I Timothy 5:17-6:21 Paul gives Timothy, as a minister of the Gospel, instructions for the management of the church. The underlining theme is to keep or guard the truth, the principles that are scriptural and eternal, " conforming to godliness".
The "good fight of faith" is challenged by the doctrines of this world, " a different doctrine", Paul calls it. Those doctrines are "worldly and empty chatter" and are " falsely called knowledge". They come from the conceited ones, who have a "morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive languish and evil suspicions ". They have a desire to get rich and resort to evil.
Paul tells Timothy how to keep on the right path, as a man and as a leader in the church. We can all benefit from this advice;
We need to honor those who deserve honor and rebuke those who "continue in sin". The principle here is to be without bias or partiality. ( 5:21) We need to have spiritual discernment. For sometimes a person's sinful lifestyle is easily seen, but sometimes we only see it later ( v24).
We need to have respect for others, living in a way that God's Name is not dishonored by our behavior. ( 6:1-2)
We need to learn contentment. (v6-10)
We need to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance , and gentleness". (v11)
We need to "take hold of the eternal life to which" we are called. (v12) Our lives should reflect the confession that we have made, "without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." (v14)
We need to "fix (our) hope... on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." ( v17)
We need to "do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for
( ourselves) the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that (we) may take hold of that which is life indeed" ( v19)
Father in heaven, You are the blessed One , the only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. You alone possess immortality and dwell in unapproachable light. No man has seen or can see You. To You all honor is due. This is our confession of faith. You are the Good Shepherd and we are Your sheep, and we seek Your constant care, Lord Jesus. Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. Make our feet to stay on Your path, in love and holiness, in perseverance and gentleness. We do fix our hope on You alone. Let our hearts be filled with Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your love so that we may live without stain or reproach until the day of Christ's return. For we ask it in His Wonderful Name, amen.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
I Timothy 5:1-2
Paul instructs Timothy to treat his congregation like family -
"appeal to ( an older man) as a father";
treat a younger man like you would your brother;
treat an older woman like you would your mother;
and younger women like you would your sister.
If only pastors and elders etc, would take this advice to heart. Several years ago there was a situation that affected me personally. An "elder", younger than my husband, took it upon himself to rebuke my husband. It was an unfounded accusation. It was not done according to Scripture. It was hurtful and has remained unresolved to this day. The pastor, also a younger man, also was involved, and again there was no appeal like you would a father. I would dare say that none of the folks involved took this scripture to heart.
Verses 3-16 deal with widows. Widows in those days had no pensions, no social security, no assets and no way to provide for themselves, especially if they still had young children to care for. God's word commanded over and over that caring for widows was something that should be done. It is one of His priorities! But, evidently there were some issues that had come up in the early church, so Paul gave some instructions here.
A woman who is a "widow indeed" - has been left alone. She has no children or grandchildren who can provide for her needs. She has "fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day". She should also be "above reproach" with a "reputation for good works" and over the age of 60. ( v9) This woman was to be helped by the church.
A widow who had family that could provide for her, would not need help from the church. A family was to take care of their own. This is "acceptable in the sight of God".
Then there were the widows who were younger. Some pledged themselves to serving the Lord, but more than likely they wanted to get remarried. Paul urged them to do so. Otherwise, Satan would use those desires to turn them away from Christ. The temptation to seek "wanton pleasures" or to be "idle" or "gossips" and "busybodies", all would be destructive to their lives and to the church. These widows were not to be assisted by the church at all.
Father in heaven, I am so thankful that You have given us Your Word so that we can know what is right and acceptable to You. Help us to take heed of every Word that You have preserved for us.
May we be faithful to know and to do Your perfect will. And may we seek Your forgiveness when we fail to do so. Thank You for loving us and for leading us into Your Love, so that we can love one another as You have commanded us. Be glorified in my life today I pray, in Jesus' name, amen.
Paul instructs Timothy to treat his congregation like family -
"appeal to ( an older man) as a father";
treat a younger man like you would your brother;
treat an older woman like you would your mother;
and younger women like you would your sister.
