The part I will remember from this week’s teaching is Paige’s comparison to the many strands in Les Mis final song all coming together in
ONE MORE DAY
to John’s repetitive threads coming together at the end to assure us, that if we see these threads in our lives
WE MAY KNOW…
that we truly are His. These threads to not make us Christians but rather, they are fruit that springs from abiding in Him, and assure us of eternal life with Him.
Sunday:
1. How has the Lord been with you this week, helping you in the midst of a fallen world? Or how has He simply blessed you?
Monday: Time to finish up Paige or Listen Again and Share Your Notes
Tuesday: Read Through 1 John in One Sitting
2. Notice how often the word abide occurs — also the word if. Thoughts?
3. What else stands out and why?
Wednesday: Intersection of Truth, Obedience, & Love
(First twelve minutes of Paige) Listen to Paige, then watch this.
2. What is her point? Why does Paige say we can separate them for study but not for life or FOR assurance?
3. What other comments do you have?
Thursday: The Plumb line of Truth
Watch up to about minute 36.
There are tests in 1 John that are tests of confirmation to show if you really know Him or not. You must begin with the plumbline of truth. I’m attaching her sheets which I hope you can print out.1_John_Notes_9.16.26
4. As you examine this, looking particularly at 1 John 4: 2 and 4:14-15 state the central truth about who Jesus is that we must hold to.
5. In contrast, what are some ways you can discern lies, deceit, and error? Be specific.
6. What did she say that those who say they are “spiritual” are really saying?
7. What are some of the promises of these verses for those who hold to the truth that came from the beginning?
8. What else stood out to you?
Friday: Continuing the Melody
Take today and next Monday to finish if you like. I want you to share what it means for you to get in the wheelbarrow — and anything else!
Saturday:
What’s your God Shot?
112 comments
Sunday
Reading 1 John every day and listening to Paige has given me confidence in my daily life. Walk in the kight as He is in the light for He IS THE LIGHT; I look at the news headlines and see how “the whole world lies in wickedness,” but I don’t need to fear, for “He has overcome the world…and He came to destroy the works of the devil.” I KNOW he abides in me. His Love “casts out fear..” I am safe in Him, “the One who is true..”
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS OPENING. THANK YOU, CHERYL.
I love this,too, Cheryl.
Sunday:
1. How has the Lord been with you this week, helping you in the midst of a fallen world? Or how has He simply blessed you?
I am doing a Community study in the book of Colossians and it is so awesome how well it lines up with our study here in 1 John! It’s all about Jesus and Paige even quoted from Colossians.
Colossians 1:15, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.”
Colossians 1:19, “God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ.”
I am so thankful for how He has blessed me through His word!
I also am so thankful for Cheryl and Patti’s wonderful notes…y’all encouraged me to press forward in listening to Paige today😊
So good to see you here, Sharon! I love how these quotes from Colossians go so perfectly with these lessons!
I love how all scripture is intertwined!
I love that too — one Author! And cute new picture!
Love your new photo!
Great verses, Sharon. Thanks for this and love your new picture. I need to figure out how to do that. Mine is probably 10 years old!
1. How has the Lord been with you this week, helping you in the midst of a fallen world? Or how has He simply blessed you?
From Paige’s lecture, this blessed me so much, in the midst of this fallen world:
‘The anointing is so that we can see the Lord Jesus.” When we really see Him, we know that He is real. ‘ He who is in us is greater than He who is in the world.” Abide is so important…and it is repeated…it is not just about what we know, it is about where we live. Where we abide…in Him. Only Jesus can take us to the heart of God to know the Love of God. Abide in Jesus .
Yes, Patti, Abide in Jesus.
We are doing Paige at church too and it was brought out that abide doesn’t just mean spending time in His Word but depending on Him throughout the day.
If I am not mistaken, that was Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, abide in Christ. I read the book back in the ’80s. True peace, in any circumstance, comes from knowing that we are in Christ. Taylor stuggled for many years in China before He came to that knowledge. I hope I am remembering that correctly.
I love this thought and truth: “abide doesn’t just mean spending time in His word but depending on Him throughout the day.”.
Cheryl, what you said about Hudson Taylor reminded me of how my Mom taught stories about him through flannel graph…she had a gift of keeping us in the edge of our seats!
