recall the name of the church but it was a “street name” Baptist church. I got the room and asked the desk clerk where this church was located. He did not know but pointed me in a general direction.

I drove toward that direction and was praying because it was getting late for a church service. I asked the LORD to help me find the church. HE said, “Look up.” I saw three (3) church steeples and HE said, “Do you see the middle steeple? I said, “Yes.” HE said drive to it. Guess what? That was the church. I said, “LORD I need another thing, which door should I go into?” HE led me to a certain door of the church and as I was walking toward that door, I said, “It would be nice if there is someone who could show me where the Wednesday night service is being held.” I opened the door and a man was leaning on a table at the far end of a long hall. I went up to him and asked him where the Wednesday night service was being held. He said, “I don’t know.” My heart sank for a moment but he quickly said, “But this lady will know because this is the pastor’s wife.” She said, “Come with me.” We sat on the same pew. The pastor’s wife had told me that her husband was out of town and he had asked a deacon to lead the service. I said, “LORD here I am, what do YOU want me to do?” HE said, “I want you to give your testimony.” I went into panic mode.

The deacon had gotten up to speak. He told us that the pastor had asked him to conduct the service. He had his Bible and it had numerous slips of paper marking certain passages of scripture. I said, “LORD, it would be rude for me to jump up and take up this man’s time for me to give my testimony. He had prepared his message but if YOU work it out I will do it.” The deacon said, “I have been working on a message for you for a long time. You can see all these slips of paper but frankly I have nothing to say.” My heart went into panic mode again. He said, “If anyone has anything to say, please say it.” Now, you would think that was an open invitation but I asked the LORD, “I am willing to share my testimony but I want to be asked.” Guess what? HE said, “Done” and the pastor’s wife, who was sitting about six (6) or so feet from me leaned over and touched my arm and said, “Sir, don’t you have something to say.” With that I sprang to my feet and told them what I had just related to you. I gave my testimony.

There were no visible signs of the LORD working in the lives of those who heard me speak. But HE was working in my life and showing me, when a believer asks according to HIS will, it will be done. The LORD is calling believers to do HIS will every day, be obedient and respond.

In verse 15, John used the word “know.” This means to “know for certain that you already have what you have requested.” “To know” is an assurance that GOD has heard and if the request is according to HIS will and purpose, then you already have what you have requested. But it is up to GOD as to when the request is granted. This sounds like a hedge but from GOD’S perspective, the person requesting may not be ready for what is being requested or circumstances may not be ready but in time it will come about. JESUS teaches us about prayer in Luke 11:9-13:

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

GOD will never give a believer something that will harm him/her. That is why we may need to grow spiritually or our circumstances change before HE will grant our request.

Verses 16 and 17 are both interesting and challenging. There are multiple interpretations. What is John writing about?

First, he was writing about believers in verse 16. When a believer sees another believer commit a sin, he or she should pray for him or her. In South Carolina our governor has just revealed that he has been involved in an affair. He is a believer. As fellow believers, our immediate response should be to pray for him, his family and yes even the other woman and her family. Yet our tendency is to ridicule.

John told believers that there is sin that does “not” lead to death and sin that does lead to death. Most Bible scholars agree that “death”, as used here, refers to spiritual death and not physical death. When a believer sins, it can rob him or her of the intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST until the sin is confessed. John addressed the confession of sin in 1 John 1:9-10:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

In the later part of verse 16, John told believers that there is sin that brought death. Here most Bible scholars believe that John, again, was referring to spiritual death but not for a believer but an unbeliever. When a person rejects the wooing of GOD in his or her life so much that he or she has become callous to HIM, there is nothing more GOD can do to woo that person to accept CHRIST as his or her SAVIOR.

A more compelling thought was that John’s readers knew what he was talking about and the rest of us speculate on what he was saying.

John was concerned about Gnosticism. The false prophets had left the true Church and were spreading their false message to all who would listen. John likely had these false prophets in mind because there was nothing else that could be done to lead them to see the truth. This is a sad state indeed for a person to be in because their ultimate doom is spiritual death, which is eternal death. CHRIST is the source of eternal life and there is no other way. The false prophets rejected CHRIST as the true Messiah, therefore, they were committing a sin unto death, unbelief.

Christians are to pray for one another and minister to one another when bad times come into their lives. Christians are to forgive one another as CHRIST has forgiven them.

Let’s read 1 John 5:18-21:

Conclusion
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One[5] Jesus Christ who is born of God keeps him,[6] Other mss read himself [7] Or the one who is born of God keeps himself and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true One.[8] Other mss read the true God We are in the true One—that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

This can get confusing. Verse 18, in essence states that believers, all who have been born of GOD, do not sin because the shed blood of CHRIST keeps them white as snow. Yes, believers’ sin but believers also confess their sins, which in turn is proof that they are true believers.

Notice the number of times John used the word “know.” These “know” statements are things believers can be sure of. They are absolutes.

John used the word “touch.” The Greek word for “touch” carries the idea that Satan does not have the ability to harm those who have been born of GOD. This is why it is vital that believers confess their sins because nothing must come between believers and their relationship with GOD. Un-confessed sin can lure a believer outside the protective care of our LORD. When a believer does not confess his/her sin, GOD allows Satan to get his/her attention as a wake-up call. Believers do not lose their salvation but they can lose the joy of their salvation and fellowship with GOD through CHRIST.

