A week from this Wednesday we will begin 1 John with Paige. Therefore this week, and the beginning of next week, we will prepare our hearts.
While the gospel of John can bring us to faith, the first letter of John shows us how to have confidence we truly are in the faith, and to increase the power of God in our lives.
We can overcome the fear that we might be one to whom He says, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” I have found this letter immensely helpful in overcoming the idols that keep me from being in the arms of Jesus, and giving me a sense of His presence. It is significant that this letter ends with:
Whenever we fail to walk in the light,
whenever we fail to walk in love,
whenever we fail to walk in truth,
identifying the idol beneath and
replacing it with trust & obedience to our God will set us free!
If we trying to overcome our flesh in with the flesh, we’d try to just stop it like this old skit:
A common sin for me is anxiety — about my kids, about money, about pickleball, about almost everything. When I fail to trust God, my idol is trying to fix it myself, trying to control things myself and not surrendering and trusting God. Idols cannot be removed, only replaced.
It doesn’t work to stay STOP IT! That’s restrained mechanical obedience in contrast to powerful organic obedience. What works is to abide in Him which helps me trust Him, remember His faithfulness, and replace my anxiety with faith in His love and promise to do all things well in His time.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
Monday:Walking in the Light
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
Tuesday:Walking in Love
6. Read 2 John 1:7-8. What does it say?
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
Thursday: Practice, Practice, Practice
John tells us the more we walk in love, the more love we will have. The more we walk in the light, the more light we will have. The more we walk in truth, the more truth we will have. Once we learn how to speak to our soul and to trust God instead of an idol, we must practice, practice, practice the habit until we have VICTORY.
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life?
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory?
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
B. 1 John 1:7-8
C. 1 John 1:24-27
D. 1 John 3:7-8
Saturday:
15. Share your God Shot and your take-a-way!
151 comments
1. How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
He blessed me in going back to work. It was smooth and not too worrisome. It was a good start. Thank You Lord!
Laura, I am so happy for you. I pray that you have a wonderful year teaching. May God give you His peace, guidance and comfort each day. You are a light for Jesus in your school and community.
That’s such good news, Laura!
Agree with Patti and Dee and pray for a good school year Laura.
Oh Laura that is hood to hear. 💕
Laura, good to hear you had a good start to the school year!
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
I have experienced His healing power. Halfway through our vacation I came down with a cold/sore throat & flu but being on a schedule I couldn’t slow down. By the time we got back home I thought I was getting better and then had a relapse. My body was telling me to slow down and take care of it. After a week of fevers, rest and medication I can truly say I’m on the mend! It feels good to be among the living again.
I have missed being here and Lord willing be able to participate more. I do enjoy Paige and 1 John is such a good book.
OH NO! I hate that for your Alaskan cruise anniversary celebration. I’m so so sorry!
Sharon,
So sorry to hear you were sick and had a relapse. Praying for good health for you now. 🙏🏻
Oh, Sharon! I am so sorry that you had that bug. So thankful that you are recovering. I pray that you stay well and strong, It is good to have you back. ,
Sounds rough! A whole week? Glad you are feeling better now.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
—This weekend has been a real treat for me spiritually as my youngest daughter flew in from Montana on Friday and my oldest daughter and her daughter drove down and we all attended a Jen Wilkens Conference at my church here in Lincoln. Having them stay with us and enjoying some good quality time in my home has been a blessing. Jen’s teaching was on the Lord’s Prayer. Spiritually it was very refreshing and the Lord’s presence was sweet among us. Sandra McCracken led the worship music which was also very well done. It was not a concert feel at all and included a good variety of songs. After the teaching on Friday evening she led a hymn sing with hymns old and new. Sandra played the piano or her guitar and she had a double base player and a drummer for accompaniment. It was easy to enter into and sing with. Even though 1,200 women attended no big screens were used and it had a more intimate feel. Jen Wilkens makes it known up front that she is not a motivational or inspirational speaker. She is first a Bible teacher. It was a very grounded and well done conference. My daughter in-law and her friend commented they like the fact it wasn’t about chocolate and hormones. 😊
And by the way during our packing and moving for relaxation and from the recommendation by Dee and Patti here on the blogs I took time to read “Theo of Golden”. That was a great book and a very enjoyable read. I read very few novels but loved it. 💕
Bev, so good to hear about your first weeks with your daughters and granddaughter in Lincoln! I almost registered for Jen Wilken’s conference. But time got away, and I did not make it.
Bev, what a wonderful blessing to spend time with your daughters. I am still in the process of reading Theo Of Golden and am really enjoying it.
That was a wonderful weekend! A little taste of heaven with such sweet fellowship with your daughters and sisters in Christ.
Bev, what a wonderful blessing to have your daughters and granddaughter with you and to enjoy an excellent conference. I love that Jen Wilkins is first a Bible teacher. It sounds wonderful.
You read a novel during the packing and moving?? That’s amazing! I know you have been busy. I don’t know Jen Wilkins, but it’s sounds like you had a great time. I’m going to see Tara-Leigh Cobble at the end of the month in Ft. Worth. Taking my best friend with me who lives there. So glad you could spend time with your daughter. So sweet indeed.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
Last Wednesday, 5 of us (2 men and 3 women) gathered to pray for our church and community. I have prepared a guide for us to use, not knowing who would show up and how comfortable they would be praying out loud and with one another. If there is one thing our church, I believe, needs guidance in, it is the area of prayer. I, for one, desperately need to learn how to pray effectively and fervently with others.
I introduced the group to praying using Scriptures, and just as expected, the group was not used to it. Here is where and when I felt God’s presence and power as the five of us navigated through some awkwardness, each believing that God is listening to our prayers no matter how simple or awkward they might be. Being a small church, it was not hard to plug in everybody’s name on a perpetual calendar. And we were able to mention each one’s name as we moved along our prayer sheet and calendar.
I want to thank God for leading the way in this very important ministry of the church. There are some significant things that are coming into view for our church, and I believe the 5 of us became more aware of the importance of prayer. I am also thankful for this blog who, by your example, has given me courage to do things in faith and to trust God to guide, protect, and preserve us.
Oh Bing, God will honor your obedient heart.
I agree. Prayer is so important and yet we neglect it.