I love how you brought out the spiritual secret…Abide in Christ. It gives me a desire to read about his life. Thank you!
Sunday:
1. How has the Lord been with you this week, helping you in the midst of a fallen world? Or how has He simply blessed you?
Last week was a week jam-packed with activities, and to say that I was mentally jumping from one thought to another is not an overstatement. I believe you all would be proud of me for saying “no” to a few things, nevertheless. I probably could have said “no” to a few more. Have you ever felt joy inside you, but your body is saying, “stop” and take a breath? Romans 8:28 was true for me over the past week, with God giving me enough pep in my step and guidance when I hit a seeming roadblock. Is this what Paul said of “For me to live is Christ…” In Philippians 1:22, Paul writes, “But if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.”
I am pondering today the fact that last night’s sleep was very refreshing, instead of a physical slump after a heavy week. I will take these ponderings and ask the Lord to continue to give me insight into His will in my life in terms of the ministry He has called me to do.
This is such a refreshing place that it has remained a priority, even if I do not comment more than I think I should. I know there are things I can let go so I can come back here and be refreshed by God’s word and your sweet fellowship.
Thank you to Dee and to all of my sisters here.
Bing, I am glad you had such a joyful, productive week. There is no greater joy than to know the Lord is using You for His purposes. Kudos to you faor saying “no” to some things in order to excel at the things you did do.
So happy to hear your week was so productive and went so well, Bing. I love that God gave you His strength, peace, and a refreshing sleep last night.
Sweet to hear thoughts Bing, 💕
2. Notice how often the word abide occurs — also the word if. Thoughts?
I tried counting as I read, but was off a bit. I looked it up and it said 24 times. If appears 14 times…..depending on translation.
3. What else stands out and why?
I like the meanings of “abide”: staying continually connected; to dwell; to rest in the presence of God. (My favorite)
We learn to know Jesus by spending time with Him. “If” is about choices. If we choose to spend time in God’s Word, we will come to know Him better. I loved how Paige mentioned the treasury people studying the $100.00 bill to come to know it so well, you recognize a forgery. It is the same with Jesus. If we spend time with Him, we recognize the false teaching, false teachers and anti-Christ people. We will know the true Christ, His Word and teaching.
I like how you put that Patti. Very reassuring.
A little side light to recognizing counterfeit money. When my husband was a college student he worked for a large bank here in Lincoln. One of his jobs was to work in the money room where cash was sorted, counted and wrapped. 60 years ago this was all done by hand. One of the long term employees was a gal who worked there full time. She could sort with great speed as she counted handfuls of paper bills. As she was whizzing away counting sometimes she would just stop suddenly and pull out a counterfeit bill. She could tell by feel it was not the real thing. It made me think that not only looking is important to know the real Jesus but I think sometimes the Holy Spirit gives us the feeling someone or some teaching just isn’t the real thing.
I like this idea, Bev. I believe you are right. We need to check when we have a feeling from the Spirit.
Love that analogy.
Sunday:
1. How has the Lord been with you this week, helping you in the midst of a fallen world? Or how has He simply blessed you? I am trying to catch up this morning a bit in vain as I have little time, however, I need this time of study to keep my bearings in an overwhelming period of life. This blog keeps me grounded and keeps my focus on Christ, when the circumstances of life overwhelm and toss me about. My step-mom is very, very sick and I suspect she may not make it through this. Saying goodbye to her will be hard. She has been a big piece in my life since childhood. I know the Lord gave her to me and she has had an impact on my faith journey. There are theological issues we do not agree on, but we both have a relationship with Jesus. As Paige said in her teaching, “If we have Jesus together, we have everything together.” She referenced “the communion of the saints” from the Apostles Creed. I spoke with my husband this week about how important the creeds/confessions are to our churches. We may have a church that follows the Bible, but if the interpretation of the Bible is left to the pastor and not kept in check, it can lead to heresy. The creeds/confessions that came out of the reformation were written to combat heresy in the church and I appreciate this about Paige, that she holds these up in her teaching and that she tells US to check her teaching-don’t take her word for it.
Monday: Time to finish up Paige or Listen Again and Share Your Notes
others have given a more full summary of the teaching than I have time for here-thank you each for doing that. I will just touch on the last part where Paige says joy is an indication and a destination. We can know Jesus and believe but do we have joy? In addition to the facts there must be a subjective experience each of us has of personally tasting Jesus-the story of the apple. I can look at my son-in-law in the treatment facility and honestly say, he has not tasted my Jesus, so sad. I shared my testimony with him in a letter this week and I’m praying he can find freedom in Christ.
