From Gary... Eureka!!!

To me, this is an absolutely STUNNING PICTURE!!!  It reminds me of those "AH HA" movements that change your life forever. You know, the kind that you write of the calendar because you want to always remember when you "GOT IT"!!!  Here is one such moment from the book of John...

John 20:20-31 NASB
(20)  And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(21)  So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
(22)  And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
(23)  "If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."
(24)  But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
(25)  So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
(26)  After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
(27)  Then He *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
(28)  Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
(29)  Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."
(30)  Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
(31)  but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Frankly, I don't know how Thomas could utter the words from verse 25 above, but he did. How could a person be with Jesus for so long and still not believe???  Fortunately, Jesus gave him material proof, but for those of us who don't have that- What do we do?  The answer that seems most logical to me is to investigate and question everything until your mind is satisfied. There is an abundance of archaeological and historical data that backs up the Bible and for most of us that should be enough.  For the rest, I say- live a few more years and sooner or later you may just get to the point in your life when you can get past disbelief and trust in God.  In the meantime, try reading the first five books of the New Testament.  Who knows, you just might see a beam of light... and NO, do NOT start with Acts chapter 9!!!! 

From Gary... Bible Reading October 13

Bible Reading   

October 13

The World English Bible

Oct. 13

Proverbs 12-14

Pro 12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Pro 12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.

Pro 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

Pro 12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.

Pro 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

Pro 12:6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Pro 12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.

Pro 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.

Pro 12:9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.

Pro 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Pro 12:11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

Pro 12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

Pro 12:13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.

Pro 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.

Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.

Pro 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

Pro 12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.

Pro 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

Pro 12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.

Pro 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.

Pro 12:21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.

Pro 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight.

Pro 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

Pro 12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

Pro 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.

Pro 12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Pro 12:27 The slothful man doesn't roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.

Pro 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

Pro 13:1 A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.

Pro 13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence.

Pro 13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Pro 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.

Pro 13:5 A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.

Pro 13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Pro 13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.

Pro 13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.

Pro 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

Pro 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.

Pro 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.

Pro 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Pro 13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.

Pro 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.

Pro 13:15 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.

Pro 13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.

Pro 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.

Pro 13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.

Pro 13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

Pro 13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Pro 13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

Pro 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

Pro 13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice sweeps it away.

Pro 13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Pro 13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Pro 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Pro 14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.

Pro 14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

Pro 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

Pro 14:5 A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.

Pro 14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.

Pro 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge on his lips.

Pro 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

Pro 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.

Pro 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger.

Pro 14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

Pro 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Pro 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness.

Pro 14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.

Pro 14:15 A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.

Pro 14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Pro 14:17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.

Pro 14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Pro 14:19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Pro 14:20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.

Pro 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.

Pro 14:22 Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.

Pro 14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.

Pro 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.

Pro 14:25 A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.

Pro 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.

Pro 14:27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.

Pro 14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.

Pro 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.

Pro 14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.

Pro 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

Pro 14:32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.

Pro 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.

Pro 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Pro 14:35 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.

 

Oct. 13

Ephesians 4

Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called,

Eph 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;

Eph 4:3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling;

Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.

Eph 4:7 But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Eph 4:8 Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

Eph 4:9 Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

Eph 4:10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

Eph 4:11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;

Eph 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;

Eph 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Eph 4:14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

Eph 4:15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;

Eph 4:16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,

Eph 4:18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;

Eph 4:19 who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Eph 4:20 But you did not learn Christ that way;

Eph 4:21 if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:

Eph 4:22 that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Eph 4:23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

Eph 4:24 and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Eph 4:25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.

Eph 4:26 "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath,

Eph 4:27 neither give place to the devil.

Eph 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.

Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Eph 4:30 Don't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.