If only pastors and elders etc, would take this advice to heart. Several years ago there was a situation that affected me personally. An "elder", younger than my husband, took it upon himself to rebuke my husband. It was an unfounded accusation. It was not done according to Scripture. It was hurtful and has remained unresolved to this day. The pastor, also a younger man, also was involved, and again there was no appeal like you would a father. I would dare say that none of the folks involved took this scripture to heart.
Verses 3-16 deal with widows. Widows in those days had no pensions, no social security, no assets and no way to provide for themselves, especially if they still had young children to care for. God's word commanded over and over that caring for widows was something that should be done. It is one of His priorities! But, evidently there were some issues that had come up in the early church, so Paul gave some instructions here.
A woman who is a "widow indeed" - has been left alone. She has no children or grandchildren who can provide for her needs. She has "fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day". She should also be "above reproach" with a "reputation for good works" and over the age of 60. ( v9) This woman was to be helped by the church.
A widow who had family that could provide for her, would not need help from the church. A family was to take care of their own. This is "acceptable in the sight of God".
Then there were the widows who were younger. Some pledged themselves to serving the Lord, but more than likely they wanted to get remarried. Paul urged them to do so. Otherwise, Satan would use those desires to turn them away from Christ. The temptation to seek "wanton pleasures" or to be "idle" or "gossips" and "busybodies", all would be destructive to their lives and to the church. These widows were not to be assisted by the church at all.
Father in heaven, I am so thankful that You have given us Your Word so that we can know what is right and acceptable to You. Help us to take heed of every Word that You have preserved for us.
May we be faithful to know and to do Your perfect will. And may we seek Your forgiveness when we fail to do so. Thank You for loving us and for leading us into Your Love, so that we can love one another as You have commanded us. Be glorified in my life today I pray, in Jesus' name, amen.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
I Timothy 4
In the midst of a world where hypocrisy and the lies of satan are more valued than the truth, Paul tells Timothy and us - "pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (v. 16)
What things? These truths:
That "everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (v4-5)
That we are "nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine" ( v6)
That when we discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness we will find it is "profitable for all things" ( v8)
That we fix "our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers" (v 10)
That we should show ourselves examples of those who believe in our "speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity".
That we should give attention to reading the Word, to " the exhortation and teaching" of the Word. (v13)
Paul urges Timothy to be "absorbed " in these things.
The world is absorbed in "fables" , but we are to be absorbed in the Truth.
The world believes that it can save itself by following a list of do's and don'ts... but we know that salvation only comes through grace, by faith in Jesus Christ.
The world believes that physical discipline will make us successful, but we know that it is spiritual discipline that more necessary, for it is our eternal welfare that is more important.
The world fixes its hope on works, money, politicians, etc. but we fix our hope on the LIVING GOD!
The world's speech is crude, corrupt, and full of evil... our speech is to be gentle, pure, and good.
The world's conduct is superstitious, fearful, and frightening... our conduct must be righteous and loving.
The world's love is selfish and self-serving, our love must be selfless and authentic.
The world's faith is in itself, but our faith is in our Savior.
The world does not know or care about purity, but we are made pure, by His love, for Jesus gave Himself up for us, to sanctify us, having "cleansed us by the washing of water with the Word"
It is the Word of God, the Truth, that makes the difference between salvation and destruction.
Paul is teaching us to be grateful for all God has given us, to give our full attention to the Word, to place our focus on what is going on inside ourselves - on godliness - more than on the outside. We can then become examples to others and perhaps lead them to salvation through Jesus too.
Father in heaven, I fix my hope on You. You alone are God. You alone have the Words of life. Lead me in the way of Truth, and let be absorbed in all that You have revealed. Keep me on Your narrow way and away from the temptations that the world might offer. May I ever be an example of faith to those I meet, to bring praise and glory to Your Name. I pray this in the precious Name of Jesus, amen.