Tuesday: Read Through 1 John in One Sitting
2. Notice how often the word abide occurs — also the word if. Thoughts? I have listened to 1 John many times, but have not sat down and read through to count the times I heart these words. It is a lot! My thoughts go to algebra. If this, then that. If we abide in Him, he is in us. It is a logical outcome.
3. What else stands out and why? Seeing and hearing doesn‘t necessarily grant fellowship. Often we find ourselves in a place where we have loved ones making bad decisions and we question whether this person truly has faith. They may have seen and heard, but do they have fellowship? This book shows us how we can know if this person has tasted my Jesus! Do they abide in Him?? Is there fruit? Do they keep on sinning? Please pray for discernment as we counsel our daughter and son-in-law.
I am so sorry that your stepmom is worse, Chris. I pray the Lord surrounds all of you with His love and grace during this time and that He would touch your stepmom in a special way.
I like what you said about creeds. I grew up saying the Apostles Creed every Sunday (Lutheran and Methodist). When my husband and I joined the local Baptist church years ago, we were asked to speak of our faith to the congregation. We recited the Apostles Creed, that says it all. Most people do not know the Apostles Creed or anything like it, but they do know Hymns. Many, many hymns are doctrinal and even contain scripture sometimes.
Thank you for your prayers. I agree Cheryl. The creeds and confessions say so much. And I do love the old hymns that have so much truth in them. My step-mom had another surgery last night on both shoulders-her replacements were infected. She has 3 more replacements to watch. We called her the bionic woman when she finished them all. Sweet lady. She is suffering-breaks my heart to watch.
I know exactly what you are talking about. My husband had the same thing happen with a hip replacement, a staph infection. He had three major hip surgies in 11 months (put it in, take it out, wait for infection to be gone, put another back in). Infection tend to attach to “foreign objects” in the body. It is painful for the patients, and painful for us to watch them suffer. I will be praying.
I am so sorry that your step is not doing well, Chris. I pray that Jesus will be very close to all of you during this time. I pray that her care team is able to control the infection and her pain. What a blessing that she knows Jesus and that the two of you are close. I pray that if this is her time to go home to Jesus, that He takes her gently and peacefully. I appreciate the Apostles’ creed and the great hymns that also carry the Word of God and the history of the church. So many churches are losing this connection. Love to you and your entire family, dear Chris.
Thank you sweet Patti!
I thought this so insightful from Chris who is so busy it would be easy not to be in the Word but she said
however, I need this time of study to keep my bearings in an overwhelming period of life.
Monday: Time to finish up Paige or Listen Again and Share Your Notes
—So so much good teaching about Jesus in this study. I am just grabbing comments here but she said:
We are to examine public teaching and even private teaching according to the truth of His Word.
There is only one measuring stick in these passages for false teachings. Accurate Christology.
All heresy is ultimately Christological. They don’t attack the work of Christ but the person of Christ.
All who belong to the Lord, we have got to hold all the biblical teaching about Christ as the touchstone for anything else that is said about Christ.
The doctrine of the incarnation is the heart of Christianity. Who Jesus is is the heart of Christianity.
—I feel like I am throwing out sound bites here.
I also appreciated her comments regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. It is such balanced teaching about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. I feel like there are circles of Christians who almost make the Holy Spirit out to be something magical when in actuality He is the very person of God whose work is to anoint us with the truth.
She said by the Holy Spirit we have a cognitive experience where He brings spiritual clarity to our minds and our hearts. She said we have the fullness of God’s Word given to us by the Spirit. The Spirit is the internal convincer of the content.
“The Holy Spirit does not work independently of God’s Word and He does not work beyond God’s Word. “
—I think that comment in itself is a very important truth to be considered.
She said by the Holy Spirit ”We are given eyes to see the Lord Jesus in all of his beauty, in all of his majesty, in all of what he has done for us. He gives us Truth. “ Such rich teaching.
Bev, Thank you for recapping her teaching on the Holy Spirt.
These things stood out to me as well.