Eph 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

From Mark Copeland... Fellowship With God (1 John 1:5-2:2)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

                     Fellowship With God (1:5-2:2)

INTRODUCTION

1. In the first four verses of First John, we saw that John's aim in
   this epistle is...
   a. To declare the "Word of life", the "eternal life" that was with
      the Father and has been manifested in Jesus Christ - 1Jn 1:1-2
   b. That we might have fellowship with the Father and Son, just as
      the apostles do - 1Jn 1:3
   c. That we might have fullness of joy - 1Jn 1:4

2. So to have fullness of joy...we must experience the kind of life 
   that comes from having fellowship with God!

3. What is the basis for fellowship with God, so that we may have the
   life that produces fullness of joy?
   a. In our text (1Jn 1:5-2:2), John discusses the basis for
      fellowship with God
   b. He also describes the place of sin, and how it can affect that
      fellowship

[With verse 5, we notice...]

I. THE PREMISE FOR HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (5)

   A. "GOD IS LIGHT"
      1. The figure of light is often used in the Scriptures to 
         describe that which to good, righteous, and true - cf. Ep 5:
         8-10
      2. Therefore, God must always be thought of in this way:  He is 
         good, He is righteous, He is true!

   B. "IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL"
      1. The figure of darkness would represent the opposite of light:
         evil, unrighteousness, falsehood
      2. Therefore we can never think of God as countenancing sin, 
         excusing it in any way

[With this basic understanding clearly established of what God is, John
now addresses some...]

II. FALSE CLAIMS CONCERNING FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (6-10)

   A. "WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM", YET WALK IN DARKNESS (6-7)
      1. Why is this claim false?
         a. Because fellowship means to have something in common
         b. And we have seen that God is "light" (goodness,
            righteousness, truth)
         c. "Walking in darkness", therefore, would be going against
            everything God stands for! - cf. Ep 4:17-24
      2. What is the result of such a claim?
         a. We are false in our WORDS ("we lie")
         b. We are false in our DEEDS ("do not practice the truth")
      3. Instead, we should "walk in the light as He is in the light"
         a. I.e., instead of living a life characterized by "evil,
            unrighteousness, and error" (all the while claiming to have
            fellowship with God)...
         b. ...we should live a life in harmony with God's "goodness,
            righteousness, and truth"!
      4. Only then will we experience:
         a. "Fellowship with one another"
            1) That is, we will have fellowship with God
            2) Whereby we can share in that life which is eternal, and 
               provides fullness of joy!
         b. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son [which] cleanses us from
            all sin"
            1) This suggests that "walking in the light" does not imply
               sinlessness
            2) Any more than "walking in darkness" implies total 
               absence of good
            3) Rather, "walking in the light" suggests...
               a) A life making progress under the positive influence 
                  of God's "light"
               b) A life enjoying the cleansing power of Jesus' blood 
                  as one meets the conditions of forgiveness outlined 
                  below

   B. "WE HAVE NO SIN" (8,9)
      1. John may have reference to statements made by professing
         Christians who thought they had become sinless
      2. The consequences of such a claim...
         a. Self-deceit ("we deceive ourselves")
         b. Living in error ("the truth is not in us")
         c. I.e., walking in darkness, not walking in light!
      3. Instead, we should freely confess our sins - 1Jn 1:9a; cf. 
         Pr 28:13
      4. Then God, who is "faithful" (trustworthy) and "just" (one who 
         does what is right) will...
         a. "forgive us our sins"
         b. "cleanse us from all unrighteousness"
         ...through His mercy He makes it possible for to continue in 
         fellowship with Him!

   C. "WE HAVE NOT SINNED" (10)
      1. This claim may have been made by some denying they had ever
         sinned
      2. The consequences of this claim are grievous...
         a. We make God a liar! - cf. Ro 3:23
         b. His Word is not in us!
      3. How can anyone who makes such claims as these hope to have 
         true fellowship with God, and thereby enjoy the life such 
         fellowship gives?
      4. Fellowship with God does not occur by making claims that turn 
         God into a liar!

[Though affirming that we do sin, John is not seeking to encourage sin.
Indeed, he is writing to discourage sin (1Jn 2:1).