In the midst of a world where hypocrisy and the lies of satan are more valued than the truth, Paul tells Timothy and us - "pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (v. 16)
What things? These truths:
That "everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (v4-5)
That we are "nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine" ( v6)
That when we discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness we will find it is "profitable for all things" ( v8)
That we fix "our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers" (v 10)
That we should show ourselves examples of those who believe in our "speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity".
That we should give attention to reading the Word, to " the exhortation and teaching" of the Word. (v13)
Paul urges Timothy to be "absorbed " in these things.
The world is absorbed in "fables" , but we are to be absorbed in the Truth.
The world believes that it can save itself by following a list of do's and don'ts... but we know that salvation only comes through grace, by faith in Jesus Christ.
The world believes that physical discipline will make us successful, but we know that it is spiritual discipline that more necessary, for it is our eternal welfare that is more important.
The world fixes its hope on works, money, politicians, etc. but we fix our hope on the LIVING GOD!
The world's speech is crude, corrupt, and full of evil... our speech is to be gentle, pure, and good.
The world's conduct is superstitious, fearful, and frightening... our conduct must be righteous and loving.
The world's love is selfish and self-serving, our love must be selfless and authentic.
The world's faith is in itself, but our faith is in our Savior.
The world does not know or care about purity, but we are made pure, by His love, for Jesus gave Himself up for us, to sanctify us, having "cleansed us by the washing of water with the Word"
It is the Word of God, the Truth, that makes the difference between salvation and destruction.
Paul is teaching us to be grateful for all God has given us, to give our full attention to the Word, to place our focus on what is going on inside ourselves - on godliness - more than on the outside. We can then become examples to others and perhaps lead them to salvation through Jesus too.
Father in heaven, I fix my hope on You. You alone are God. You alone have the Words of life. Lead me in the way of Truth, and let be absorbed in all that You have revealed. Keep me on Your narrow way and away from the temptations that the world might offer. May I ever be an example of faith to those I meet, to bring praise and glory to Your Name. I pray this in the precious Name of Jesus, amen.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
I Timothy 3 Paul writes these instructions specifically for leaders in the church, but they serve as a great reminder for all believers. The characteristics of true followers of Jesus Christ are:
Temperate - self-controlled
Prudent- sound in mind, not out of control
Respectable- orderly, modest, well behaved
Hospitable
Able to teach
Not addicted to anything
Not pugnacious ( quarrelsome, combative, ready to fight)
Gentle
Uncontentious
Free from the love of money
A good parent
Not conceited
Have a good reputation outside of the church
Dignified
Not a gossip
Faithful in all things
We all must hold "to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience". ( v9)
Supporting the truth:
Temperate - self-controlled
Prudent- sound in mind, not out of control
Respectable- orderly, modest, well behaved
Hospitable
Able to teach
Not addicted to anything
Not pugnacious ( quarrelsome, combative, ready to fight)
Gentle
Uncontentious
Free from the love of money
A good parent
Not conceited
Have a good reputation outside of the church
Dignified
Not a gossip
Faithful in all things
We all must hold "to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience". ( v9)
Supporting the truth:
" He who was revealed in the flesh" - the incarnation
"Was vindicated in the Spirit" - the resurrection
"Beheld by the angels" - exaltation
"Proclaimed among the nations" - proclamation
"Believed on in the world" - redemption
"Taken up in glory" - ascension
( Verse 16)
It is in our faith in Christ Jesus, whom we confess as the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, that we become the individuals and together the church that bears His likeness, His characteristics that are reflected in the attitudes listed above. It is indeed a great mystery and a wonderful truth !
Father in heaven, how kind and merciful You are to us, that You should send Your Son to be our Savior. We hold to the truth of the gospel of Christ Jesus. He came to us, to live as one of us, so that He could save us. He arose from the dead as the first fruits of the resurrection. He is exalted and proclaimed in heaven and on earth. We believe in Him and are saved! One day soon, we will be with You forever in glory. What a day that will be! Do Your divine work in us today Lord, conforming us to Your perfect plan, in love and holiness. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, amen.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I Timothy 2 :9-15
Paul instructs women in the early church. Some like to take offense at Paul's words, but they really are wise and helpful.