All heresy is ultimately Christological
I love all of these comments you posted, Bev. I love all of Paige’s thoughts and your thoughts about the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit does not work independently of God’s Word and He does not work beyond God’s Word. “ and this from you: I think that comment in itself is a very important truth to be considered.
Bev, thanks for the recap. I have listened to Paige twice but haven’t had the chance to come in here and comment. A beloved friend who is like a mother to me has gone downhill in her health. I and her daughter had become close through the years and we call each other sisters. Richard and I helped with her trip to the hospital, and a day after that, her doctor sent her home on hospice. I am bereft, though I am very aware of where she will go when she leaves this earth.
I, too, believe that the Holy Spirit is the “convincer of the content”. These days, His presence has been very palpable; I can almost “hear” Him. There is such comfort that He is the Spirit of truth, and He is beside me.
Dear Bing, I pray that the Lord would be close to you at this time as your dear friend is home on hospice.
Tuesday: Read Through 1 John in One Sitting
2. Notice how often the word abide occurs — also the word if. Thoughts?
—Abide is about relationship. About us having Jesus but more importantly that He has us.
Paige’s comments on Abide:
“It is in understanding Jesus that we have confidence that he who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. He belongs to us. But John is telling us that Jesus has us. The imperative is for us to Abide. Abide. Abide. Abide. Abide. It’s not just about what we have but it is about where we live. What we have really come to know. The real truth about Jesus”
She actually said “Abide” 5 times. 😊
Verses 15 & 16 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
1 John 4:15-16
3. What else stands out and why?
—Her definition of the world was interesting to me. She said:
“What is the world? The world is the whole order of the human life and existence that is founded upon and developed in and committed to rejecting God.”
That just simply put a new light on it for me.
—She made the challenge to “Contemplate who Jesus is (for hours) so that anything that does not match up with what we are authoritatively told about who He is shows up for what it is.”
Reading all of 1st John at one sitting over and over is a very good place to start.
Her definition of the world rings true as I read/see all that is happening. Why would we expect it to be any different since the god of this age is the prince of the power of the air? Yet somehow I hope/pray for changes, sigh… When He appears. As John says in 3:3, he who has this hope in him (his appearing) purifies himself as He is pure.
I know all of Scripture is God-breathed, yet how I love 1 John. I love — everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself even as He is pure.
Wednesday:
2. What is her point? Why does Paige say we can separate them for study but not for life or FOR assurance?
Truth, obedience and love must come together to prove who we are in relationship to the Father. If we have one, it follows that the others are also present. If we love, we speak truth. If we love, we obey. If our love doesn’t bring us to truth and obedience, then it isn’t the sort of love the Father has for us, but only a counterfeit love of self. I’m glad you brought us back to the first 12 minutes. I hadn’t listened carefully enough in the beginning.
3. What other comments do you have?
I am in this strange place of transition as I watch my step-mom decline. When she is gone I will only have my bio-mom left of the older generation in our family on both my side and my husband’s. Isn’t it true that we don’t know how long we have and each day should be treasured? As I think about the test of faith given to us in 1 John, I can say my step-mom passes the test. Her faith is real. Chapter 2 has this little piece in verses 15-17 about how we should not love the world. Isn’t this our stumbling block? When I think of what is really important, it is relationships. What have I been doing these last years while my step-mom was aging? Of course busy with family responsibilities, but I feel like I let our relationship slide in ways I should not have and now it’s too late to get that time back. We had just re-started our monthly lunches. We had a handful of them and now it’s likely we won’t have another. Our time is short here on earth. It is the last hour. “And this is the promise that he made to us-eternal life.” 1 John 2:25
Oh, Chris,Your post brings tears to my eyes and heart. I pray for more quality time for your and your precious step mom. Praying for you.There never seems enough time. So thankful we will have eternity to be with those we love and most of all, with our Father in Heaven. So thankful for this promise: And this is the promise that he made to us-eternal life.” 1 John 2:25
This is golden: When I think of what is really important, it is relationships. TRUTH
Thank you, Patti! Praise that today she is doing better 🙂 :):)-hurray! The surgery last night did wonders for her!
And one more praise: the babies are good today! No change in fluid levels so close monitoring will be ongoing but we are good for now. 🙂
Yay!! Answer to prayer and continued prayer for this pregnancy!