But fellowship with God requires that a person takes sin seriously.  To
appreciate further how serious God takes sin, we learn that...]

II. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD REQUIRES AN ADVOCATE (2:1-2)

   A. "WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS"
      (1)
      1. The word "advocate"...
         a. Literally means "to call to one's side, to one's aid"
         b. It suggests the capability for giving aid
         c. Used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, a 
            counsel for the defense
         d. Generally, it is one who pleads another's case, an 
            intercessor
      2. Jesus is the perfect "advocate", for He is RIGHTEOUS
         a. As sinners, we are alienated from God - cf. Isa 59:1-2
         b. But since Jesus is without sin, He is a fit representative
            to come before God on our behalf!
         c. The author of Hebrews also makes the point that though 
            righteous, He understands our situation perfectly - cf. He 2:17-18; 4:14-16

   B. "HE HIMSELF IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS" (2)
      1. The word "propitiation" means "an appeasing"
         a. E.g., the pagans would offer sacrifices to appease their
            gods
         b. In the New Testament, it is God, not man, who offers the 
            appeasing sacrifice - cf. 1Jn 4:10
         c. Through His death on the cross, Jesus is the means by which
            God can show mercy to the sinner
         d. This explains how God can be "just" (cf. 1Jn 1:9) and 
            still forgive sin
         e. This wonderful "propitiation" was given to the whole world,
            but is accessed only by those who believe in Jesus - cf. 
            1Jn 2:2; Ro 3:21-26

CONCLUSION

1. In this first chapter, and even into the second, John makes it clear
   upon what basis we can have fellowship with God, and enjoy the life 
   that provides fullness of joy

2. To have fellowship with God, we who are Christians must...
   a. Not walk in darkness, but walk in the light of God's goodness, 
      righteous, and truth
   b. Admit that we have sinned, and do sin
   c. Utilize our "advocate" (Jesus Christ), Whom God provides as the 
      "propitiation" for our sins

In 1Jn 1:9, John explained how those who are already children of God
can appropriate the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus (through 
confession and prayer).  But how about the alien sinner?  - cf. Ac 2:
38; 22:16 (faith, repentance, and baptism)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Fellowship With Jesus (1 John 2:3-6)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

                     Fellowship With Jesus (2:3-6)

INTRODUCTION

1. A concern of John's first epistle is that we have fellowship with
   the Father and the Son:

   "that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you
   also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is
   with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1:3)

2. He began by stressing the basis upon which we may fellowship with
   the FATHER - 1Jn 1:5-2:22
   a. Walk in the light as He is in the light
   b. Confess our sins, don't deny that we have sin
   c. Make use of our "advocate" and "propitiation", Jesus Christ the 
      Righteous

3. But what about fellowship with the SON?  In our text (1Jn 2:3-6),
   John now describes how we can "know" that we have fellowship with 
   Jesus Christ

[A key phrase in this passage is "by this we know...", found twice 
(2:3,5).  In other words, "here is how we can be sure".

And John's first point is...]

I. BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE "KNOW" HIM (3-5a)

   A. HERE IS HOW WE CAN BE SURE WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS...
      1. Identifying the "Him" of this passage
         a. Is it God or Jesus?  The Father or the Son?
         b. In light of the context, it is Jesus the Son of God - cf. 
            1Jn 2:1-2,6
         c. This fits in well with John's aim in this epistle - cf. 
            1Jn 1:3
            1) He has described the basis for fellowship with the 
               Father
            2) Now he discusses the basis for fellowship with the Son
      2. What it means to "know" Jesus
         a. As frequently used by John, the word "know" {ginosko}
            denotes a knowledge that comes by experience, by sharing 
            experiences in life together
         b. In this sense, it implies that "fellowship" (sharing, 
            communion) has taken place