As a godly woman, I should dress properly - in an orderly arrangement, with decorum, and modestly - respectful of men and honoring to God, revealing my awe of Him!
I don't need fancy beauty products, or expensive hair stylists and I don't need gold or pearls to please the Lord. I don't need to spend a lot of money on expensive clothing. In other words, I don't need to worry about my outward appearance. For God is looking at my heart!
As a godly woman, I should be motivated to do "good works". Instead of being focused on how I look and what I wear, I will focus on doing what is good - that which is acceptable before the Lord. It is the same thing that Paul teaches in Romans 12:2 " And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind that you may prove (discern) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
As a godly woman, I will quietly ( in stillness) receive instruction. I want to learn and know the Word and will of my Lord. And I will do so with an attitude of "submissiveness". (That's the part our culture has a problem with.. ) Yet, we do this willingly and freely, out of love and honor for those that God has given us to teach His Word. Women are not less than men, nor or we any less able to learn the Word of God. But, if we want to be all that God desires for us to be - and I do - then I will be willing to listen and learn without causing disruptions.
As a godly woman, a woman after God's heart, I do not need to be in authority over men, especially over my husband. I am a teacher. It is a gift that God has given to me. I love to teach the Word of God and I have been able to do that from time to time in our church. Is this wrong? I don't think so. For I do this under the authority of my pastor and with the approval of my husband. It is not a power trip or a rebellion against those in charge. Again, I submit willingly to the Lord, who directs me in His ways.
As a godly woman, I am to "continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint." My desire is to love the Lord my God with all my heart and all my soul and all my might. That is God's desire for me above anything else. Paul's teaching helps us to see what that looks like in practice:
I will dress in a way that is honoring to the Lord. With modesty and simplicity.
I will have an attitude of godliness and dignity.
I will have a knowledge of the Word without pride or boasting about it.
I will use my time and energy and money for doing the good that the Lord has prepared for me to do.
Father in heaven, transform me by renewing my mind with Your Word, by Your Spirit, who teaches me all truth. Thank You Jesus for being the mediator who has brought me into fellowship and unity with the Father. Continue to sanctify me through and through as I seek Your Face. May I walk in faith, love, sanctity and self-control today, for the glory and honor of Your Holy Name. Amen.
Paul instructs women in the early church. Some like to take offense at Paul's words, but they really are wise and helpful.
As a godly woman, I should dress properly - in an orderly arrangement, with decorum, and modestly - respectful of men and honoring to God, revealing my awe of Him!
I don't need fancy beauty products, or expensive hair stylists and I don't need gold or pearls to please the Lord. I don't need to spend a lot of money on expensive clothing. In other words, I don't need to worry about my outward appearance. For God is looking at my heart!
As a godly woman, I should be motivated to do "good works". Instead of being focused on how I look and what I wear, I will focus on doing what is good - that which is acceptable before the Lord. It is the same thing that Paul teaches in Romans 12:2 " And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind that you may prove (discern) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
As a godly woman, I will quietly ( in stillness) receive instruction. I want to learn and know the Word and will of my Lord. And I will do so with an attitude of "submissiveness". (That's the part our culture has a problem with.. ) Yet, we do this willingly and freely, out of love and honor for those that God has given us to teach His Word. Women are not less than men, nor or we any less able to learn the Word of God. But, if we want to be all that God desires for us to be - and I do - then I will be willing to listen and learn without causing disruptions.
As a godly woman, a woman after God's heart, I do not need to be in authority over men, especially over my husband. I am a teacher. It is a gift that God has given to me. I love to teach the Word of God and I have been able to do that from time to time in our church. Is this wrong? I don't think so. For I do this under the authority of my pastor and with the approval of my husband. It is not a power trip or a rebellion against those in charge. Again, I submit willingly to the Lord, who directs me in His ways.