So excited for these answered prayers for your step-mom and the babies. Thank you, Lord! How our hearts sing to hear this good news. Praise our faithful Father in Heaven! Thank you Jesus! We have the Lord Jesus!
I know I’m late here, but I thought I would chime in anyway. I’m so sorry to hear of your MIL, Chris. Tough stuff.
My friend and I have been talking about this very thing, this weekend! Relationships. I know this isn’t a Christian movie, but Dee lives in Wisconsin and she may know about this amazing love story about a couple named “Lightning and Thunder.” They were a tribute band to Neil Diamond. Their story’s pretty amazing and oh, the relationships! It is called “Song Sung Blue.” I’ve seen it twice and could see it again!
I meant step mom.
Wednesday Paige-first 12 minutes
2. What is her point? Why does Paige say we can separate them for study but not for life or FOR assurance? I think her point is that the themes of this letter are not set out in a linear fashion (point one to two and so on). Instead John keeps circling back to either restate or add to something previously said. We can separate the themes for study purposes, jumping between chapters (like last week with Paige going from chapter two to chapter four), but ultimately the themes are all connected and MUST be known and lived out in tandem with each other. All are necessary for the Christian life; you can’t just believe one without the others.
3. What other comments do you have? The same is true of the Trinity. We can study the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Spirit separately, BUT there is only One God in whom all three Person co-exist (and have done so from eternity past).
Cheryl,
Good observation about the Trinity.
Amen to Bev. The truth about the Trinity.
Wednesday: Intersection of Truth, Obedience, & Love
2. What is her point? Why does Paige say we can separate them for study but not for life or FOR assurance?
—The core central teaching is about the truth of Who Jesus was and is.
It is because obedience and love are bound up in that truth. The truth of Who Jesus was and is.
That makes them inseparable.
3. What other comments do you have?
—As I was reading through 1st John again this morning these verses from Chapter 5 stood out to me as scripture to consider.
“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
1 John 5:4-5 NLT
That last phrase is the exclamation point.
“Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”!!
The very point Paige makes in her opening comments today. It is about believing the truth of Who Jesus was and is.
I just finished listening to Paige. At first I worried it was going to be too academic, but then she brings it home. Wow.
I will remember that too Dee! In fact, my son and I watched the first half of the play that she recommended and the singers who lined the stage and sang. I thought she did it better!!! Hahaha…
Last Friday, after much thought, I gave my retirement letter to our superintendent of schools. She hugged me twice and gave me a nice compliment. I am only 62, but my husband and I have worked things out. I have not been afraid. I feel like God is guiding me/us. In fact, when we called the state retirement office to ask a few questions, the music on hold was a Christian song! It was almost as if God was right there with me at that moment. Thank You Lord. ♥️
For some reason I got confused and was posting my notes on last weeks lesson! Ugh! I guess my brain hurts right now!
That’s exciting, Laura — and that the Lord is confirming it.
I am excited for you, Laura. I was surprised that the hold music was Christian, as Dee said, confirmation. I too, retired early, and the Lord worked out all the pieces (financially and otherwise).
Laura, I am so happy for you! I got chills just reading this. Is this effective immediately? I love the confirmation of the music when you were on hold. Only God! Congratulations! Praise God!
No, not immediately. I will teach until June and then retire. I am at peace!
Laura,
I am excited for you and this major transition in life for you. My husband thought he wanted to stay in his position for a few years longer where he had worked for over 30 years. But when God led him to go ahead and retire it opened the door for him to do something he really enjoyed and work from home. He wished he had retired sooner. Point is that God will faithfully lead you and it is sweet the little affirmations He gives along the way. You will see God work for good in new ways in your lives.
Yes, Bev, I have been thinking about new opportunities to give back to the community after I retire. Groups I would like to help for causes I support. Thanks for the insight!
Laura, excited for this new chapter for you! I love that you and your husband are on the same page and you see the Lord confirming your decision.
2. Notice how often the word abide occurs — also the word if. Thoughts?
I believe there are 23-24 times the word abide appears. Incidentally, it does not appear in the NLT version. I had to switch to the ESV.
I suppose it is important since he mentions it over and over again!
3. What else stands out and why?
I found it curious that he says that they have not seen God, yet Jesus said if they have seen Him (Jesus) then they have seen God.
“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”
1 John 4:12 NLT
I like that translation of this verse 🙂
That’s a good apparent contradiction, Laura. I think it is because of the mystery of the Trinity that both statements can be true.