   B. WE CAN BE SURE, "IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS"
      1. Fellowship with Jesus is dependent upon keeping His teachings 
         - Jn 14:21-23; 15:10
      2. The person who claims to "know" (have fellowship) with Jesus, 
         and does not keep His commandments...
         a. Is a liar, and the truth is not in him! - 1Jn 2:4b
         b. Is just like the one who claims to have fellowship with the
            Father while walking in darkness! - cf. 1Jn 1:6
      3. But the person who keeps the words of Jesus, the "love of God"
         is perfected in him!
         a. This "love of God"...
            1) Is it God's kind of love? - cf. 1Jn 3:16-17
            2) Is it God's love for us? - cf. 1Jn 4:9
            3) Is it our love for God? - cf. 1Jn 5:2-3
            -- I suspect John is referring to our love for God, for the
               context concerns keeping the commandments of Jesus
         b. Such love for God is "perfected" (made whole, complete) 
            only when we keep the commandments of His Son! - cf. Jn 14:15,21,23

[So we can be sure that we "know" Jesus, that we are in fellowship with
Him, and that we have perfected our love for God, ONLY if we are 
keeping the commandments of Jesus!

To stress the point even further, John continues by point out...]

II. BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE ARE "IN" HIM (5b-6)

   A. HERE IS HOW WE CAN BE SURE WE ARE ABIDING IN JESUS
      1. The word "in" (5b) is parallel to the expression "abides in"
         (6a)
      2. "Abiding in Jesus" is described by Jesus Himself as similar to
         a branch abiding in the vine - cf. Jn 15:4-5
         a. There is a union, or attachment, between the branch and 
            vine
         b. From this union comes a communion, or sharing
      3. So again, we are discussing the idea of having fellowship with
         Jesus

   B. WE CAN BE SURE, IF WE "WALK JUST AS HE WALKED"
      1. The person claiming to "abide in Jesus" (or to have fellowship
         with Him) should "walk" (live) just as Jesus did!
         a. For only those who follow His words are truly His disciples
            - cf. Jn 8:31
         b. And those who are His disciples will become like their 
            Teacher - cf. Lk 6:40
         c. Such is the goal of discipleship, and of God's scheme of 
            redemption itself! - Ro 8:29
      2. Understanding and applying this truth should have powerful 
         ramifications in how we live (as illustrated in the novel "In 
         His Steps", by Charles Sheldon)

CONCLUSION

1. We learn from John, then, that the key to knowing that we have 
   fellowship with Jesus is understanding the difference between 
   "talking" and "walking"
   a. Anyone can say that they know Jesus, that they abide in Him
   b. But those that really know are those who...
      1) KEEP His commandments
      2) WALK just as He walked

2. Do you really know Jesus?  Are you in fellowship with Him, wherein
   is eternal life and fullness of joy?
   a. Have you kept the commands of Jesus?
   b. How about His commands concerning faith, repentance and baptism?
      - cf. Mt 28:18-19; Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
   c. How about His commands to observe ALL that He commanded,
      including those revealed through His apostles? - cf. Mt 28:20;
      Ac 2:42; 1Co 14:37

How you answer reveals the truth regarding your relationship with God,
and your hope for eternal life!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... An "Old, Yet New" Commandment (1 John 2:7-11)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

                 An "Old, Yet New" Commandment (2:7-11)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our study of 1st John, we have seen thus far...
   a. That John's aim is that we may have fellowship with the Father 
      and the Son, so our joy may be full - 1Jn 1:1-4
   b. That fellowship with the Father is contingent upon:
      1) Walking in the light - 1Jn 1:5-7
      2) Confessing our sins - 1Jn 1:8-10
      3) Making use of our "advocate" and "propitiation", Jesus Christ 
         the Righteous - 1Jn 2:1-2
   c. And that fellowship with the Son (Jesus) depends upon our:
      1) Keeping His commandments - 1Jn 2:3-5a
      2) Walking as He walked - 1Jn 2:5b-6
      -- Otherwise, it is not true that we "abide in Him", nor truly 
         "know Him"

2. Having stressed the importance of keeping the commandments of Jesus 
   if we are to have fellowship with Him and the Father...
   a. John proceeds to discuss one commandment in particular - 1Jn 2:
      7-11
   b. He discusses what can be called "An Old, Yet New Commandment"

[Let's consider first...]