Bing, What an important ministry for your church. God bless you in all your efforts and those who join you in this endeavor.
Bing, Amen to Sharon and Dee. How we need prayer. It is conversing with our Father, rather than talking About Him. It sounds like a wonderful plan to pray together. I agree that God will honor y9ur sincere and obedient heart. Yes! prayer is so important. It is the Key way to focus on relationship with God. So often an add on, when it should be center.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
Last Wednesday, 5 of us (2 men and 3 women) gathered to pray for our church and community. I prepared a guide for us to use, not knowing who would show up or how comfortable they would be praying out loud and with one another. If there is one thing our church needs guidance in, I believe it is prayer. I, for one, desperately need to learn how to pray effectively and fervently with others.
I introduced the group to praying using Scripture, and just as expected, the group was not used to it. Here is where and when I felt God’s presence and power as the five of us navigated through some awkwardness, each believing that God is listening to our prayers no matter how simple or awkward they might be. Being a small church, it was not hard to plug in everybody’s name on a perpetual calendar. And we were able to mention each one’s name as we moved along our prayer sheet and calendar.
I want to thank God for leading the way in this very important ministry of the church. There are some significant things that are coming into view for our church, and I believe the 5 of us became more aware of the importance of prayer. I am also thankful for this blog who, by your example, has given me courage to do things in faith and to trust God to guide, protect, and preserve us.
Hi everyone, I was quite sick last and now my laptop is sick, lol. I won’t be posting (one finger tapping is HARD), but I will be following and reading your comments.
I’m so thankful to be well again and able to play the organ today at church. We celebrated three baptisms today, in the creek. Three young adults, excited about stepping out publicly for their Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Yay, Cheryl! Thankful you are well and that your church was able to celebrate three baptisms.
So glad you are feeling better Cheryl!
I hope you are better and pray for your tech troubles too. Baptisms are wonderful.
Cheryl,
Sorry you were sick too.
Our church had 5 baptisms last week it was such a beautiful service and so encouraging to us older believers to see and hear the testimonies of young and old alike make the public profession of their faith in Christ.
I am so sorry you were ill, Cheryl. Praying that you stay well. Praise God that you were able to play the organ.
Ugh! I doubled up again on my submission! Sorry, folks.
Monday:Walking in the Light
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
—He is light and there is no darkness whatsoever in Him.
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
—Choosing to walk in darkness breaks the fellowship we can have with Him because where He is there is no darkness whatsoever.
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh.
—The temptation to respond badly and harbor hard feelings toward those who wrong me.
Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
—I think verses 7 & 9 are key in what I need to remind my soul as I fight the battle of my flesh. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses me from sin but it is my part to practice confession of my sin. As the old hymn says “There is power in the blood”. He is faithful to his part in that He will forgive and cleanse me from all sin. What an incredible promise to forgive me of ALL my sin.
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
—I think it is knowing the Word of God, the Bible and the practice of praying are what are most effective in how I handle the idols in my life. Those are the means to my deepening my walk with Jesus and my growing in my relationship with God. My verse for the year is
Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
I need to have “epithumia” for God and not for my idols.
Great points, Bev! Love this: I need to have “epithumia” for God and not for my idols.
EPITHUMIA FOR GOD!
How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week? I have been experiencing his power and presence through seeing his faithfulness in providing for my husband and myself. I have always struggled in the area of financial security and as I commented last week, that has lead to sinful behavior while trying to make sure that we had money.
My husband has been unemployed since January. He got a severance payout to tide us over for a while, but that has run out. I have been amazed at how the Lord has provided for us throughout this time. Every time it looks as though we may run out, something unexpected happens that keeps us above water. Two of the most recent things were finding out that I had a substantial health savings through my former employer that I did not know about. I was able to get reimbursed for all of the deductibles and co-pays that I have been paying over the last year. The other was finding out that my husband is eligible for benefits due to an accident that he had when he was in the Army that left him without full use of his thumb.
We had agreed that we wouldn’t stop giving to the ministries that we have been supporting monthly until we absolutely had to and so far we haven’t had to stop any. That in itself is praiseworthy!
Dawn, your post of God’s faithfulness gives me tears of joy! Seriously! I love the way HE is our provider, Thank you for sharing this wonderful Praise! Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord God our Father!
Such an encouraging post Dawn…God never ceases to amaze me!
I love the way God has provided for you, Dawn. He is faithful!
Dawn, the Lord has been good to you! He provides for His children! Ephesians 3:20
Dawn, Thankyou for sharing your testimony of how God is providing for you. What a blessing to hear about God’s faithfulness in your lives.
I LOVE THESE STORIES OF OUR PROVIDER!
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
The Light is all that is of God, what is true, Holy and good. When we do not fellowship with God, we do not see His power in our lives. The darkness draws us into fear and self pity and puts our focus on self, our fears, needs and future. It removes our trust in our Heavenly Father, and that is the basis of our relationship with Him.
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
The war I fight is fear and anxiety. Dear soul, my life is based on Trust in God and His plan for my life. I need to rely on Him only, soul, for He has never let me down. I was designed for a life of truth and Holiness, and I have failed often. My soul, I need to repent and that means change. My life needs to be characterized by the gifts of the Spirit. Strive for these gifts only, for selfishness, disobedience, distrust and disrespect for the Father, do not keep you on the path of His light. Stay in the light. Write this proverb on my heart, dear soul: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
My daughter, Dawn, and I have been talking about this and how we need to redirect our hearts, focus and our thinking, constantly. When things that can hurt us to the core happen, we need to redirect our focus. Our minds, hearts and eyes need to stay focused on God. I am learning not to react or even spend much time on toxic things that get thrown our way.
Thank you for doing this preparation for 1 John, Dee. I am excited for this study.
Patti! What a lovely and effective prayer! I plan to use this in my journal. Great verse, too!
https://youtu.be/eL8dwxjwpyo?feature=shared
This is a children’s song, but so beautiful and I love the truth in it.
That is so sweet, Chris! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the link to that sweet Proverb song, Chris!
Monday:Walking in the Light
I’m back online with my laptop, yay! The Spurgeon morning devotional today was 1 John 1:7, a kiss from the King, perfect timing.