I love how you always notice the details, Laura! That is a great gift!
Thursday: The Plumb line of Truth
Watch up to about minute 36.
4. As you examine this, looking particularly at 1 John 4: 2 and 4:14-15 state the central truth about who Jesus is that we must hold to. Jesus is the Son of God, sent from God, took on flesh (became as one of us), fully man and fully God, died for us (crucified, shed blood), our Savior
5. In contrast, what are some ways you can discern lies, deceit, and error? Be specific. 1.Jesus was just a son of God, created by God just like angels, but not diety. 2,In the wilderness Jesus, having been without food, was hallucinating. 3.One that Paige mentioned: Jesus was just a man, the spirit of Christ (God) came upon him at his baptism and left him at the crucifixion (It was just a good man who died, not Christ). 4.There are many ways to reach heaven (God), we’re all God’s children. 5.Islam (Allah), Judaism (Jehovah), Christianity (Jesus) we all worship the same God 5. It’s not what you believe, it’s how you live that matters.
6. What did she say that those who say they are “spiritual” are really saying?
7. What are some of the promises of these verses for those who hold to the truth that came from the beginning? 4:4 he who is in me is greater than he who is in the world, 13 he has given me of his Spirit , 14 sent his Son to be my Savior, 15 God abides in me, 16 God loves me I abide in Him and He abides in me 2:25 promised me eternal life, 27 the Holy Spirit abide in me and teaches me truth
8. What else stood out to you? The witness of God in vss. 5:6-11, the word witnesss/record is used TEN times. I’ve been reading theis book daily and completly overlooked the importance of repetition, I was too focused on trying to understand “water and blood.” This is God’s testimony, not John’s.
2. What is her point? Why does Paige say we can separate them for study but not for life or FOR assurance?
All lives have a story, the same story for the need of a Savior. The echo and repetition is so like the stories in “ Les Mis”. We can hear each story, but they all are “So we may Know!” We are all ultimately heading to that one day when their lives will all be determined. All our stories lead to knowing God, having a relationship with Him. We cannot be in a relationship with the Father apart from the Son.
All of our lives overlap like the Les Mis scene. In the book of 1John, the overlap of stories, sometimes the same and sometimes separate, but they all are going to the same point that We May Know.(Now I am being redundant).
The truth must come first. Our commitment to Jesus and His truth. That is our assurance, eternal life with God, through Jesus, no matter 0ur story!
3. What other comments do you have?
We must know God’s Word to discern the truth of Jesus. Many influencers distort the truth of Christ. Paige refers to some gnostic beliefs. We need to believe the truth of Who He is. And we need to believe the truth about what He has done for us.
Very good, Patti.
Thursday: The Plumb line of Truth
4. As you examine this, looking particularly at 1 John 4: 2 and 4:14-15 state the central truth about who Jesus is that we must hold to.
—Jesus is the eternal Son of God and he came to earth in flesh, in human form with a real body. He came to be the Savior of the world. If we confess this truth and believe it to be true then the Holy Spirit abides with us.
5. In contrast, what are some ways you can discern lies, deceit, and error? Be specific.
—Paige said “The atonement just makes no sense in a therapeutic worldview that thinks the mission of God is your personal well-being.” In today’s world the prevalent lie is that God is for me and wants me to be happy. We are told as she says that our problem is that we are sad or unfulfilled or insecure. I think many feel we can go to God to fix us and Jesus is our teacher and example who wants to bless us and that is enough. But the reality is that we are sinners before a Holy God and we need atonement and we need the work of Jesus on the Cross. We need the blood to forgive our sins. That is not very appealing to many. There is a desire for a more “shiny” Jesus. A Jesus that makes us “feel” good.
Frankly we don’t like to admit just how sinful we are. I think another lie is that many don’t think Jesus is enough. There is a mindset of needing more than He has to offer and a blindness to the fact that He is the only answer to life. The old adage of looking for love in all the wrong places. In him alone our hope is found and our heart’s satisfied.
In a more direct answer to the question the ways to discern lies , deceit and error are to go to the Bible where truth is found. God’s Word will lead us to find the truth.
6. What did she say that
those who say they are “spiritual” are really saying?
—Arrgh I missed that specific thought.