I. THE COMMANDMENT ITSELF

   A. IT IS AN "OLD" COMMANDMENT (8)
      1. He does not write about something totally new to them
      2. But something they had heard "from the beginning" (i.e., from 
         the beginning of the gospel)

   B. IT IS A "NEW" COMMANDMENT (9)
      1. That is, it is ever fresh; though old in time, it is never 
         stale
      2. It is a commandment that is ever true in Jesus, and it is true
         in His disciples
      3. It is both true and new because...
         a. "the darkness is passing away, and the true light is 
            already shining"
         b. With the coming of the Messiah (Jesus), light has begun to 
            penetrate the darkness - cf. Isa 9:2; Mt 4:13-17; Jn 1:4-9;
            8:12

   C. IT IS THE COMMAND TO "LOVE ONE ANOTHER"
      1. How do we know this?
         a. It is implied by verses 9-11
         b. It is stated clearly in 1Jn 3:11; 4:21
         c. This command was "from the beginning" (of the gospel) - cf.
            Jn 13:34-34; 15:12,17
      2. What does it mean to "love one another"?
         a. It may be helpful to first review the different Greek words
            for "love"
            1) "storge" - describes love of family
            2) "eros" - carnal, sexual love
            3) "phileo" - love for dear friends
            4) "agape" - active goodwill toward others
         b. It is "agape" love that we are commanded to have in this 
            text
            1) It is also the same kind of love commanded in Jn 13:
               34-35
            2) It is that concern to meet the needs of others that is 
               best exemplified in the life and death of Jesus - cf. 
               1Jn 3:16-17
         c. Therefore, to "love one another" is to consider the needs 
            of one another, and to actively work toward meeting those 
            needs (i.e., follow Jesus' example!)

[Having identified what commandment is being discussed, consider what 
John says about...]

II. THE EFFECT OF NOT KEEPING THIS COMMANDMENT

   A. ONE "IS IN DARKNESS" (9)
      1. When a person claims to walk in the light, but hates his 
         brother, he is still in darkness!
      2. Indeed, he has always been in darkness!
         a. Cf. "is in darkness until now"
         b. Despite what they may claim, they have not yet passed from 
            darkness to light!
         c. Or as expressed later, they have not yet passed from death 
            to life! - 1Jn 3:14

   B. ONE "DOES NOT KNOW WHERE HE IS GOING" (11)
      1. He may "think" he has fellowship with God, that he is saved, 
         but he is blind!
      2. He fails to realize the absurdity of his claim to know and 
         love God - cf. 1Jn 4:20
      3. Blinded by darkness (hate), he cannot see that he is on the 
         road to hell!

[Does this not illustrate the importance of keeping this "old, yet new"
commandment?  Its importance is further illustrated as we consider...]

III. THE EFFECT OF KEEPING THIS COMMANDMENT

   A. ONE "ABIDES IN THE LIGHT" (10a)
      1. Meaning that they are in full fellowship with the Father! - 
         cf. 1Jn 1:7a
      2. And they enjoy the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus! - 
         cf. 1Jn 1:7b
      -- So unless we love one another, fellowship and forgiveness is 
         not possible!