Believers know that Satan cannot lay a hand on them because GOD holds them, as well as, CHRIST. JESUS expounded on this in John 10:27-30:

27 My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”[9] Lit I and the Father—We are one.

Believers not only have the protection of JESUS but they also have the protection of GOD, THE FATHER. Keep in mind that believers have a free will. Believers can remove themselves from the protective care of the FATHER. They will never lose their salvation and eternal life but they can lose the joy of their salvation and the victory of living the abundant life in CHRIST.

Believers know that CHRIST is the real Messiah because HE came in the flesh. HE lived a sinless life, was obedient to GOD, performed signs and wonders, gave HIS life to pay the penalty for sins, was raised from the dead as proof that HE had conquered death, is the source of eternal life and is a believer’s advocate in heaven.

Just as we know that CHRIST is true and real, so is the evil one. Believers know the truth because of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT WHO confirms the fact that they are GOD’S children. CHRIST is eternal life.

John ends by urging fellow believers not to allow anything to come between them and CHRIST. That is nothing. He is referring to physical objects or artifacts of worship, as well as, any ideologies or theologies that differ from the truth they already know.

This is a message to all believers. Believers must not allow anything to come between them and GOD. Believers must stay connected to the truth by not allowing sin to go un-confessed or anything to come between them and their relationship with CHRIST. Believers must stay in HIS Word, talk with HIM in prayer, fellowship with HIM through relationship and obediently serve HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT equips believers with all truth and confirms truth in the eyes of their hearts through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. GOD is light and the HOLY SPIRIT dispels darkness and shines the light of GOD on the things that are hidden so that believers can walk in the light as HE is the light.

Embrace our LORD fully and ask HIM to help you build the most intimate, loving relationship that is possible. It will be an awesome journey.

Grounded in Truth - 1 John 2:18-27; 4:1-6 - June 21, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Grounded in Truth – June 21, 2009

This is lesson three (3) in our series study entitled “Beyond Doubt.”

Our scripture is 1 John 2:18-27; 4:1-6.

I usually give a lead-in to the lesson but not today but we need to spend our time in the lesson. It is a lesson Satan does not want us to study.

Let’s read 1 John 2:18-23:
The Last Hour
18 Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard, “Antichrist is coming,” even now many antichrists have come. We know from this that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.[6] Other mss read and you know all things 21 I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the • Messiah? He is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well.

The Apostle John again refers to those to whom he was writing as “children.” Not that they were children but he was about 100 years old and he looked upon himself as their spiritual mentor. He called them children as a term of endearment but it could have been that John saw them as children in a spiritual sense. They needed to grow and mature spiritually. He needed to warn them about the false teachers and false doctrines being taught in their society so they would not be misled.

In essence, he was saying, “The time for the second coming of JESUS is close at hand. Look around you and see what is happening. There are those who call themselves Christians but they have left the true teachings, which is proof that they never were born-again. They are the antichrists. JESUS Himself taught that one of the signs that the end is near is when false prophets are rampant. In this case these false prophets or teachers have been exposed to the truth but rejected it. When this happens there is nothing more they can be exposed to, to bring them to salvation. These antichrists have turned their backs on the truth. They know enough truth to confuse you and lure you into accepting their false message over the true message you already know.”

Those who know some of the truth but not the whole truth are the most dangerous. That is why all believers must read and study the Bible and test all spiritual messages themselves against the Truth, the Bible and the witness of the HOLY SPIRIT within them.

John was writing to believers, not to accuse them of turning their backs on the truth, but because they knew the truth, he did not want them to be deceived, confused or led astray. The truth is that CHRIST came in the flesh, lived as a human, yet divine, died for our sins, was resurrected and ascended into heaven to sit at the right-hand of the FATHER. Those who deny this are the antichrists.

The antichrists are those against or opposed to CHRIST. The antichrists were presenting a substitute for CHRIST or a message in place of the truth regarding CHRIST. Their message was that CHRIST was not 100% Human and 100% Divine. The substitute could be the person delivering the message, “follow me” or a substitute message such as, CHRIST was not real but only imagined to be real or the Spirit of CHRIST came upon JESUS at HIS baptism and left HIM at HIS death. Their message denied CHRIST coming to earth in the flesh, giving HIS life to set mankind free from sin, conquering death and GOD raising HIM from the dead as proof that HE is the true Messiah.

THE FATHER and THE SON go hand in hand. You have to embrace both. JESUS is the key to salvation. When you have JESUS, you have GOD, the FATHER because JESUS is the way to GOD. This was GOD’S plan for the salvation of mankind and JESUS is a believer’s assurance of salvation, which is confirmed by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

1 John 5:11-13:

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

In verse 20, GOD has given believers the anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO teaches, enlightens and empowers them. Verse 20 states that believers have all knowledge. This is true, because all true believers have the HOLY SPIRIT WHO has all knowledge and they have all truth regarding CHRIST. Having the knowledge of truth in them equips them to counter false message of the false prophets. There is another way to consider this statement.

In my opinion, believers will only have all knowledge when they see JESUS. But between now and then, believers receive knowledge as they grow and mature in HIM through the teaching, enlightenment and empowerment of the HOLY SPIRIT and the study of GOD’S Word.