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God? God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why? Our fellowship with God (and each other) is broken when we choose to walk in darkness. There is no darkness in God (He is holy and pure); He will not entertain any darkness. By choosing my own desires/darkness, I am placing an obstacle that blocks true fellowship with God.
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens? A perfect example was just the other evening when Gary and I went to dinner with friends. We were on one side of the table and our friends and his nephew were on the other side. Gary was chatting away with the two of them, quite loudly I was thinking, and repeating things I had heard before (boring). I had absolutely no interest in the conversation and thought Gary was dominating the whole time. I was unable to join in, and why wan’t he noticing that I wasn’t included? Simmering feelings of injustice and anger. This happens often, and I tell myself it’s because of my vocal disability, and that Gary should really be more considerate.
Meditating on the fact that God is light, and my thoughts show I am choosing darkness, is a real wake up call. I am not exactly sure what to say to my soul. I can’t just say “stop it,” which I’ve tried before. I’ll need to think/pray about this more.
Oh, Cheryl! I too struggle at times with feeling bad for myself. I have found it helps to do a couple of things. One is confess the sin to someone I trust. Another is to practice gratitude towards the people who make me feel this way. Gratitude and a critical spirit cannot exist together. Love you. I’ll be praying for you to find a way to handle this in the future.
Good thoughts Chris.
Thank you, Chris. I am praying that the Lord would help me see the sin beneath the sin, the hidden idol. Is it control, pride, jealousy, envy… I don’t always feel repentant either. I need the Holy Spirit’s intervention in a big way to chip at the walls I feel building up around my heart. I’ve made a commitment to read the book of 1 John each morning and evening from now until Paige finishes her study. By saturating myself with scripture, I won’t leave anyplace for SELF.
I’ve been there, Cheryl!
One thing I learned from Deborah Tannen in her book, “You Just Don’t Understand: Men and Women in Conversation” is that you have to interrupt many men in order to be included. It seems so rude, but men don’t see it as rude. Perhaps introduce a question that interests you — even a spiritual one — and share a story to go with it.
As far as how to replace your anger with the Lord, perhaps pray for Him to show you a way to enter in or warm yourself at the fire of His love by remembering ways He has loved you. I wonder how it would go over if you were honest and said, “I’m feeling left out — could we possibly talk about ____________favorite books or movies…a time when God seemed so real to you…or memories of sweet times in your childhood…”
Maybe more than you wanted….
Thank you, Dee. Maybe having a talk with my husband about how I am feeling would help me. I will pray about it, because right now if I mention it, Gary will take it as criticism. As I mentioned to Chris, there is an idol involved here somehow, because my reactions are so strong.
Monday:Walking in the Light
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all.
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
My fellowship with God is broken because I’m walking according to my will (spiritual darkness) rather than His will…what a miserable place to be!
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
I fight having a critical and cynical spirit/attitude.
Soul, you are not practicing the truth and are living in spiritual darkness when you are judgmental and distrustful of peoples motives. My fellowship and relationship with others could be so much better if I live in the light as God is in the light and see others through His eyes. Forgive me Lord for my critical and cynical attitude…it is sin. May I quit fooling myself when I want to call it discernment rather than what it really is…sin and not living in the truth! I thank You for the blood of Jesus which cleanses me from all sin.
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
The idol underneath being critical and cynical is the idol of control. I need to replace that with turning it over to the Lord. I must trust that He is in control of the situation, not me and that if I get hurt or lied to that it’s not up to me to judge but rather turn them over to the Lord. Help me Lord to be aware of this idol in my life and replace it with trusting and obeying You.
Thank you, Sharon. This helps me see something better in one I love.
Sharon, I love your answer to 5. Help me Lord to be aware of this idol in my life and replace it with trusting and obeying You.
Great prayer and solution.
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
God is light and there is no darkness in Him at all.
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
We are not being truthful in fellowship. We are lying to Him and ourselves.
4. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
Absolutely with food and drink for me…I could say something like, “Continuing to overindulge is jeopardizing my relationship with my Savior, who wants me to live in the light with Him. Doing so means I will fellowship with Him and others well. He will cleanse me of my sin.”
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
I can daily ask Him to guide me and be with me as I struggle to obey and not give in. I can trust Him, and His way to help me live in the light. I can try to substitute a better activity (walking or playing with the grands) instead of going to the idol for comfort. So hard, but definitely doable.
All good, Laura.
It helps me to talk to my soul and remind her of the long story of what happens if I give in –and remind myself He is my true Comfort.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
I experienced the power of God this week in his creation. I walked and drove through the mountains in Vermont and was overwhelmed with the incredible beauty there. We took a hike down to a beautiful waterfall and it was incredible. The sheer size of the rocks and hills alone was amazing. All along the paths were rocks and many of them just shimmering and sparkly. Beautiful sunsets and lots of yummy foods we have never had before. Quaint small towns with beautiful church steeples that still played the bells on the hour and a hymn! Friendly people and lovely shops to visit. My daughters and two granddaughters were a joy to be around. It was a lovely trip.
What a lovely trip for you, your daughters and granddaughters! New England has some beautiful places.
Oh, how nice for you! We do have beautiful places here, even if the people are a bit “off.” 😉
Monday:Walking in the Light
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God? God is light and in him is no darkness at all.
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why? We are living a lie and damage relationship with God and man.
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens? I can confess my sin of unbelief and speak truth to my soul whenever I am fearful that God will not provide. I can look back to ways he has provided in the past and hold onto the way the Lord has worked before as well as his word.
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific. Using God’s word against idols is the strongest way to battle. I sometimes get caught up in anxiety over finances and begin to worry that I have given into desires for things and not been careful with money and now God will let us reap the consequences of our ways by allowing us to find ourselves without resources we need. I continually have to go back to his word and fight for peace over this. It does help to go to my husband and share my struggle. He has different struggles than I do and it’s great the way God has given us to each other so we can support one another in our weaknesses. The temptation is to hide my fears and let them grow rather than confessing them. It’s so silly when I say it out loud but the enemy knows our weakness and how to grow our fears. I know I cannot possibly provide for us better than the Lord, but somehow I return to worry. I love 1 John 2:15-17 for this (all that is in the world is passing away, and its desires) and Luke 12:6-God cares for us even as he cares for the sparrows-we are of more value to him than many sparrows.