As a godly woman, I am to "continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint." My desire is to love the Lord my God with all my heart and all my soul and all my might. That is God's desire for me above anything else. Paul's teaching helps us to see what that looks like in practice:
I will dress in a way that is honoring to the Lord. With modesty and simplicity.
I will have an attitude of godliness and dignity.
I will have a knowledge of the Word without pride or boasting about it.
I will use my time and energy and money for doing the good that the Lord has prepared for me to do.
Father in heaven, transform me by renewing my mind with Your Word, by Your Spirit, who teaches me all truth. Thank You Jesus for being the mediator who has brought me into fellowship and unity with the Father. Continue to sanctify me through and through as I seek Your Face. May I walk in faith, love, sanctity and self-control today, for the glory and honor of Your Holy Name. Amen.
Monday, April 4, 2016
I Timothy 2
Verses 1-8 "First of all" Paul tells Timothy and us, we need to pray. We need to petition God, we need to be in earnest worship, we need to be intercessors, and we need to have thankful hearts.. as we pray for ALL men. As we enter into communion with our Heavenly Father, we need to include prayer for those in authority " in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
The truth that God desires all men to know? ".. there is one God and one mediator also between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.. "
So PRAY! Pray "lifting up holy hands".. pray " without wrath and dissension" . Pray from a "pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith"
Although Paul addresses men in particular with this instruction, I think that women also are included in this command to pray. Elsewhere Paul has already given instructions for all believers to pray always. This is such an important part of our walk with our Lord, we need to take heed and do it!
Could it be that the reason we do not lead tranquil and quiet lives, is because we have not prayed?
Could it be that the lack of godliness and dignity among believers.. is because we have not entered into earnest worship and intercession as we have prayed? Do we really believe that God desires "all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" ? Are we doing this "first of all" command that God finds "good and acceptable" with pure hearts and sincere faith?
Lord God, You are the God of heaven above and on the earth below and there is no other! That You desire all men to be saved and to come to know the truth.. is such a wonder to us! You desire us to come to You through Jesus our Redeemer. You desire us to live in godliness and dignity, leading tranquil and quiet lives; resting in Your peace and grace. You desire to perfect Your love in us. Father, I bow before You and proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom You sent to become the propitiation for my sin. I plead with You, God of all creation, to direct the hearts of those in authority in this country to turn back to You, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You, their God. I pray for the upcoming elections, asking for You to give us the president of You own choosing, so that we will be able to live tranquil and quiet lives, with godliness and dignity.
I thank You that You are faithful and that You will accomplish Your perfect plan and purpose in each of us. Thank You for being merciful and gracious to us. Amen.
Verses 1-8 "First of all" Paul tells Timothy and us, we need to pray. We need to petition God, we need to be in earnest worship, we need to be intercessors, and we need to have thankful hearts.. as we pray for ALL men. As we enter into communion with our Heavenly Father, we need to include prayer for those in authority " in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
The truth that God desires all men to know? ".. there is one God and one mediator also between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.. "
So PRAY! Pray "lifting up holy hands".. pray " without wrath and dissension" . Pray from a "pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith"
Although Paul addresses men in particular with this instruction, I think that women also are included in this command to pray. Elsewhere Paul has already given instructions for all believers to pray always. This is such an important part of our walk with our Lord, we need to take heed and do it!
Could it be that the reason we do not lead tranquil and quiet lives, is because we have not prayed?
Could it be that the lack of godliness and dignity among believers.. is because we have not entered into earnest worship and intercession as we have prayed? Do we really believe that God desires "all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" ? Are we doing this "first of all" command that God finds "good and acceptable" with pure hearts and sincere faith?
Lord God, You are the God of heaven above and on the earth below and there is no other! That You desire all men to be saved and to come to know the truth.. is such a wonder to us! You desire us to come to You through Jesus our Redeemer. You desire us to live in godliness and dignity, leading tranquil and quiet lives; resting in Your peace and grace. You desire to perfect Your love in us. Father, I bow before You and proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom You sent to become the propitiation for my sin. I plead with You, God of all creation, to direct the hearts of those in authority in this country to turn back to You, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You, their God. I pray for the upcoming elections, asking for You to give us the president of You own choosing, so that we will be able to live tranquil and quiet lives, with godliness and dignity.