It is like parenting children. When children are little, parents can give them certain instructions and training based upon their age and ability to comprehend. In the process of teaching, they gain a certain amount of knowledge as they grow and experience life under the direction of their parents. Learning is a never-ending process. A believer’s ability to grow spiritually in the knowledge and truth of GOD is limited by his/her willingness to allow GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, to guide his/her life. GOD as our FATHER, the HOLY SPIRIT as our teacher, prayer as our communication link and GOD’S Word as our textbook are all vital as we journey through life, obediently learn of HIM and serve HIM.

Let’s read 1 John 2: 24-27:
Remaining with God
24 What you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. 26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in Him.

The wording of verse 24 could lead believers to think they can lose their salvation. What believers can lose is their assurance of salvation because of not abiding or remaining in the truth. See what happens to the branch in the following scripture in verse 6. It withers and dies when it is not connected to the vine. Believers must stay connected through relationship. Believers never lose their salvation because they have been born of imperishable seed. (This scripture was in last week’s lesson 1 Peter 1:23. Further reading can be found in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.)

Abiding or remaining is a vital part of being a healthy branch. Abiding means to rest and remain in the relationship; remaining means not to move from where you are, that is stay connected to the source of your spiritual nourishment and vitality, JESUS. JESUS is the true vine, believers are the branches. JESUS said it best in John 15:1-7:

The Vine and the Branches - This is JESUS speaking.
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain (Abide) in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[1] Or and become My disciples.

Since believers have the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, the HOLY SPIRIT not only confirms their salvation but HE also teaches, instructs and empowers them by revealing truth and confirming truth through revealed light.

Let’s read 1 John 4:1-6:
The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error
1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh[1] Or confesses Jesus to be the Christ come in the flesh is from God. 3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus[2] Other mss read confess that Jesus has come in the flesh is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now. 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

John urged those to whom he was writing to verify truth or expose error by testing. There is the “spirit of the world” which humans embrace. It is a socially accepted standard. There is the “spirit” world that influences people to embrace error and blinds them to the truth. Then there are those who know the truth because they have been born-again, know the truth, remain in the truth and continue to be enlightened by the truth. Believers are to test all sources giving a message from GOD to verify that it is accurate according to the scriptures.

The Apostle Paul tells us about the spirit world surrounding us in Ephesians 6:10-12:

Christian Warfare
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics[10] Or schemes, or tricks of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.[11] Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10

The Apostle John again used the word “friends.” GOD speaks to HIS children any way HE chooses. In 1 Kings 19: the Prophet Elijah heard the voice of GOD:

Elijah’s Encounter with the Lord
Then the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of • Hosts, but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.” 11 Then He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.

A soft whisper is not the only way GOD speaks but HE speaks in many different ways. Our part is to know when GOD is speaking to us and test the spirits. GOD’S message will not be contrary to HIS Word and is confirmed in HIS Word.

Believers must always be active listeners. We are to test the message from people who claim to be born-again believers. There are people who have a nature or spirit, so-to-speak, in them that is authoritative and they claim to be representing GOD. Test them. Matthew 7:21 JESUS tells us:

18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’[9] Lit you who work lawlessness [10] Ps 6:8

John wanted those he was mentoring to be careful about who is giving them a message from GOD. He reminded them in 1 John 2:19 that the spirit of antichrist had gone out from them. These antichrists had been in their fellowship and know Christian jargon. But they put a spin on the truth; therefore, test the spirits to make sure they are from GOD. The spirit of antichrist is opposed to CHRIST and GOD.

Folks, the spirit of antichrist has not left this world. In this day and time we tend to “pooh pooh” the notion of the “spirit” world. But I tell you the “spirit” world is alive and well and is out to deceive and enslave believers and non-believers alike. Satan’s desire is to defeat and enslave a person. These are some of the things the world offers - fame, riches, sex, drugs, alcohol, fortune tellers, horoscopes, lucky trinkets, etc. All are designed to lure one to focus on the flesh and not on the things to grow and mature in knowing GOD through CHRIST. The things of the world are designed to control people, whereas GOD’S desire is for all to seek HIM and allow HIM to guide their lives through an intimate, loving relationship through CHRIST.

The Apostle John revealed a way that believers can “test” the spirits to determine if they are from GOD. Simply ask the question whether or not JESUS came in the flesh. Remember the Gnostics denied that CHRIST came in the flesh. The Greek word John used for “test” carried the idea to test to verify or approve suitability for use. It was a quality control term to make certain the thing tested would perform as it was intended to perform. John was saying “This is a way you can verify the truth.” John’s concern was the message from the Gnostics. However, the test gives believers a method for verifying the source of a spiritual message.

Many years ago, I read a book authored by a minister whose family had gotten involved in contacting the “spirit” world after the death of his sister. (I loaned this book to someone and they still have it. I keep hoping it will show up because it is no longer in print. So I do not recall the details. If anyone knows the title and author, I would appreciate receiving that information.) Before this minister became a Christian, he attended a séance with his grandmother. At times the spirits would allow those attending to ask questions about the Bible. Now keep in mind, this is of Satan. So do not get the idea of trying it. His grandmother asked a Biblical question and the spirit gave an answer, which this yet-to-be minister heard his grandmother say, “This is not correct.” Bingo. He said that if you disagreed with the spirit, the spirit would scold you but the spirit did not scold her. He concluded that the spirit did not hear his grandmother. But it gave him the idea to get this book called the Bible, which he had never seen.

