STUDIES IN FIRST, SECOND & THIRD JOHN
Lesson 22 Third John
3 John 1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
John is writing to a brother who has a very special place in his affections - - in the truth (see previous lesson on 2nd John)
B. Gaius - (Rom 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
1 Cor 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;) was baptized by Paul at Corinth, and for a while, at least, entertained the entire church in his house. He later accompanied Paul as a helper and was caught in a riot at Ephesus.
Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
Tradition says he was bishop of Pergamos
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
John prays that Gaius might have as many temporal blessings (health and wealth) as he has spiritual blessings.
3 John 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
John has received a report of the faithfulness of his old friend and co-worker.
To fully understand these passages, we must learn the methods of mission work at that time, especially under apostolic authority, (see Philemon) and the fluid state of the entire population at this stage of the Roman Empire.
1. Churches sent gifts to missionaries by the hand of members of the local churches.
Phil 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
2. These often stayed for a while to aid the missionaries as co-laborers.
Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Col 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis.
3. When these missionary helpers were sent on a mission by the missionary, the churches were to help them on their way.
1 Cor 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
1 Cor 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
4. These missions were sometimes to report to the churches on the progress of the work and the needs.
Eph 6:22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Col 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Col 4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
Col 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
5. Helpers were sent home after a period of service
Phil 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Phil 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Phil 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Phil 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Phil 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Phil 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not
3 John 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Diotrophes - - a man so jealous of his position of usurped authority that he was willing to defy all authority and even destroy the church to maintain it. Gaius and Diotrophes might well have been leaders of two opposing factions in the same church. Pergamos?
Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; Note the sword with two edges.
Rev 2:13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
The division in this church.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Diotrophes was definitely a nicolaitane!
3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
A personal decision - when two leaders divide a church you must decide which to follow. How? By the word!
3 John 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Demetrius - (same one as in Acts 19:24?)
Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
If so, then he is the instigator of the riot that almost destroyed Gaius.
Now he gets an 'A' on his report card to his present church.
A. From all men. Our conduct toward the outside must be good.
B. From the truth. We must be doctrinally sound.
C. From the Apostle himself.
3 John 1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
3 John 1:14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
A personal visit is better than words on paper
This concludes this series of lessons
Friday, April 22, 2005
studies in John
STUDIES IN FIRST, SECOND & THIRD JOHN
Lesson 21 Second John 1 - 13
To whom is he speaking? This is the key to the entire book. We can be assured that he is speaking to the Church at Jerusalem and through her, to all the Lord's churches.
2 John 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
A. The elect lady . . . John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Ye have not chosen me . . .John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you
B. And her children. . .1 Cor 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Church responsibility rests equally upon each of her members.
C. Whom I love in the TRUTH. Here is the only real and lasting basis for Christian love. If you love the church because of the friends you have in her, then what will happen when your friends disappoint you? Because of the pastor? What if the pastor leaves? Because of husband, wife or sweetheart? Situations change - (man married to Lois with Ruth tattooed on his chest!) Truth does NOT change and provides the basis for stable churches and steady Christians.
D. Truth is the basis for stability to everyone who really KNOWS it.
Lesson 21 Second John 1 - 13
To whom is he speaking? This is the key to the entire book. We can be assured that he is speaking to the Church at Jerusalem and through her, to all the Lord's churches.
2 John 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
A. The elect lady . . . John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Ye have not chosen me . . .John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you
B. And her children. . .1 Cor 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Church responsibility rests equally upon each of her members.
C. Whom I love in the TRUTH. Here is the only real and lasting basis for Christian love. If you love the church because of the friends you have in her, then what will happen when your friends disappoint you? Because of the pastor? What if the pastor leaves? Because of husband, wife or sweetheart? Situations change - (man married to Lois with Ruth tattooed on his chest!) Truth does NOT change and provides the basis for stable churches and steady Christians.
D. Truth is the basis for stability to everyone who really KNOWS it.
2 John 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
We love the Lord's Church, not only because we share the common bond of truth ( in truth) but also FOR TRUTH'S sake. It dwells with us and shall be with us forever.
A. The church is the pillar and the ground of the truth.
1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Though men die and worldly organizations change, His church remains as the depository of truth and is kept by the truth she keeps.
B. And when He, the Spirit of Truth is come . . .
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
2 John 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Grace, mercy and peace is promised IN truth. There is no promise of these to those who persist in error. There is no peace in apostasy. There is no mercy in 'salvation' by works. (Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;)
What would have happened to sustaining Grace, if the church had gone out of existence at any time? It wouldn't have been sufficient!
2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
The greatest joy of a pastor is to see church members walking in truth.