This is so true, Chris: Using God’s word against idols is the strongest way to battle.
AMen to Patti!
Tuesday:Walking in Love
6. Read 1 John 1:7-8. What does it say?
—Verse 6 tells us if we keep living in spiritual darkness then we are not practicing truth. But verse 7 says if we live in the light as God is in the light we live in His truth. It is there we can have fellowship with God because the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin. Verse 8 speaks to the reality of our sin but if we deny our sinful condition we are fooling ourselves and are not living in the light of His truth.
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
—I’m not picking up on the train of thought here and having trouble tying this verse to the commandment of loving our neighbor?
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
—ok struggling here to see this. It would seem verse 9 is a promise and verse 10 contains a warning??
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
—My flesh always wants to defend myself and nurse the hurt but the Spirit would lead me to have a heart of forgiveness. That goes back to the Lord’s teaching just following the Lord’s Prayer where He points out our need to forgive others is to be in the spirit of how we have been forgiven. I have been forgiven of my sin because of Jesus’s blood being shed for my sin as John says in verse 7. So in a likeminded spirit I need to forgive others.
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
—Could be the idol of trying to control what others think of me. The idol of wanting to be liked or have a good image.
I think from this passage we see the need to walk in the light of God’s love for us and it requires confession and submission to Him for the cleansing He can bring into our lives.
You aren’t picking it up because I GAVE THE WRONG REFERENCE. SHOULD BE 1 JOHN 2:7-8. WILL FIX!
I had trouble with 7. too, Bev.
6. Read 1 John 1:7-8. What does it say?
If we walk in the Light, we have fellowship with one another. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving our souls and there is no truth in us.
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
We all have sin and we must admit that we all need to ask God’s forgiveness. If we say we are not sinners, we deceive ourselves and God’s truth is not in us.
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
The warning: If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar and His truth is not in us.
The promise: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
My flesh would be crushed and probably somewhat angry. I would probably internalize it and not want to be around that person. My spirit would be forgiving, but cautious about trusting future interactions, depending on the situation. I need to turn the other cheek and not react in an unkind way.
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
My idol of self image. I need to remember that being a Christian is not free of hurt and pain.
Hey Dee, I’m thinking maybe we have a number problem. 🥴 I see on the Tuesday questions the reference is 1 John chapter 1 but assume it was to be chapter 2
I looked ahead to tomorrow’s lesson for Wednesday and the references are for chapter 1 as well but there are only 10 verses in Chapter 1 so there is no 1 John 1:24-27
So now your questions for Tuesday make sense to me. 😊
YOU ARE RIGHT — I JUST FIXED IT — THANK YOU!
Oh, that makes sense…I will have to re-do my answers😉😘
Tuesday:Walking in Love
6. Read 1 John 1:7-8. What does it say?
I’m wondering if you meant 1 John 2:7-8 because of the remaining questions?
2:7… he’s not writing a new commandment but rather an old they have had from the very beginning-to love one another.
2:8…yet it’s also new as Jesus lived the truth of this commandment and we’re also living it. The darkness is disappearing, and the light is already shining.
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
It’s true because Jesus lived the truth of this commandment…He loved us so much that He laid down His life for us.
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
I’m going with 2:9 and the warning is…if someone claims to live in the light but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness.
In 2:10 the promise is…anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it?
My flesh would handle it according to how I feel and what my will wanted.
How would the Spirit have you handle it?
The Spirit would have me handle it according to truth and His will.
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
The idol beneath is control and I need to replace it with giving God control through scripture and prayer.
Thank you, Sharon!! I was getting confused about the references and you answered so succinctly and with correct references! I love your answer to 10 especially -give God control. I used to find myself always needing to defend myself and “win” my approval of others but now I’m okay with people not being happy with me and more concerned about what pleases the Lord. Certainly, I do what I can to make things right between myself and others, but I’m learning some things are just out of my control and that’s okay.
Tuesday:Walking in Love
6. Read 2 John 1:7-8. What does it say? I am assuming you mean 1 John 2:7,8
John says he is not stating a new commandment but an old one, known from the beginning, He then says that this same commandment is now “new.”
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
It’s new because the darknesss has past and the true light now shines. The true light is Jesus (the Gospel). In the OT loving your neighbor was the right thing to do, but done in your own strength. Now we have the love of God IN us, by the indwelling Spirit, so we can love with His love.
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
If we say that we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar (who said “for all have sinned..”), and His word is not in us.
If we confess our sin, He is faithful to His Word and character to forgive us, and will cleanse/purify us.
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
Flesh: Anger, resentment, bitterness, gossip, retaliation, withdrawl
Spirit: Love, prayer
Tuesday:Walking in Love
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
I don’t think I have felt hurt by anyone. I do react in the flesh when I have judgemental/critical thoughts about someone’s appearance/actions. In those instances the idol is pride/control: they should or shouldn’t… I would or would not… I could do that better…
I need to recognize/rebuke myself and remember that we are ONE Body and that each of us is precious to the Lord.
Such a good response about being judmental/critical. Spoke to me.
This can be so tricky, as you said earlier. There are times we need to judge others in terms of safety, morals, etc. and yet we must be careful as you said, “Am I being critical or discerning?” I think the way to check this is, am I comparing myself to them or them to God’s standard and for what purpose? Is this to check their qualification for a church ministry, my child’s friendship, employment, etc. or am I just being critical to make myself feel better or create gossip? Our idols can be so deceiving!!
6. Read 1 John 2:7-8. What does it say?
He says he isn’t writing a new commandment, but rather one that has already existed from long ago. Loving our neighbor is old, but yet new again. He says they are living it as Jesus did. The true light was spreading.
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
I think it’s action that is seen. To love is one thing, but to take action and show the love is another. It was being carried out for people to see.
Good reminder and something I need to work on Laura…love is a verb and as you said, “take action and show love!”
♥️
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27 I’m assuming chapter 2 for these questions.
A. What does John tell his readers to do? This section is on antichrists. We are to abide in Christ.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
the “new” teachings are trying to deceive us- we must trust in his anointing and abide in Christ.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23? The antichrist denies the son and does not have the Father.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
The gospel gives us freedom in Christ-this is distorted by the world in terms of
moralism: if you live a good enough life you don’t need to do all that “church stuff”
Legalism: you must follow external rules in order to be saved, not just believe in Christ blood/sacrifice for our transgressions.