I thank You that You are faithful and that You will accomplish Your perfect plan and purpose in each of us. Thank You for being merciful and gracious to us. Amen.
Friday, April 1, 2016
I know, I should be on I Timothy 2, but I find myself meditating instead on I John 4:18 "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear..." This comes from thinking about the lessons of the heart - and particularly about God's commandment that we love Him with all our heart, and all our soul, and all our strength. I wonder if I do that, is it even possible ? Can we keep our hearts completely loving Him? He even tells us that there are secret things in our hearts - do I even know those things myself? I do not want to be deceived! I do want to love Him with all my heart. I am still praying
II Thessalonians 3:5 -" and may the Lord direct you hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." And then I Timothy 1:5 " But the goal... is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience and a sincere faith"
Love from a pure heart has to be "perfect love", right? How can we claim such a love? That's why I went searching in I John 4. Here's what I found:
Verse 7 Love is from God... (and verse 19 " We love because He first loved us")
"Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God". It starts with Him!
Verse 9-10 "By this"... His love is "manifested" , made apparent to us, "that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins." Here is the proof of His love.
Verse 12-15 - if we love one another - "God abides in us and His love is perfected in us"
And we can know this, because He "has given us of His Spirit"
And.. "we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."
And "whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God."
Verse 16 When we come to know and believe "the love which God has for us" .. when we know that He is love and we abide in love.. we abide in Him and He in us!
Verse 17 "By this, love is perfected in us... "
By coming to know HIS perfect love, revealed by His provision, the sending of His Son, who has averted His wrath due us because of our sin, we are brought into this "abiding" relationship. He in us and we in Him. We stay in His Presence.. we dwell together, and this makes love complete - perfect.
Then we are confident in the day of judgement.
Then we have no fear of punishment.
Because this abiding in perfect love throws that fear right out the window.
Our love is perfected, made complete, by knowing and believing His love.
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, to be the propitiation for my sin. Thank You for loving me and desiring to save me from my sin and to know the truth. Perfect Your love in me, O Lord. Take my hand and lead me into Your love, more and more. Abide in me and may I always abide in You.
Cast out every fear and fill me with confidence in Your perfect love, I pray in the Name of Jesus, the Son of God, Amen.
II Thessalonians 3:5 -" and may the Lord direct you hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." And then I Timothy 1:5 " But the goal... is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience and a sincere faith"
Love from a pure heart has to be "perfect love", right? How can we claim such a love? That's why I went searching in I John 4. Here's what I found:
Verse 7 Love is from God... (and verse 19 " We love because He first loved us")
"Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God". It starts with Him!
Verse 9-10 "By this"... His love is "manifested" , made apparent to us, "that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins." Here is the proof of His love.
Verse 12-15 - if we love one another - "God abides in us and His love is perfected in us"
And we can know this, because He "has given us of His Spirit"
And.. "we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."
And "whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God."
Verse 16 When we come to know and believe "the love which God has for us" .. when we know that He is love and we abide in love.. we abide in Him and He in us!
Verse 17 "By this, love is perfected in us... "
By coming to know HIS perfect love, revealed by His provision, the sending of His Son, who has averted His wrath due us because of our sin, we are brought into this "abiding" relationship. He in us and we in Him. We stay in His Presence.. we dwell together, and this makes love complete - perfect.
Then we are confident in the day of judgement.
Then we have no fear of punishment.
Because this abiding in perfect love throws that fear right out the window.
Our love is perfected, made complete, by knowing and believing His love.
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, to be the propitiation for my sin. Thank You for loving me and desiring to save me from my sin and to know the truth. Perfect Your love in me, O Lord. Take my hand and lead me into Your love, more and more. Abide in me and may I always abide in You.
Cast out every fear and fill me with confidence in Your perfect love, I pray in the Name of Jesus, the Son of God, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)