1 John 2:28-29 & 1 John 3:1-10
Q.1. Why is it important to stay connected to Christ? What change would we expect in the life of a child of God? Why? How are we to abide in Him? – (1 Jn.2:28-29)
John warned of the danger of drifting from Christ, and of being caught out when the Lord returns – Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming (1 Jn.2:28). John reminded his readers that since Christ is righteous, those who are really His children will pursue a lifestyle of righteousness (1 Jn.2:29).
Q.2. What does our inclusion into God’s family reveal about our Heavenly Father? When will God’s plans for us be completed? What difference will this make? – (1 Jn.3:1-3)
Behind the redemption story from Genesis to Revelation, is a God Who has pursued the restoration of sinners. All who have acknowledged their guilt and have received the Saviour, have become children of God. This view of a holy God is what separates us from the world. John reminded us that this is only the beginning, and that at Christ’s appearance we will change dramatically into His perfect likeness – Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is (1 Jn.3:2). John noted that true believers have not yet become whom they should be. However, all who hold to the hope of Christ’s return will be motivated towards obedient living, in compliance with Christ’s perfection. It was unthinkable to John that Christians would just act as they please, with no desire to live for the Saviour.
Q.3. Why did God send His Son into the world? How should this change the way we live? How did John describe the devil and his children? What point was he making? – (1 Jn.3:4-10)
Often seen as a black and white communicator, John was showing us the delicate balance between walking in the light and walking in the darkness. He had lived with Jesus, and was in no doubt as to why He came – You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin … The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn.3:5 & 8b). As a consequence, a true believer must not live in habitual sin. Those who suggest that we can live as we please are deceivers (1 Jn.3:7). In verse 9 John spelled out the reason a born-again Christian will not continue living in sin – No one who is born of God makes a practice of sinning, because His seed and mark of ownership resides in him; and so he cannot keep sinning, because he belongs to and is born of God (1 Jn.3:9 paraphrased). The behaviour of God’s children, and that of the children of the devil, should be poles apart. Believers pursue righteous living and resolve differences with other Christians (1 Jn.3:9-10). These verses must be understood in the light of what John had already taught about human sinfulness and forgiveness (c.f. 1 Jn.1:8-2:2).