He thought it would be like any other book so he started at the beginning. He read until he got bogged down in some of the names and skipped to the back to see how it would end but he got lost in the Book of Revelation. He looked back from Revelation and ran across this very scripture about testing the spirits. Armed with this information he thought if another opportunity came up again at a séance to ask Biblical questions he would try it. When the opportunity came, he was allowed to ask three (3) questions. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the exact questions but in essence he asked if JESUS was the Son of GOD. The answer was he is a son of god. His second question was similar to his first and he said the spirit challenged him regarding why he did not believe that Jesus was a son of god. Notice a son of god and not the SON of GOD. He then asked the third question, which went something like this, “Is JESUS THE SON OF GOD, WHO came in the flesh and died for the sins of mankind?” He said when he asked that question the medium was catapulted across the room and the entire room exploded in chaos. He ran home and got on his knees and said something to the effect of, “JESUS, I do not know who you are but I want you in my life.” He went on to become a minister of the gospel of CHRIST.

I was listening to the radio this morning and it came to mind that we are surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of electronic waves every moment – cell phone, radio, television, aircraft to name a few. When we activate the right device we can access those electronic waves. If it is a radio, we select the station we want to listen to. We have many choices. Sometimes we search and hear something that causes us to pause and listen.

Our minds are active 24/7 and we are bombarded with all sorts of thoughts and ideas which are often triggered by what we see or hear. Believers must stay on guard and be careful about what they see, read and hear because Satan is ready to take a thought and bring about action. That is why believers must confess all things contrary to GOD and HIS Word when they come into their minds.

John gives believers another verse of scripture that I often use. It is verse 4 - 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

I learned the shorter version “Greater is HE that is in you than he that is in the world.” CHRIST in every believer is his/her protector, as long as he or she does not step outside that circle of protection. Believers can open themselves up to attack by Satan by dabbling in things of the world. What we dabble in can leave scars. GOD forgives our sins but we may have to suffer the consequences of our sin.

Those who have dabbled in the occult or been enslaved by an addiction have to rely on the promise of HIS indwelling power on a moment by moment basis, as well as, all believers. If you feel the presence of evil, claim the blood of JESUS out loud. I do.

The flesh has a strong desire to go back to its old ways and believers must rely upon the power of CHRIST within to defeat this desire and lure. Sometimes believers fail but thanks to GOD that is when we confess, HE forgives and cleanses. The idea is to repent, which means not do it again. But if you do, confess again and ask for strength to conquer whatever it is in your life. Seek help, if you cannot conquer it.

I know of believers who have had to carry note cards with scripture written on them. They would quote scripture as they went through their daily routine. It helped them to keep their minds focused upon CHRIST, HIS power of deliverance and HIS power to cope.

True believers know the truth. But believers must always keep their guard up and stay in GOD’S Word because the spirit of deception is in the world, the antichrist. Christians have been living in the end times since CHRIST ascended into heaven. Believers are getting ever closer to the end.

As we get closer to the second coming of CHRIST, we will see more and more deception and compromise. Christians will be persecuted for their stand and profession of CHRIST. Just look around at our changing and compromising world. Look at those who take a public stand for CHRIST. The media seems to launch a campaign to discredit them. Christians are sinners saved by grace. We are still under construction through the process of sanctification. We all sin but we are saved by the blood of JESUS, born into the family of GOD and live under the grace of GOD. But believers must stay connected to the vine, CHRIST, WHO is Truth.

Know That You Know God - 1 John 3:3-11, 15-17 - June 14, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Know That You Know God – June 14, 2009

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study entitled “Beyond Doubt.”

Our scripture is 1 John 3:3-11, 15-17.

Last week’s study was foundational. It dealt with who JESUS is and why HE had to be 100% human and 100% GOD.

This week we deal with “knowing” GOD. Anyone can read the Bible and “know” facts about GOD. When we read a biography about a person, we get to “know about” them. We can talk to others “about” that person. But if we really want to “know” that person, we need to build a close, best friend relationship with them. It is a building a bond and commitment, like a marriage. The longer you are in a right relationship, the greater your love, appreciation and understanding of each other.

Getting to “know” GOD and CHRIST is the same. The Bible reveals truth about THEM. It reveals GOD’S love for the world and various attributes and characteristics about them. It reveals how others have interacted with GOD and CHRIST and in turn how they have interacted with them.

Last week our scripture revealed that “GOD is light.” Light dispels darkness and reveals things that are hidden. GOD tells us that if a person seeks, he/she shall find, if he/she will knock, it will be opened up to him/her. GOD’S Word reveals that GOD id “love.” Love for mankind was GOD’S motive for allowing HIS only SON to live upon earth, die to pay the penalty for sin and to conquer death. Love was the reason CHRIST was willing to come to earth and give HIS life to break the bondage of sin and death for all who believe in HIM to have forgiveness of sin, eternal life and live the abundant life.

When we read and study the Bible, we can know these and many other facts but knowing facts is not knowing GOD or CHRIST. Knowing facts gives us knowledge about GOD and CHRIST. GOD’S desire is for all humans to know HIM through CHRIST. This requires a step of faith to accept CHRIST as SAVIOR.

Taking the step of faith to receive CHRIST as your SAVIOR is the first step toward knowing GOD through CHRIST. Even as a Christians, GOD gives us freedom to choose who will rule and guide our lives – self or HIM or some combination. GOD wants HIS children to make a choice regarding will guide their lives because riding the fence makes HIM sick as stated in Revelation 3:15-16 - 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit[14] Or spit you out of My mouth. These verses loomed in my mind before I released my life to HIS control because I knew I was at best lukewarm in my relationship with HIM.