Cheap grace: because salvation is free and covers all sin, you can live how you want.
Prosperity gospel: faith in God guarantees a trouble free life and wealth.
Faith-And: you must believe and…be circumcised, good works, perfect church attendance, etc.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall? I had to look this story up as I have never heard of it. Agnostic beliefs would prioritize human reasoning over submitting to belief in God. Ultimately, it’s pride- God’s rules or man’s rules simply stated. As humans, we want to believe we have ultimate authority over ourselves. To believe in God, that must be given up.
Chris, good examples of how the gospel is distorted…legalism is a hard one for me as it was so instilled within me as a child.
Yes, my husband, too. For me it was moralism.
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
As the Holy Spirit dwells in us and teaches us all truth, we are to abide in Him.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
We are to abide/live in that which we have heard from the beginning. Any change or addition to that is false and can seduce us away from the Lord.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
Jesus is the Son of God, the diety of Christ. This is essential because that is the only way His sacrifice could take away our sin once and for all.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
Jesus was a good man who led a good life, and if we just try our best to live a good life, we’ll go to heaven.
It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you live a good life most of the time.
Muslims, Jews, Christians (Allah, Jehovah, Jesus) all worship the same God.
If you donate/give enough money, you will gain favor with God, and he will prosper you.
When a pastor/teacher claims to have a new revelation from God.
The Bible is outdated, it doesn’t really pertain to our modern culture.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
I am not familiar with Alyssa Childer’s story. Is that something that has been mentioned praviously?
Yes on Alyssa — she has a book called Another Gospel – -her story of her pastor trying to lead a select group into progressive Christianity. He succeeded with all but her.
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
—He tells them to remain faithful to the original teachings they were taught about Jesus and as they do they will remain in fellowship with Jesus the Son and God the Father. He reminds them of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives Who teaches them truth. These verses are a great picture of the Trinity at work in our lives. Jesus is the truth and through Him we have fellowship with the Father. The Holy Spirit’s work is to teach us truth and the result is fellowship with the Son and the Father. Verse 25 says in that fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he has promised us.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
—Any teaching that does not remain centered in Christ alone and his finished work on the Cross leads people astray. Remaining in the truth of the pure Gospel keeps us in fellowship with Christ.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
—It is that Jesus is the Christ and one with the Father. To have one is to have the other.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
—I think works are a problem that consistently creeps into church thinking. It is so in the nature of man to feel we have to do something for God to stay in favor with God when He has already done it all on the Cross. I think verse 25 is significant in that as the NLT says “And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.” Eternal life is not future it is real now in the fellowship I have with the Son and the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Cross is the gateway to the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
—I don’t remember the particulars of her story but I suspect they made the man himself an idol valuing his “teaching” above the truth of God’s Word or were enamored with the teaching itself. Many people like “new ideas”
I think you were gone when we discussed Alyssa’s book.
She has a book called Another Gospel – -her story of her pastor trying to lead a select group into progressive Christianity. He succeeded with all but her.
Thanks for the info on that. Sounds very interesting.
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
As the Holy Spirit dwells in us and teaches us all truth, we are to abide in Him.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
We are to abide/live in that which we have heard from the beginning. Any change or addition to that is false and can seduce us away from the Lord.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
Jesus is the Son of God, the diety of Christ. This is essential because that is the only way His sacrifice could take away our sin once and for all.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
Jesus was a good man who led a good life, and if we just try our best to live a good life, we’ll go to heaven.
It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you live a good life most of the time.
Muslims, Jews, Christians (Allah, Jehovah, Jesus) all worship the same God.
If you donate/give enough money, you will gain favor with God, and he will prosper you.
When a pastor/teacher claims to have a new revelation from God.
The Bible is outdated, it doesn’t really pertain to our modern culture.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
I am not familiar with Alyssa Childer’s story. Is that something that has been mentioned praviously?
Yes — wonderful book called No Other Gospel –she is online a lot.
n the light of God’s love for us and it requires confession and submission to Him for the cleansing He can bring into our lives.
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
—He tells them to remain faithful to the original teachings they were taught about Jesus and as they do they will remain in fellowship with Jesus the Son and God the Father. He reminds them of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives Who teaches them truth. These verses are a great picture of the Trinity at work in our lives. Jesus is the truth and through Him we have fellowship with the Father. The Holy Spirit’s work is to teach us truth and the result is fellowship with the Son and the Father. Verse 25 says in that fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he has promised us.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
—Any teaching that does not remain centered in Christ alone and his finished work on the Cross leads people astray. Remaining in the truth of the pure Gospel keeps us in fellowship with Christ.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
—It is that Jesus is the Christ and one with the Father. To have one is to have the other.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
—I think works are a problem that consistently creeps into church thinking. It is so in the nature of man to feel we have to do something for God to stay in favor with God when He has already done it all on the Cross. I think verse 25 is significant in that as the NLT says “And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.” Eternal life is not future it is real now in the fellowship I have with the Son and the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Cross is the gateway to the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
—I don’t remember the particulars of her story but I suspect they made the man himself an idol valuing his “teaching” above the truth of God’s Word or were enamored with the teaching itself. Many people like “new ideas”
6. Read 1John 2: 7-8. What does it say?
He is writing a new commandment based on the old commandment to love in the Light of the love of Jesus, who gave His life on the cross. We are to love God first and love others, in His Light. For with Christ’s death and Resurrection, the darkness of death has passed away for those who believe in Him and put their Trust in Him.
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
We now love on the Light of what Jesus has done for us. If we truly walk in His Light, it will be evident in the way we live out that love for Him.
8. What warning is given in 1 John 2:9. And what promise in 1 John 2:10?
He who says he is in the Light and hates his brother is still in the darkness. He who loves his brother, abides in the Light and it shows in his behavior toward God and toward others.
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
My flesh would be hurt, sad and probably angry. My heart would be broken; My Spirit would run to the Lord and pray for mercy of the one who has hurt me, and I would pray to have a forgiving heart, leaving it in God’s hands.
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
The idol is the idol of self! I run to God’s Word and prayer. I cannot feel peace and comfort without Him and His Word. I know by His Word that He spent His life being hurt by others, yet He chose to die for me, a sinner, and for all I have done to hurt others. I need forgiveness and I need to give forgiveness to others, even without an apology.
