This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
WALKING THE TALK
1 JOHN 2:1-14
We continue in our 1 John series where the older apostle John writes to the believers at Ephesus who are spiritually confused by false teachers. Throughout this book, John repeatedly gives three pulse checks or tests which work simultaneously together “to confirm and mature the right assurance for those whose profession of faith is genuine and destroy false confidence of those who have counterfeit faith.” (Alistair Begg) They are: 1) belief in the doctrine of the Gospel, 2) obedience, and 3) love.
Read 1 John 2:1-2 in ESV and NIV
- Christ is both advocate (represents and intercedes for us); and propitiation for our sins (the atoning sacrifice that turns away God’s divine condemnation of us because of our sin). What is the significance of this? What are the implications for us? How does this truth make Christ more precious to you?
Read 1 John 2:3-6, Matthew 7:15-20.
- Both our Lord Jesus and John offer a pulse check for proving that we truly know; that is, we have a genuine profession of faith in “Jesus Christ, the righteous.” What is this pulse check? What wrong thinking and attitudes result when you forget or ignore this? What bad fruit follows?
Read 1 John 2:7-11; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:34-35.
- What is the new command that is also an old command that John wants his readers to obey? John’s contrasting images of light and darkness highlight a third pulse check alongside obedience. What is it and what is its opposite? Where are you most challenged to practice this at the moment? How would your life be different if you did?
Read 1 John 2: 12-14
- John is pausing in his exhortation to the reader to give assurance and comfort in their identity in Christ: children, fathers, young men. Within the context of spiritual community of believers, who do these groups each represent? Which one do you find particularly comforting?
Reflection: How can we help one another walk this talk?
Praise God for the light, life and love of Jesus Christ. Thank Him for the truth and hope of the Gospel. Ask God to mature you in true belief, true obedience and true love in Him and those around you.