CHRIST died for the sins of the world. HE conquered sin and death. Proof is HIS resurrection. Our part is to accept that fact. I remember in my younger years that I asked GOD, “Why couldn’t I die for my own sins after all I am the one who committed them?” HIS answer was very clear, “You do not qualify.” HE said, “I demand a perfect sacrifice but where you do not qualify, MY SON JESUS did and HE died for you, if you accept it.” This is true for all people. CHRIST died for our sins. Our part is to accept that fact and ask HIM to forgive us of our sins and to come into our lives. The instant a person acknowledges CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR and asks HIM to forgive him/her, HE does and that person experiences the miracle of rebirth in his/her spirit.
Believers receive the gift of salvation, eternal life and the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT confirms that they are GOD’S children. New believers are babies in CHRIST with a lifetime of growth ahead of them as they journey through life with CHRIST leading them. It is during this journey and the study of GOD’S Word that they get to “know” HIM.

When believers study the Bible, the facts in the Bible take on new meaning because the HOLY SPIRIT within is our teacher and revealer of truth. They begin the process of dying to self, which is called sanctification. This is all about relationship. When believers yield their will to HIS control, then the real work can begin. GOD gives all humans, believers as well as non-believers, freedom to choose. GOD’S desire is to rule the lives of all believers. When believers choose to direct their own lives, there is a conflict with their born-again spirit. Equally when non-believers begin seeking truth, the flesh and Satan will battle against them to prevent them from accepting CHRIST as their SAVIOR.

GOD’S goal for every believer is for him/her to be made in the image of HIS SON JESUS. This requires trust and confidence in HIM. This means getting to really know HIM. The best way to really know HIM is to build a relationship with HIM.

Getting to know GOD through CHRIST is an awesome journey that requires a decision that as you walk with HIM, you will obediently serve HIM. John gives us some milestones to measure our relationship with GOD.

Let’s read 1 John 2:3-6:

3 This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected.[2] Or truly completed This is how we know we are in Him: 6 the one who says he remains in Him should • walk just as He walked.

The Apostle John tells us how we can be sure that CHRIST is in our lives. GOD’S children keep HIS commands. This is not mechanically keeping the Ten Commandments or GOD’S laws but it is obediently responding to what HE asks us to do. The law governed the lives of believers before CHRIST. CHRIST fulfilled the law, broke the sin barrier by HIS shed blood, which allowed the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell every believer. Believers are under the law of grace. The HOLY SPIRIT empowers believers to live for CHRIST and enlightens them to truth. GOD wants HIS children to put into practice what HE reveals to them through HIS Word, what HE reveals to them as they talk to HIM, as they journey with HIM and obediently serve HIM. It is a natural outgrowth of really knowing HIM based upon building a relationship with HIM. It is not head knowledge but heart knowledge that is revealed as a result of an obedient relationship that leads and inspires believers.

The Bible reveals to us that GOD’S Word, the Bible, is powerful. It is like a two-edged sword. A two-edged sword cuts both ways. Hebrews 4:12 - 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

John revealed that “whoever keeps HIS word, truly in him, the love of GOD is perfected.” GOD’S Word in a believer coupled with the HOLY SPIRIT sis the power that reveals truth and is the power that produces change toward “perfection”. That is why believers need to read, study and hide HIS Word in their hearts.

Let’s explore:

Luke 8:11 – (JESUS had just told a parable regarding seed.) - 11 “This is the meaning of the parable:[3] Lit But this is the parable: The seed is the word of God.

JESUS related the Word of GOD to seed. We know when we plant a seed in good soil; it produces a plant which in turn produces a product, fruit.

1 Peter 1:23: - 22 By obedience to the truth,[26] Other mss add through the Spirit having purified yourselves[27] Or purified your souls for sincere love of the brothers, love one another[28] Jn 13:34; Rm 12:10 earnestly from a pure[29] Other mss omit pure heart, 23 since you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable[30] Jn 1:13; 1 Pt 1:3 —through the living and enduring word of God.

Believers have been born-again not of a perishable seed but of an imperishable seed (CHRIST in us) through the living and enduring Word of GOD. The word “seed” can be interpreted as “sperm.” When a person accepts CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR, the divine seed of GOD, units with his/her spirit and conception takes place. This is the miracle of rebirth.

Believers have the Word of GOD in them. It is powerful and has the ability to produce change. It is the vital nutrient to produce growth and maturity. The Bible is GOD’S Word. As we internalize HIS Word and respond to GOD’S commands, it produces change. The Bible reveals GOD and the way to HIM through CHRIST. It gives believers a standard to be measured by; how they measure up against GOD’S requirements as the HOLY SPIRIT explores their hearts and motives. This is not to condemn believers but to perfect believers through the power of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

Ephesians 1:18 - 18 [I pray]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.

It is in the “eyes of our heart” that the HOLY SPIRIT reveals light and understanding to believers. GOD’S Word reveals GOD and guides believers in knowing and understanding GOD and confirms HIS call. The study of GOD’S Word, talking to HIM, fellowship with HIM, listening to HIM and obediently serving HIM are some of the vital elements needed for believers to build a dynamic relationship with HIM. The more we learn of HIM and respond to HIM, the stronger our relationship will be. Trust, confidence, relationship and obedience go hand-in-hand.