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
2 John 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
A. From the beginning. . .He is writing to the church which started out with Christ.
B. And the orders haven't changed yet!
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
2 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it
How do we express this divine love? Not by sugary words or condoning sin (mistakenly being 'loving') but by obedience. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Many deceivers ...Any false teaching is a denial of the Lordship of Christ. It is not enough to say "I believe in the virgin birth" Do you believe all that the Messiah taught and did? False teaching is usually deceptive by stating a premise of truth and drawing false conclusions from it by sophistry. i.e. The sovereignty of God, or the work of the Holy Spirit.
2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward
There IS a danger of losing out by forsaking the truth.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Whosoever transgresseth. . . gets ahead of God - (by teaching something contrary to God's teaching.
2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
THIS doctrine. Speaking of that which goes immediately before. Invite him not into your house...(To whom is he speaking? the elect lady, the church) Does not mean we must shun all but brethren in the truth, personally. Else, how would we ever win any?
2 John 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
To even wish a heretic well in his 'service' to God is to be guilty of his heresy.
2 John 1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
John's desire to once again visit the Jerusalem church.
2 John 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
The members of the church where he was, at this time, joined in sending greeting to the Jerusalem brethren.
Next week: Third John
studies in john 20
STUDIES IN FIRST, SECOND & THIRD JOHN
Lesson 20 Summary and conclusion OF FIRST JOHN
I John 5:14 - 21
A. Because of our complete trust in His promises concerning our sonship, we can also have confidence in Him who can supply our present needs. Eternity is His but NOW is no less in His power.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
This is the confidence - freedom of speech - that we have concerning Him. ( We know He will listen to us)
God is not the tyrannical father who demands that his children stand in subdued silence in his awesome presence.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
According to His will - Thy will be done -
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
1. We can have confidence when we ask for:
a. material needs - Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
b. for lost souls - Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
c. For physical well-being -James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
d. For the spiritual well-being of the church Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
1 Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
e. For the spiritual well-being of an individual
Phile 1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
We know He will answer our prayers.
It is as important to know how to pray with faith as it is to know WHAT to pray for.
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
This kind of confidence can only come from one who is obedient.
1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
God still answers prayers for the physical restoration of the sick.
1. All sickness is NOT the result of a personal sin ( although all sickness is the result of the adamic sin. )
a. 2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
1 Tim 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
b. Some sickness IS the result of personal sin.
1 Cor 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Note that He says, "If any man see his brother SIN - pray for him. He did NOT say, "If you see him get sick, try to figure out if it is the result of sin......
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
There IS a sin unto death.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
Acts 5:7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
Acts 5:8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
Acts 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
One born of God does not continue to make a practice of sin. (Dog returns to vomit and hog to wallow in the mire) -
2 Pet 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
a. He watches over himself -
In relation to worldliness:
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
In relation to the Love of God -
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
In relation to false religions;
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
We KNOW we are of God -- We know who we are and who the world is, and that there can never be any fellowship between the two, for we are in Christ and the whole world rests in the wicked one.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
We know He is coming . . .
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
This gives meaning to all the rest. If in this life only we have hope_ _ _ 1 Cor 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Here is present assurance through future hope.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Keep yourselves from idols. Is this a present danger?
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Cor 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Next week: 2nd John
Lesson 20 Summary and conclusion OF FIRST JOHN
I John 5:14 - 21
A. Because of our complete trust in His promises concerning our sonship, we can also have confidence in Him who can supply our present needs. Eternity is His but NOW is no less in His power.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
This is the confidence - freedom of speech - that we have concerning Him. ( We know He will listen to us)
God is not the tyrannical father who demands that his children stand in subdued silence in his awesome presence.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
According to His will - Thy will be done -
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
1. We can have confidence when we ask for:
a. material needs - Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
b. for lost souls - Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
c. For physical well-being -James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
d. For the spiritual well-being of the church Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
1 Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
e. For the spiritual well-being of an individual
Phile 1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
We know He will answer our prayers.
It is as important to know how to pray with faith as it is to know WHAT to pray for.
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
This kind of confidence can only come from one who is obedient.
1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
God still answers prayers for the physical restoration of the sick.
1. All sickness is NOT the result of a personal sin ( although all sickness is the result of the adamic sin. )
a. 2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
1 Tim 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
b. Some sickness IS the result of personal sin.
1 Cor 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Note that He says, "If any man see his brother SIN - pray for him. He did NOT say, "If you see him get sick, try to figure out if it is the result of sin......
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
There IS a sin unto death.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
Acts 5:7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
Acts 5:8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
Acts 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
One born of God does not continue to make a practice of sin. (Dog returns to vomit and hog to wallow in the mire) -
2 Pet 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
a. He watches over himself -
In relation to worldliness:
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
In relation to the Love of God -
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
In relation to false religions;
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
We KNOW we are of God -- We know who we are and who the world is, and that there can never be any fellowship between the two, for we are in Christ and the whole world rests in the wicked one.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
We know He is coming . . .
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
This gives meaning to all the rest. If in this life only we have hope_ _ _ 1 Cor 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Here is present assurance through future hope.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Keep yourselves from idols. Is this a present danger?
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Cor 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Next week: 2nd John
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