You inspire me.
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 2:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
Remain faithful to what they’ve been taught from the beginning, then they’ll remain in fellowship with the Son and the Father.
In this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life He promised.
Writing to warn about those who want to lead you astray.
Reminding that they have received the Holy Spirit, He lives within them, so they don’t need anyone to teach them what is true for the Holy Spirit teaches them everything…it is true and not a lie.
Remain in fellowship with Christ.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching that progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
It can lead us astray, taking us out of fellowship with Christ.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 2: 22-23?
Jesus is the Christ. We must acknowledge the Father and the Son.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
God loves everyone and as long as you are moral, you’ll go to heaven.
The God of the Old Testament isn’t the same as in the New Testament, so it’s no longer relevant.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
The idol of approval, wanting to belong.
Monday: Walking in the Light
1. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
2. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
We will not have fellowship with God because He is not in the darkness.
3. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
In the past, I have often struggled when things did not go the way I expected them to. I tended to run things through my mind and have asked myself, what could I have done better? And then I get discouraged and beat myself, and wouldn’t let go of negative thoughts. I have learned here to talk to my soul and rehearse the Word of God. Philippians 4:8 is a good verse that I go to. “What is true, noble, right, pure, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy, think on these things.”
This verse is such a good follow through of I John 1:6-8 v. 6 …if we walk in darkness (negativity) we lie and do not live out the truth… And verse 8 is such an encouragement: the blood of Jesus…purifies us from all sin (that negativity).
4. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
In the past, I expected friends to stand with me despite difficulties. So, when they chose to let go of our friendship, I felt hurt, disappointed, confused, and even bitter at times. I now realize I had made them an idol in my life.
I am learning to go back to prayer and the Word. Prayer that seeks God as the One who loves me unconditionally. The Word is full of truth of God’s unconditional love for me, and I can also love others when I remember that I am truly and fully loved by the One who matters. I have been learning to be forgiving and to give God my disappointments to God, and not let people be
Thanks. This is an encouragement to me.
So easy to do with friends!
Thursday: Practice, Practice, Practice
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life? Abiding in Christ Jesus, who told us apart from Him we can do nothing. He came to take away our sins, and trusting/leaning on Him can help me stop sin from happening.
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory? I used to read novels that someimes had sexual content. I would skip over those pages and continue reading. I became convicted that this was a compromise and did not edify me in any way. If I read anything now where sexual content “pops up”, I immediately close the book. It was hard, because I really enjoyed some of those books, and they were fun to read. It might be 6 or 7 chapters in before anything sexual, and it was so easy to just skip ahead and keep reading. It was through memorized Scripture that the Holy Spirit brought to mind, which enabled me to overcome that habit.
I know this might not seem like a “big” thing, but it was for me.
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it?
Lash out on the person. Ignore them.
How would the Spirit have you handle it?
Forgive them and move forward.
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
Well, Jesus wants me to trust in Him and His ways. I need to (try) to continue to treat them as my friend, understanding that Jesus will have the last say, not me. This is WAY easier said than done…
Tuesday: Walking in Love
1. Read 1 John 2:7-8. What does it say?
The command to love one another has been there since the beginning, but it a new one now in the light of Christ and is fleshed out in us as well.
2. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
We are to love one another as Jesus, out of love for Him and gratitude for what He has done for us, compared to just loving one another as a rule.
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
We confess when we sin to receive forgiveness. He will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
3. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
My flesh would have me angry, resentful, and judgmental. The Spirit would have me come to the Father, tell Him how I feel, and ask Him to help me forgive the other person. I will ask Him to help me see the situation from His perspective. And for me to pray for that person and to love that person as Jesus loves me.
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
Idol of approval and comfort.
I think I got the verses wrong in I John. I tried to edit, but something went wrong.
This is the correct one: Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister[b] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. I John 2:9-10
What a warning not to engage in hatred of my brother or sister! I don’t want to be in the dark.
We think my website people fixed it so it should not be so hard to edit. I hope it is now true!
11. Read 1 John 2:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
We are to remain faithful in God by remembering what we have learned about Him. It will keep us close to Him.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
I guess I don’t know enough about the teaching of which you speak. This scripture encourages us to remain in fellowship with the Lord. If we do then we will receive the eternal life He promises. Nothing else. We have the Holy Spirit within us and we don’t need anything else. He teaches us the truth.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
Denying the Son denies the Father and vice versa. We must remain faithful to what we have learned and then we will be in fellowship with the Father and the Son.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
I think the first thing that comes to mind is the gay mantra. Jesus would accept them, blah blah blah.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
I think the idol was comfort. As I recall, he taught that if you were a Christian then your life will be good, right? They wanted to feel good about being a Christian.
It’s a paraphrase from 1 John — people are often looking for something new instead of staying with what was taught from the beginning.
Wednesday: Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 2:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. Your anointing is real and should remain in you.
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
It will lead us astray.
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
If you are good, then you go to heaven.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
Human approval; praise of man
Thursday
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life? Abide in the Father.
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory? Looking back, I can see an improvement today in relationships. I get along better with my husband and do a better job of parenting largely because I am not so concerned with myself as I used to be. The Lord has made me more compassionate to others and less concerned with myself. I wish I could say that it was through disciplined study of the scriptures and prayer, but although those things are present it was really the Lord’s use of hardships in my life that have changed me. The hymn by John Newton, which I have shared here before, tells clearly how the Lord works in this way. It is titled, “I Asked The Lord That I Might Grow.” https://youtu.be/-44GH3NhdIA?is=b7gsqiQVd6OfQqvJ
I hadn’t heard that song before. I’m always amazed at the lyrics that speak so much truth, truly inspired.