So what am I trying to say? Let your service to GOD be the result of what HE does in your life through relationship, rather than working in your own strength. Let your service to HIM be the natural response of growth, maturity, fellowship, relationship, trust, confidence and obedience. It takes time and yielding our will to HIM. It is the process of sanctification.

Let’s read 1 John 2:7-11:

7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command, but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command, 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 but hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.[3] Or in it 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

John writes that he was going to tell his “friends” something new but it was really something that had been around for a long time. GOD is light and HE has been light from the beginning. In fact, GOD is the source of this light and not a reflection or a light among other lights. HE is the light. Now GOD’S light has been revealed in a new way through HIS SON JESUS. JESUS came to earth in the flesh and walked among us. HE was WHO HE said HE was. HE was both 100% man and 100% GOD. As people accept and believe in JESUS, darkness is dispelled and HIS light is growing brighter. JESUS is the true light, WHO revealed to the world GOD HIS FATHER. GOD is love. HE is the source of love.

Those who know the truth also love those who love the truth. If you hate your brother or sister in CHRIST, then you need to have a spiritual checkup.

Let’s read 1 John 1 John 2:15-17:

15 Do not love the world or the things that belong to[4] Lit things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For everything that belongs to[5] Lit that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God’s will remains forever.

John addresses the question of “Where is our heart?” What do we love and where do we place our priorities? Do we love the things this world has to offer more than we love GOD? This is another way to measure our spiritual health.

Before I yielded my life to CHRIST, I was hanging onto the world with one hand and to CHRIST with the other. I felt the enormous pull between the two opposite directions. I knew that I should let go of the world but I was afraid. It was a tug of war and I rejoice that finally I gave up and asked CHRIST to take me like I was and to give me the strength to live this so called Christian life. Well, HE did and there have been many joys but also many tough times. But the journey has been awesome.

John lists some of the things the world has to offer:

- The lust of the flesh. Gratification such as sexual immorality and seeking things that give momentary pleasure such as alcohol and drugs.

- The lust of the eyes. This refers to coveting things that belong to others – another person’s spouse, home, wealth, position, things he or she may have accumulated.

- The pride in one’s lifestyle. This focuses on a person’s arrogance and self-promotion. Look at me, I have arrived.

We are all humans and many believers have to battle what the world has to offer. Believers have to keep in mind that GOD did not create them for time but for eternity. CHRIST tells believers that they must die to self. This is part of the sanctification process and relationship is a vital part in sanctification. During the process of sanctification, believers get to know GOD and CHRIST. The lure of the world can rob believers of this joy.

Where is your heart? Who do you serve? Do you really “know” GOD and CHRIST? If not, confess it and ask CHRIST help you build a dynamic relationship with HIM. It is not easy but such a joy to see the hand of GOD working in your life.

Purposefully Connected - 1 John 1:1-2:2 - June 7, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Purposefully Connected – June 7, 2009

This begins a new series of study entitled “Beyond Doubt.”

For the month of June our study will be in 1 John. The Apostle John wrote First John, as well as, the Books of John, Second John, Third John, and Revelation.

June 7 – 1 John 1:1-2:2 - Who JESUS is and why HE came.
June 14 – 1 John 2:3-11, 15-17 - The assurance of salvation.
June 21 – 1 John 2:18-27; 4:1-6 - Criteria for discerning truth.
June 28 – 1 John 5:12-21 - Living with confidence.

The early Christians had to deal with cults, just as Christians do today. Satan wants to pervert the truth. The Apostle John wrote the book of First John to deal with two (2) matters: (1) to explain the essential truths of salvation and (2) to alert believers about the heresies embraced by rising Christian cults of Gnosticism. Those embracing Gnosticism claimed to be Christian but denied the duel nature of CHRIST; that HE was both 100% GOD and 100% man. For CHRIST to have paid the sin debt GOD demanded, HE had to be 100% human. For HIM to be GOD’S SON, HE had to be 100% divine. In this dual role HE had to be capable of sinning, yet HE remained sinless. HE had freedom of choice.

People have always prided themselves with their intellect. Many think, “I have the mystical all figured out but you are still struggling, therefore, I am smarter than you.” We need to keep in mind that Satan can appear as an angel of light. He appeals to the flesh to lead all humans astray and to enslave them, Christian or non-Christian alike.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15:

13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself is disguised as an angel of light. 15 So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their destiny[4] Lit end will be according to their works.

Gnosticism was a rising concern which perverted the truth of Christianity. The word “Gnosticism” comes from a Greek word “gnosis” which means “knowledge.” There is “Docetic Gnosticism.”The word “Docetic” comes from the Greek word “dokeo” which means “to seem.” Therefore, Docetic Gnosticism is a variation of Gnosticism which claims that JESUS was not a real human but HE only “seemed” real.

Then there is “Cerinthan Gnosticism” which gets its name from its founder, Cerinthus. Cerinthan Gnosticism denied the deity of CHRIST. Cerinthus claimed that CHRIST was a powerful being like an angel but not divine.

The Apostle John wanted believers to know the truth about JESUS. He could speak and write with authority because he had walked with JESUS, witnessed the signs, wonders, miracles, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. He knew JESUS intimately. He had a relationship with JESUS. Because of this relationship, he knew the truth. That is why our personal relationship with CHRIST is so vital. Christians cannot function off of someone else’s knowledge of CHRIST, they need to experience CHRIST in their lives and learn of HIM as they walk with HIM each day. Believers need to be purposely connected to truth. Notice how the Apostle John began his message.