   B. "THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR STUMBLING" (10b)
      1. Abiding in the light, he can see clearly as he walks
      2. Fellowship with God makes it possible to "know where he is 
         going" (unlike the one who hates his brother and is in 
         darkness)
      3. This does not imply sinlessness
         a. Remember 1Jn 1:8,10
         b. But as one walks in the light (in fellowship with God), he 
            knows what to do when he sins, and in what direction he 
            should be headed - cf. 1Jn 1:9

CONCLUSION

1. This "old, yet new" commandment is very important:
   a. If we are not keeping it, we are still in darkness!
   b. If we are in darkness...
      1) We are not walking in the light!
      2) We are not having fellowship with God, and the blood of Jesus 
         does not cleanse us from our sins!
      3) We cannot have that "fullness of joy" of which John wrote in 
         1Jn 1:4

2. It is only appropriate, then, to close this lesson with the 
   admonition of John found later in his epistle...

   "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and 
   everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does 
   not love does not know God, for God is love." - 1Jn 4:7-8

3. For those not yet Christians, I encourage you to seriously consider 
   the next two verses:

   "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God 
   has sent His only begotten Son into the world, 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." - 1Jn 4:9-10

Jesus is not only the "propitiation" for our sins, but is available 
for the whole world (1Jn 2:2).  Have you appropriated this wonderful
offer from God?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Three Stages In The Christian Life (1 John 2:12-14)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

              Three Stages In The Christian Life (2:12-14)

INTRODUCTION

1. Having charged his readers to observe an "old, yet new" commandment
   to love one another (1Jn 2:7-11), John takes a moment to
   specifically address various members of his reading audience - 1Jn 2:12-14

2. This section is rhythmical, almost lyrical, and raises a number of
   questions, such as these listed by Guy N. Woods in his commentary on
   1st John:
   a. Why did John use the present tense, "I write" {grapho}, in the 
      first three clauses, and "I have written" {egrapsa}, epistolary 
      aorist, in the second three?
   b. To what writing does he refer in the first instance?  In the 
      second?
   c. What is the meaning of the word "children" in the first clause of
      each of the divisions?
   d. Why did he use the word "teknion" in the first reference to 
      children, and "paidion" in the second?
   e. In what sense is the reference to "fathers, children, young men" 
      to be taken, literal or figurative?

3. Many and various answers have been given to these questions; without
   going into detail, I believe the following answers to the above 
   questions have merit...
   a. We have here a simple form of Hebrew parallelism, where the same 
      thing is being said for the sake of emphasis
   b. In both instances, the writing to which John refers is this very 
      epistle
   c. Unlike 1Jn 2:1,18,28; 3:7,18; 4:4; 5:21 where "children" appears
      to be a term of endearment for all believers, in 2:12,13 
      "children" seems to refer to a specific class of Christians
   d. Any distinction between "teknion" and "paidion" is likely not 
      significant, since John uses both as terms of endearment in this 
      epistle when speaking of all believers - cf. 1Jn 2:18 (paidion)
      with 1Jn 2:28 (teknion)
   e. Taken literally, the terms "fathers, children, young men" would 
      leave out many Christians (old men, old and younger women); 
      therefore, I take the terms to be figurative

4. With this understanding, I believe we find John addressing three 
   basic groups of Christians, who are at different stages in their 
   Christian life

[What we can glean from this section, then, is that there are "Three 
Stages Of The Christian Life", beginning with...]

I. THE STAGE OF INFANCY
   
   A. IN WHICH CHRISTIANS ARE "LITTLE CHILDREN"
      1. Both terms used by John normally refer to small infants
         a. teknion {tek-nee'-on} - diminutive of tekna; an infant
         b. paidion {pahee-dee'-on} - neut. diminutive of pais; a
            childling (of either sex), i.e. (prop.) an infant, or (by 
            extens.) a half-grown boy or girl (cf. Mk 5:39-42)
      2. Those who are new Christians, or immature Christians, are thus
         spoken of as "babes in Christ" - cf. 1Co 3:1; Ga 4:19; He 5:
         12-13
      3. This can be a difficult time, in which a Christian...
         a. Is still more carnal than spiritual - 1Co 3:1
         b. Can be a source of anxiety for those trying to lead them 
            along - Ga 4:19
         c. Needs to focus on the "milk" of the Word - He 5:12-13