Yes, Cheryl, so much truth. Growing up in a moral household, I had been taught I was basically good and I strove to live up to that. Even though I learned some as a new believer about the truth of sin, the depth of my own sin wasn’t understood in my heart until I had gone through some really hard circumstances and found myself asking God, why? When I first heard this song, it broke me and cleansed me. I listened to it over and over, letting the truth of it sink into my heart through the tears. God didn’t give me difficult circumstances because he didn’t care about me or to punish me, but because he loved me so much he couldn’t let me go on living with the calloused heart I had. He softened my heart with the circumstances he allowed and drew me closer to him. Now when I find a difficult circumstance arrive at my door, I ask, “Okay, Lord, what will you teach me today? Soften my heart some more.” It is a bitter sweet relationship with hard circumstances that draw us closer to our Savior. ❤️
“Okay, Lord, what will you teach me today? Soften my heart some more.” Wise words born of experience, I’ll try to remember them. So good.
Such a good hymn. Why it is a scary prayer to pray for myself and my children!
Yes, but I have found some of the most challenging circumstances to bring a sweetness with the Lord that I would never know without them.
Thursday: Practice, Practice, Practice
John tells us the more we walk in love, the more love we will have. The more we walk in the light, the more light we will have. The more we walk in truth, the more truth we will have. Once we learn how to speak to our soul and to trust God instead of an idol, we must practice, practice, practice the habit until we have VICTORY.
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life?
—Verse 5 tells us that Jesus came to take away our sin and there is no sin in Him. So if we live and walk with and have fellowship with Jesus sin will not be the habit of our lives. I can’t stop sin but Jesus is the answer. He died for my sin and He provides the power to turn from sin. He leads me away from sinning. As a believer I do not have freedom to sin because of Him. The closer I am to Jesus the less I will sin.
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory?
—I see my relationship with my husband has changed significantly. I was far too critical of him and careless to say what I thought. When the Lord showed me I needed to respond to him with the love of Christ and be more careful with my responses and I began to practice my love for him in a more Christlike way and our relationship has grown sweeter over the years. As I began to hold my tongue when he did or said something I didn’t like our interactions greatly improved. We are both strong personalities and I can say that like me as he has grown in his walk with Christ he has changed as well. I believe an important key to this change in our marriage and our relationship has been that we both grew personally in our spending time daily in God’s Word and in prayer. So as our personal walks with Jesus grew we sinned a whole lot less against each other. Being with Jesus makes the difference in who we are today.
Beautiful marriage testimony.
Thursday: Practice, Practice, Practice
John tells us the more we walk in love, the more love we will have. The more we walk in the light, the more light we will have. The more we walk in truth, the more truth we will have. Once we learn how to speak to our soul and to trust God instead of an idol, we must practice, practice, practice the habit until we have VICTORY.
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life?
“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”
To live in Him because I know Him and have seen Him. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory?
My past response to differences in opinions about matters was repressing my emotions. Seething inside and pretending that all is well. My poor husband used to be the object of cold-shoulder treatment. I often wanted him to grovel and apologize to me; acknowledging my part was not a thought. I was very good at giving excuses. Through the years, God has been very gracious to soften my hard heart. This blog has been part of His instruments in my life to see myself in the light of God’s Word- a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and given the blessing of a fruitful life while here on earth. I can truly say I am “better” than I was 20 or 10 years ago. Only by His grace. He has used His Word powerfully in my life, along with the kindness of friends and the church body. I also have developed a joy for the disciplines of the Christian life, like Bible Study, Journaling, Quiet time, etc instead of having them as “rote” or something to check off my list.
I can relate, Bing, with the holding things inside and with developing joy in the disciplines ❤️
Thursday: Practice, Practice, Practice
John tells us the more we walk in love, the more love we will have. The more we walk in the light, the more light we will have. The more we walk in truth, the more truth we will have. Once we learn how to speak to our soul and to trust God instead of an idol, we must practice, practice, practice the habit until we have VICTORY.
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life?
Know and understand who God is and live in Him.
“No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They’ve got Him all backward.” The Message
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory?
Anger
First recognizing the sin, seeking forgiveness and then memorizing scripture to combat it with…Ephesians 4:31 and Colossians 3:8. My prayer when feeling angry was that the Lord would help me to respond and not react and what helped me in that was counting to 10. Victory came little by little and the Holy Spirit was faithful.
I love your expectant trust in the Lord’s provision and persistence in seeking Him.
Thank Chris…it definitely is a process.
You? Angry? Really?
Oh Dee…yes me😔
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life?
Living in Him means you aren’t sinning. If you are sinning then you don’t know Him.
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin?
I used to be a “worry-wart.” When I gave into Him I stopped the worrying. I also used to complain a lot. I don’t want to do that because Christians should be the happiest people of all.
What led to the victory?
Knowing Jesus!
Love your straight forward, no nonsense form of faith ❤️
Dee! The editing issue is fixed! Yay! If anyone is so inclined, please make a donation to Dee to support her technology here. Dee has not asked for any help this is just my idea 😉. You can find her mailing address under the “donate” tab on the main page. Even $10 would help! We love you Dee ♥️♥️🙏🙏!
Great idea, Laura!
Awwww — thanks, Laura.
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
Oh, God, the glory of your light shines brightly, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” but my heart sometimes crawls back to the darkness. Holy Spirit convict me when I falter. I desire to walk in Your light, Lord, to know the truth about who I am. May I walk in Your light and not shy away from it. I want to be able to reflect Your light to those around me. 1 John 1:7-8 The worst possible kind of deception is self-deception. It’s a trap that I can easily fall into when rationalizing my sinful behavior. Wash me with the water of Your Word, so I can see clearly into my heart. It’s only when I walk in the Light that I can have true fellowship with You and my Christian family. True fellowhip that unites us and binds us together in love 1 John 2:24-27 Oh, to abide in You daily and revel in Your love. I do believe the first things and Your coversion of my soul through believing faith in the Lord Jesus. He is my solid foundation. Not only did You save me, but You gave me Your Spirit. Unspeakable love and grace to grant such a thing. Thank You, Father. Holy Spirit thank You, for guiding me into all truth, a never ending presence teaching me each time I read the Word. On top of that You have granted me eternal life, with You, that began the moment You opened my eyes and will continue until I see You in glory and forevermore! 1 John 3:7-8 My desire is to live a godly, righteous life. I know sin still appears in my life, forgive me, but Jesus came to destroy sin, so it cannot control me if….. if I abide in You, walking in the Light, living a life of Love. Dear Lord, grant me the grace to grow in Your Light and Love, and to be a witness of Your glory. In the name of my precious Lord and Savior, JESUS, I pray. amen and amen
❤️
Amen!