Let’s read 1 John 1:1-4:

1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed,[1] Jn 1:14 and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life— 2 that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things[2] Other mss add to you so that our[3] Other mss read your joy may be complete.

As mentioned earlier, Gnosticism was on the rise which adulterated the truth of CHRIST, which was that CHRIST was neither 100% human nor 100% divine. Some taught that the human body, in fact all matter, was evil, therefore, CHRIST could not have come in the flesh. GOD would never contaminate Himself by becoming human.

Those that taught that the human body was evil went to two (2) extremes: (1) a person must discipline themselves to resist any desire of the flesh or (2) since the body is evil, it has desires, therefore, indulge in whatever the body desires.

The Apostle John likely wrote First John to several churches who were either dealing with the same issues or would likely encounter them. He was up in age, likely close to 100 years old and living in Ephesus. This was before he had been exiled to the Isle of Patmos where he wrote Revelation.

He opened the Book of John with, “In the beginning” which referred to CHRIST before GOD created the world. In the Book of John, John referred to CHRIST as the Word. John began, First John with, “In the beginning” which referred to the incarnation of CHRIST as a human because the Gnostics denied that CHRIST was born as a human.

Here are my thoughts on these opening verses. They do not come from a battery of theological discussion, so keep that in mind. I am coming from the point that the life the Apostle John had lived, his teaching, his personal experiences with JESUS and his association with his fellow apostles spoke volumes without him having to spell out all the details. He says words but these words represent more than what we read in his letter.

In my opinion, The Apostle John was writing to Christians, Gnostics and those seeking truth. He is writing from a knowledge base that he knew what these groups were either encountering or would encounter because of the rise in Gnosticism. He was writing to groups of people who were intelligent and pondered such matters, much like most of us did when growing up – If a tree falls in the forest with no one around did it make a noise? Or how do you really know if the moon really exists or is it a figment of your imagination? Or “I really think I was adopted” and we search for the papers to prove it. Imagination can result in people thinking all sorts of things, some true and some false.

In essence, the Apostle John was saying, I know what you folks are encountering or will be encountering. I know it can be confusing because some of those you respect and you know them to be intelligent, knowledgeable, deep thinking people who call themselves Christians are embracing some of these new notions. But I want you to think along with me. I know for a fact that JESUS was born as a human in the flesh. I know for a fact that HE was not only 100% human but also 100% divine. I walked with HIM, I heard HIM teach and preach about HIS FATHER, I embraced HIM, I touched HIM, I saw HIM hungry, I saw HIM tired, I saw HIM thirsty, I saw HIM weep and I ate with HIM. I saw all the signs, wonders and miracles that GOD performed through HIM, I saw HIM accused of insurrection, arrested, condemned to die on the cross and I watched as they nailed HIM to the cross. I knew HE had never committed a single sin and I never heard HIM rail out at those who were crucifying HIM. I heard HIM ask GOD, HIS FATHER to forgive them because they did not know what they were doing. I heard HIM cry out to HIS FATHER in the final moments as HE gave up HIS SPIRIT into HIS FATHER’S hands. I thought that was all until on the third day the most wonderful thing happened. GOD raised HIM from the dead. I touched HIM, I ate with HIM, I heard HIM speak, I saw HIM walk through a door without opening it and HE taught us.

I watched as HE ascended into heaven and the FATHER asked HIM to be seated at HIS right-hand. HE told us to wait in Jerusalem for the arrival of the HOLY SPIRIT. I did and it was an awesome experience. When we received the HOLY SPIRIT it was an overwhelming experience. I finally understood it all. I saw the power of GOD working in the lives of everyone who believed in JESUS.

I am an old man now but HIS presence in my life is just as fresh and real as it was when we fellowshipped together. Not only did I experience HIM but so did my fellow apostles.

HIS resurrection confirmed that GOD raised HIM from the dead. I know that HE is eternally alive in heaven. This confirmed what HE told us - because HE lives eternally, so will all who believe in HIM will also live eternally. Salvation and eternal life are free gifts from JESUS to all who believe in HIM, because HE did come as a human yet divine. HE was the perfect acceptable sacrifice GOD required to pay the debt for sin and to conquer death. Therefore, what I am about to reveal to you in this letter, pay special attention.

John was speaking from personal experience. All believers have had a personal experience with CHRIST. Your testimony is powerful. When GOD urges you to give your testimony, do so and leave the results to GOD. When we speak, we send non-verbal messages because of who we are and how we live. This is a scary thought, because we are all sinners saved by grace.

In essence John was saying, “Folks, JESUS is real and not a figment of your imagination. HE did not appear as a spirit but HE was GOD incarnate in human flesh. He was saying, we have heard HIM, seen HIM with our eyes, looked at HIM and our hands have touched HIM. HE is the Word of Life. We know this because HE died, was buried and GOD raised HIM from the dead. JESUS is eternal life and HE gives it freely to all who believe in HIM.

In verse 2, John was referring to CHRIST as “Eternal Life.”

In verse 3, John was saying our witness of these events are true and those who believe in JESUS through the miracle of rebirth will become GOD’S children and not only have fellowship with HIM but with fellow believers as well.

In verse 4, John was saying believe in JESUS because there is no greater joy than knowing you have been cleansed of all sin, past, present and future and will spend eternity with GOD and CHRIST in heaven.