   B. NEW CHRISTIANS CAN TAKE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM JOHN...
      1. Because their sins have been forgiven in Christ! - 1Jn 2:12
         a. Forgiveness is not based upon maturity or perfection
         b. But upon the blood of Jesus, and upon our willingness as 
            Christians to confess our sins - 1Jn 1:9
      2. Because they have "known the Father" - 1Jn 2:13
         a. I.e., they have fellowship with the Father, which is John's
            definition of "eternal life" - Jn 17:2-3
         b. They may be "babes", but they have "eternal life" in 
            Christ! - cf. 1Jn 5:11-12
         c. And John wants them to continue to believe! - 1Jn 5:13

[When a "babe in Christ" feeds upon the milk of the Word, making good 
use of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, remaining in 
fellowship with the Father and sharing in "eternal life", it will not 
be long before they enter...]

II. THE STAGE OF YOUTH

   A. IN WHICH CHRISTIANS ARE "YOUNG MEN"
      1. As explained previously, I take the expression "young men" 
         figuratively
      2. It refers to all, male or female, young or old 
         chronologically, who are "strong in the Lord"
      3. I.e., all "who have overcome the wicked one" - 1Jn 2:13,14
         a. Not that they are perfect, or without sin - cf. 1Jn 1:8
         b. But that their faith has had time to be tested, and they 
            have demonstrated that they are truly "born of God" - cf. 
            1Jn 4:4; 5:4-5

   B. THE SOURCE OF THEIR STRENGTH IS THE WORD OF GOD...
      1. Only as the Word of God "abides" (remains) in them are they 
         strong - 1Jn 2:14
      2. Even as David saw the value of letting the Word of God abide 
         in his heart - Ps 119:11
      3. For this reason, then, we need to heed the admonition of Peter
         - cf. 1Pe 2:2

[As one demonstrates time and again that they are strong in the Lord, 
they progress to the final stage of the Christian life...]

III. THE STAGE OF MATURITY

   A. IN WHICH CHRISTIANS ARE "FATHERS"
      1. Again, I take the term "fathers" figuratively
      2. It likely refers in this passage to Christians, male and 
         female, who have reached the highest stage of the Christian 
         life
      3. The term "fathers" suggests...
         a. They have had experience, having progressed through earlier
            stages of the Christian life (infancy, strength)
         b. They have even produced spiritual offspring, by leading 
            others to Christ - cf. 1Co 4:14-15

   B. THEY "HAVE KNOWN HIM WHO IS FROM THE BEGINNING"
      1. The reference is likely to Jesus, who "was from the beginning"
         - 1Jn 1:1; Jn 1:1-2
      2. Is there a distinction being made by John?
         a. "Little children" have known "the Father" - 1Jn 2:13
         b. "Fathers" have known "the Son" (who was from the beginning)
            - 1Jn 2:13,14
      3. If so, perhaps it is this:
         a. As babes in Christ, it can be said that even in our infancy
            we can "know" the Father, that is have an intimate 
            relationship with Him and experience the eternal life which
            He gives
         b. But only with time, and with opportunity to "walk just as 
            He walked" (1Jn 2:6), can it be said that one has truly 
            come to "know" Jesus
            1) Therefore the admonition of Peter to "grow in the...
               knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" - 2Pe 3:
               18
            2) Which knowledge comes only as we develop the Christ-like
               graces found in 2Pe 1:5-8

CONCLUSION

1. The Christian life has much in harmony with physical life...
   a. There are definite stages in life
   b. Only through "growth" does one pass from one stage to the other
   c. But when growth does not occur, that is a sign of a serious 
      malady!

2. There is a major difference, however...
   a. Physical growth usually occurs without much effort on our part
   b. Such is not the case with spiritual growth!

3. These verses that have served as the basis of our text, while they 
   are difficult in many respects, they ought to clearly impress upon 
   our minds several truths:
   a. There are different stages in the Christian life
   b. In each stage there are blessings to be enjoyed
   c. But little children need to become young men, and young men need
      to become fathers

May God grant us the grace needed to grow as we should, and enjoy the
full blessings in each stage of the Christian life!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011