7. What are some of the promises of these verses for those who hold to the truth that came from the beginning?
—Abiding in the son and in the Father. That means intimate fellowship with God. Our son in his preaching often referred to having “dependent intimacy” with God.
—We have the amazing promise eternal life. And we can know it.
8. What else stood out to you?
— Paige: “Everything about our relationship with the Lord starts with the infinite love of the Father.” He is the one that loved and He is the one that sent. He is the one that wants to be in relationship with us. John 3:16.
It’s all about the love of God.
I missed that, too, Bev, #6. I’ll have to listen again. What you said about people not wanting to admit they are sinful, reminded me of a quote I read this week by Thomas Watson, “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”
Great quote. Until we stop being wise in our own eyes….and realize the gravity of our sin. Wasn’t it from Paige that those who are spiritual make up their own truth? I’ll need to listen again as well.
It is true we don’t like to face how sinful we are.
She said to say you are spiritual is saying I can believe whatever I want about a Divine Being and it is true.
Now that you say that I do remember that comment. And I think what a dangerous and deceptive way of thinking. It is someone putting themselves in a position of thinking they know more than God.
You are right Bev, it is a dangerous and deceptive way of thinking-and isn’t it the way we all think, until we submit to God’s authority in our lives? He has us, but do we have him? He died for us, but are we willing to lay down our lives? I believe it is helpful to understand that we all start here. Just like the toddler who believes everyone is against him, standing between him and what he wants. Really, the adults in his life just want to keep him safe and direct him on the path that leads to life, but he can’t see this. Many of us are that toddler until we see the Truth, and we know others who are wandering through life dangerously insisting on their own way. I love the end of this teaching and the challenge to hear and understand others and share what we have-but I’m getting ahead.
Chris — that’s such a good parallel with the toddler.
I love all of your comments on this. It is dangerous and deceptive ! I have listened to Paige at least three times, and still missed that. 😢 We have to know Him and submit to Him, and only Him. Our own hearts can deceive us.
Thank you for reminding us of the quote, Dee. Wow…that is a scary thought! We can so easily be disillusioned by our own wrong opinions!
Woke up at 2am thinking about Jesus and everything John told us about Him. I started making a list in my mind. Fully awake now, I wrote a list, going through each chapter of 1 John. This does not include anything about our relationship with Him, faith/obedience. I’m sure I missed some things, but when I look at this list the centrality of JESUS cannot be overlooked. Can you add to my list? Now my mind is not racing, back to sleep, it’s 3:30.
What does John tell us about Jesus?
Chapter 1 from the beginning, Word of Life, eternal life with the Father, revealed to men, was seen heard touched, fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin
Chapter 2 Our Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, atonement for our sins, from the beginning, Father and Son are united, Jesus is the Christ, He shall appear again, He is righteous
Chapter 3 the world did not know Him, we will see Him when he appears again, sent to take away our sins, He had no sin in Himself, He is righteous, Son of God, sent to destroy the works of the devil, laid down His life for us (love of God), His Son Jesus Christ
Chapter 4 Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world, only begotten Son, Son was sent to be the atonement for our sin (love of God), Father sent the Son, Savior of the world, Jesus is the Son of God
Chapter 5 Jesus is the Christ is born of God, begotten of Him, Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus Christ came by water (baptism where Father pronounced to be King and suffering servant, identified with man) and blood (crucifixion, shed blood for atonement), in heaven – Father Word Spirit – three in one, God testified of His Son, eternal life is given to us in the Son, Son of God, Son of God, Son of God is come, is True, Son Jesus Christ, true God and eternal life
Great job, Cheryl!
I like how you helped your mind to stop racing and your list. I’ve been more focused on relationship, but I like your focus. I’m going to re-read the book with this focus.
Sorry you couldn’t sleep, but what a great list!!
isn’t it interesting that the first and last chapters basically say the same thing?
This is so good, Cheryl. Thank you for sharing.
2. What is her point? Why does Paige say we can separate them for study but not for life or FOR assurance?
It is a chaotic mix that comes together in the end. There are pieces, and these pieces all add up to the same thing in the end. The pieces are the truth, the obedience, and the love for Jesus.
They can be studied individually but they are all going to the same point. That we all know we belong to Him and have eternal life.
