TRUTH VERSES ERROR.
Last week, we concentrated upon the area of riches and poverty in this First Epistle.
Today, we concentrate on seven striking contrasts in this Epistle to distinguish Christian Truth from Error. When we know what is true, we can abide in it. The truth will set you free… if you have an eye to see!
Let’s look at seven contrasts where we can know and feel at home.
1. THE LIGHT FROM THE DARKNESS.
2. THE FATHER VERSES THE WORLD.
3. CHRIST VERSES THE ANTICHRIST..
4. GOOD WORKS VERSES EVIL WORKS.
5. THE HOLY SPIRIT VERSES ERROR.
6. LOVE VERSES PRIDEFUL PRETENCE.
7. THE BORN AGAIN VERSES RELIGION.
We must test ourselves in our profession of our faith.
Our desires.
The doctrine we believe.
Our conduct.
How we discern the Word of God.
Our motives in serving others.
Our New Birth.
You cannot but notice in this Epistle a clear demarcation between what is Truth and Error. According to John, they are black and white, with no compromise.
SPIRITUAL FUNDAMENTALS.
John teaches that we must believe in Jesus Christ and love one another.
Chapter 3:23.
We must share our love with others.
We love, because He first loved us by sacrificing His Son for us. That should be enough to motivate us to even love our enemies.
The true blessings are found in a heart that is at rest with God. The secret is:
PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR.
You can’t love and fear at the same time!
If we adhere to sound doctrine, then we will not be tempted to lower our standards of conduct.
TO MAKE MY HEART HIS DWELLING PLACE.
Seven times we read the words, “If we say” or “He has said.”
These sayings are a test to see if we are being honest and real in our Christian lives.
Here they are:
If we say, “We have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, “we lie!”
THAT IS FALSE FELLOWSHIP.
If we say, “We have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
FALSE HOLINESS.
If we say, “We have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.
That is….
FALSE RIGHTEOUSNESS.
He that has said, “I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is also a liar.”
That is…
FALSE ALLEGIANCE.
He that said, “He that abides in Him should walk as He walked.”
That is…
FALSE BEHAVIOUR.
He that says, “
He is in the light and hates his brother is living in the darkness.”
That is …
FALSE CHRISTIANITY.
And finally, “He that confesses how much he hates a brother or sister is also a liar.”
He has a…
FALSE LOVE FOR GOD.
To sum it all up, I suggest that you be … Honest with God!
Honest with yourself.
And honest with others.
No Pretence. No Hypocrisy.
Try to be encouraging towards others. Be real, and ask the Lord to give you His love for each other.
OH THE GIFT! OH THE GRACE THAT HE SHOULD TAKE MY PLACE.
THAT GOD SHOULD CONDESCEND.
AND BECOME MY CLOSEST FRIEND.
Amen.
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Light in the Darkness! 