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:: love praying with scripture ❤️
A. 1 John 1:5-6: 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. Lord, you are light and have no darkness in you. If I claim to know you, but continue to sin, I am a liar and do not practice the truth.
B. 1 John 1:7-8: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if I walk close to you being careful to not sin, I have fellowship with you and other believers, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we are deceived.
C. 1 John 2:24-27: 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us[e]—eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. Lord, you have taught me from the beginning to love you with all my heart, soul and mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Keep me close to you, soul I may receive your promise of eternal life. May I not be deceived but continue to have your anointing. Help me teach others your truth.
D. 1 John 3:7-8
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:: love praying with scripture ❤️
A. 1 John 1:5-6: 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. Lord, you are light and have no darkness in you. If I claim to know you, but continue to sin, I am a liar and do not practice the truth.
B. 1 John 1:7-8: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if I walk close to you being careful to not sin, I have fellowship with you and other believers, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we are deceived.
C. 1 John 2:24-27: 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us[e]—eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. Lord, you have taught me from the beginning to love you with all my heart, soul and mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Keep me close to you, soul I may receive your promise of eternal life. May I not be deceived but continue to have your anointing. Help me teach others your truth.
D. 1 John 3:7-8 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. Lord, Jesus, thank you that you reward my efforts to be faithful. Give me wisdom and discernment regarding those I encounter who may be of the devil. May the works of the devil be destroyed as you have said. Keep me from being deceived and lead me in bringing you glory. Amen.
Amen!
I wa reading a book and reminded about a lecture on tape I listened to decades ago by Paige Benton (Brown) I was changed by the teaching. So I googled her and found this site I am interested in participating.
Wonderful Carol. I’ll give the website in tomorrow’s post and tell you how to get her lecture which will begin next Wednesday but you can see it afterward on You-Tube. Welcome!
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
B. 1 John 1:7-8
C. 1 John 1:24-27 / 2:24-27
D. 1 John 3:7-8
—Lord, I praise You and Thank You that the message I hear from you brings spirit and life. The reality that God the Father is light which allows no darkness encourages my heart and life. I choose the truth of living in the light and having fellowship with God. What wonderful truth that the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin. All sin! Not just acts of sin but the very sin nature I was born with in this flesh. Because of Jesus it cleanses my life now as I walk in the light of my relationship with You but will be completely eradicated at the resurrection of my flesh and replaced with your glory. I confess I am a sinner and this flesh causes me to fail but my sin need not defeat me now as I walk in the light of my relationship with You. Thank You for doing your cleansing work in my life. I recognize I am not yet what I am going to be but I am not what I used to be because of Jesus and his shed blood for my sin. As I remain in fellowship with You I am privileged to live the reality that I have eternal life right now. What a wonderful promise based in the truth of your Word. Please keep me from anyone or anything that would lead me astray from these wonderful truths that I have been taught faithfully by the Holy Spirit since I came to know You and give my life to You. All glory and praise and honor belong to You Jesus for coming to earth in flesh and destroying the works of the devil and defeating any power he has by your shed blood. I am so grateful that sin doesn’t have to be the habit of my life because of You. Thank You for your wonderful faithfulness to me.
Amen!
I choose the truth of living in the light and having fellowship with God. So well put, Bev.
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
Lord, I claim a right fellowship with you, and I pray that I will choose your light rather than stay in darkness. And when darkness threatens, let me step into your light.
B. 1 John 1:7-8
Lord, I thank you that out of my fellowship with you can come fellowship with others who share with me the purity of hearts that come from being cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ
C. 1 John 2:24-27
May I remain in the true gospel of Jesus, confident that in doing so, I remain with Him and you, Father, and I have the promise of eternal life. Help me see you clearly when the evil one tries to lead me astray. Help me remain in the anointing that I have received when I invited Jesus to come into my heart and my life.
D. 1 John 3:7-8
Help me be discerning of those who want to lead me astray. The devil has not stopped since the beginning, but he has been destroyed once and for all. He does not have a hold on me. And I praise you for that.
He does not have a hold on us! AMEN
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
Lord, the desire of my heart is to practice Your truth moment by moment, day by day so I continue in fellowship with You. You are the God of light and I pray that Your perfect holiness would drive me to recognize darkness/sin in my life that I may be justifying and making a habit of.
B. 1 John 1:7-8
Lord, help me to be honest with myself to see habitual sin that keeps me from waking in the truth. Oh, how I want to walk in the light as You are in the light and when I do I will have sweet fellowship with other believers and You. Thank You so much for the blood of Jesus Your Son that cleanses me from all sin.
C. 1 John 2:24-27
Lord, bring to my mind the importance of abiding in You so that I may remain faithful to what I have been taught and continue to learn through the Holy Spirit and not be led astray. Thank You for the hope of eternal life!
D. 1 John 3:7-8
Lord, may I practice righteousness as You are a righteous…I know I can’t do this in my flesh but only through the power of Your Spirit. Thank You for sending Your Son who is my righteousness and gave me new life.
help me to be honest with myself, yes! Amen
Saturday
My God Shot are the many repeated phrases: …we/you know, ..the beginning, love one another.. Reading the entire book each day, I can’t help but see things John repeats over and over. He wants his readers to clearly understand and KNOW God (father,son,spirit), our blessings, how to live a life of love, and how to avoid the deceptions of the devil.
My takeaway is that I still have things to learn and need to read/study with an open heart, open to correction/conviction and to apply what I learn. The precious promises of forgiveness, anointing, eternal life, and LOVE are what I can stand on firmly, as the world around me recedes farther and farther away from God.
I love that you read the book each day and what you found.
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
Oh Lord, You know my flaws; You made me! Remind me of Your light. I don’t want to live in the darkness. It’s scary there! Help me to love Your light.
B. 1 John 1:7-8
Oh Lord, help me live in Your light so I can be free of sin. I want to fellowship with likeminded people.
C. 1 John 1:24-27
Oh Lord. I’m to be faithful and then I will gain eternal life. Thank you Lord. Help me avoid those who lead me far from You. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who guides me through life.
D. 1 John 3:7-8
Oh Lord You are good! Can you show me the way to do the right thing? Help me to make good choices and avoid the devil.
Amen, Laura. It is scary in the darkness.