Let’s read 1 John 1:5-7:

5 Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” and • walk in darkness,[4] Jn 8:12; 12:35b we are lying and are not practicing[5] Or not living according to the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

The word “is” in verse 5 means “exists.” Thus this verse translates, “There exists this message.” Neither John nor the other disciples created the message. The message already existed from the beginning and reported in the Old Testament. They also heard the message from JESUS Himself, “GOD is light.” GOD is light means HE is the source and not a reflection, not a light among other lights. Light dispels darkness and exposes that which is hidden. JESUS said in John 8:12 - 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

John said that JESUS told them about HIS FATHER, GOD. GOD is light and there is absolutely no darkness in HIM. True believers walk in the light and not darkness. You can know whether or not you belong to JESUS. Ask yourself, are you walking in the light with the assurance you are GOD’S child by the witness of the HOLY SPIRIT in your hearts? Do you have fellowship with other believers? These help you to know whether or not you are walking in the light or darkness?

When believers know that they are walking in the light, they also know that CHRIST shed blood cleanses them from all past, present and future sins. Without that assurance people are walking in the dark and are not saved.

Let’s read 1 John 1:8-2:2:

8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

1 John 2:1-2:
1 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an • advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One. 2 He Himself is the propitiation[1] The word propitiation has to do with the removal of divine wrath. Jesus’ death is the means that turns God’s wrath from the sinner; see 2 Co 5:21. for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

We have to look at verse 8 in light of verse 7. GOD considers sin serious, serious enough to send HIS SON to die to pay the sin debt. John was telling all, since GOD considers that all people have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD, do not deceive yourselves into thinking that you do not sin. Some Gnostics taught that sin did not exist because nothing in the material world really mattered, therefore, neither did sin exist nor guilt as a result of sin.

The Gnostic idea was that a person did not have to consider the way he/she lived to have a relationship with GOD. Hence from the Christian perspective they were living in the dark because they were still in sin.

John addressed this false Gnostic teaching directly. Those who say they have no sin are deceiving themselves. They do not know the truth because they sin. All people sin including believers. GOD wants believers to confess their sin. Confession is agreeing with GOD. Sin is missing the mark of GOD’S perfection. As believers our part is to confess our sin and GOD’S part is to forgive, cleanse and restore.

Does this mean if a believer commits a sin and dies before he/she confesses that sin, they would not go to heaven? NO!!! The blood of JESUS washes away all our sin forever and the grace of GOD is perpetual for true believers. So why do believers have to confess their sin? So they do not deceive themselves in thinking they are self-righteous and think of themselves more highly than they ought. GOD knows human nature. When believers are not accountable to GOD for their actions, they tend to become self sufficient, puffed up with pride and look down on fellow Christians who struggle with certain overt sins. We all sin. There are sins of commission and sins of omission. GOD wants believers to focus on their relationship with HIM.

GOD does not want HIS children going through life weighted down by the guilt of un-confessed sin. Satan can use un-confessed sin to defeat believers. GOD tells believers to confess their sin and look to HIM for forgiveness and strength to overcome sin in their lives.

Those who “say” they do not have sin are calling GOD a liar and the truth is not in them. This was John’s way of telling those reading his letter and to believers today, when you hear such verbiage, it is a clear sign that those uttering such do not know the truth.

This is one reason all believers must read and study the scripture. Believers must always evaluate a spiritual message they hear or read by comparing it to the scripture. If a person says something that does not agree with the scripture, it should immediately put all believers on alert that something is wrong. Believers can go to that person and explore what they think they heard. If they know what they heard was wrong, they are forewarned and must not continue to sit under his/her teaching.
John called those to whom he was writing, “Little children.” This revealed a close relationship he had with the people he was writing to and he likely thought of himself as their mentor. John did not want anyone to be misled by these rising false doctrines of Gnosticism.

It is thought that John used the word “propitiation” intentionally. The word “propitiation” was derived from a Greek word “hilasmos.” Hilasmos described special sacrifices needed to appease false, fickle and capricious gods. The people who worshipped these false gods were afraid that they would become angry and take out their wrath upon them unless they made these special sacrifices. Plus they had to be acceptable sacrifices to appease them.

John used “propitiation” to show that the blood sacrifice of GOD’S only, sinless, SON, JESUS, WHO came to the world in the flesh for that purpose, willingly gave HIS life to satisfy GOD’S wrath against sin. CHRIST endured GOD’S wrath against sin when HE was crucified. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us - 21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. CHRIST took the wrath of GOD upon Himself in behalf of all believers. As a result of HIS passion, JESUS is fully qualified to be the advocate for all people – for believers when they sin and for non-believers who seek salvation.

Satan is always accusing believers of every sin they commit. Satan uses guilt to destroy believers and non-believers. He blinds non-believers from seeing the truth of salvation. However, no matter what a person has done, the blood of JESUS washes away all of his/her sin. Do not let Satan deceive you into thinking that GOD will not receive you into HIS family because of past or present sin. GOD’S love is unconditional and HE is always ready to accept those who confess their sins and ask for forgiveness.

JESUS is the advocate for believers who are being accused by Satan. In essence, when Satan accuses a believer of sinning before GOD, JESUS says “Yes, you are correct this person did sin but he/she is covered by MY blood which I shed for him/her.”
The title of our study is “Purposefully Connected.” GOD has a plan for all believers. You are not a mistake. GOD has allowed you to be born and to live to serve HIM. Are you living for HIM? It begins by surrendering your life to HIM.