There are tests in 1 John that are tests of confirmation to show if you really know Him or not. You must begin with the plumbline of truth. I’m attaching her sheets which I hope you can print out.1_John_Notes_9.16.26
4. As you examine this, looking particularly at 1 John 4: 2 and 4:14-15 state the central truth about who Jesus is that we must hold to.
We testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, God abides in Him and he is in God. John is teaching against anything that diminishes or leaves out the Cross. Incarnation would not be enough without the Atonement. John speaks against the “water only” gospel. The witnesses in this testimony of God are the water, the blood and the Spirit.
5. In contrast, what are some ways you can discern lies, deceit, and error? Be specific.
Know God’s Word; memorize God’s Word. Be aware of false, unbiblical teaching.
John’s letter was speaking against the false teaching in the churches. We must be discerning.
One false teaching then was: “Jesus was such a good man that God honored Him by the Christ coming upon Him at His baptism, but left Him before His death…so Jesus died just as a good man.” False teaching
We have to reject a “water only” Gospel, which means Jesus would only be a moral teacher, an inspirational man, who did some miracles. Those things do not bestow an eternal life. This would be a false teaching. They were rejecting Him as God’s Son. He would not have been a sacrifice or a redeemer.
The water and the blood is a summary of Jesus. The water: reference to the Baptism of Jesus is the beginning of His public ministry. He was being baptized to identify fully with us… we who are sinful and repenting, yet He was not sinful.
The Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and the voice of the Father can be heard at the same time: “This is my Son, with Him I am well pleased”, identifying Jesus as fully God’s Son. (Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1) God’s Son and The suffering servant. (Isaiah 42:1) What He has come to do, suffering and going to the cross, is for our eternal life. This is why, after His baptism, He goes directly into the wilderness.
When Jesus was in tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Satan is trying to tempt Jesus to be King and not the suffering servant. If Jesus had not suffered and sacrificed His life on the cross for us, our atonement. If He suffers for our salvation, we will be saved. If He does not suffer, the devil wins 0ur souls. This is the blood of the Gospel. The blood/the Crucifixion is necessary for our Redemption.
The Spirit
6. What did she say that those who say they are “spiritual” are really saying?
I am not sure she addressed that this week.
Being spiritual is a “feeling” that can be about anything that is not material .
It is not the same thing as Believing in Jesus as the Son of God and understanding what Jesus did for us, personally.
7. What are some of the promises of these verses for those who hold to the truth that came from the beginning?
1 John 4: 13 you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 4:2 By this you will know the Spirit of God 1 John 4: 14-15 14: if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15: if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know we have the requests we asked Him for.
8. What else stood out to you?
Matthew 26:28 “this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin.
Acts 20:28 “the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
Romans 3:24-25 “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; who God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.
Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace.”
The importance of the repetition in 1 John
The importance of the Trinity.
It is God’s love that sent the Son; the Son of God, Jesus died on the cross, was resurrected and ascended to the Father. On Pentecost, He sent the Holy Spirit.
The Father sent His Son and Jesus came. The Father gave us His Son. Jesus was always obedient to His Father’s will, Jesus in His incarnation, He turns His face toward us. The Father turned His face away from the Son on the Cross, (representing our sin) The Spirit is the truth, but the blood is the atonement. The Spirit testifies to us . We are anointed by the Spirit, who is the teacher.
I typed a whole answer for Thursday -Saturday and my tablet died before I got it posted ):
anyway, I will try to re-post later but update on my step-mom-she’s very sick. The infection keeps spreading and they haven’t found the source yet. She’s also had a stroke and continues to be in AFIB. I’m back to thinking it’s going to take a miracle for her to overcome this and likely we will be saying goodbye. Appreciate prayers.
I am praying for you right now, Chris.
Father God in Heaven, how we Praise You and thank you for the precious gift of life here on earth and the greatest gift of eternal life. I ask for Your Mighty Hand, Lord, to be on Chris’s step -mom right now, dear Lord. Please anoint her with Your healing touch, if that is in Your will for her life. Please help the doctors to find the source of the infection, and give them the wisdom to know how to properly treat it. I pray that you will give her comfort and keep her free from pain. There are so many physical problems in her fragile body right now, that a miracle from You is truly the only answer our earthly eyes can see. I pray, dear Jesus, that You will cover Chris, her step-mom and her family with your peace and comfort. I pray that You will cover each of them with the peace that passes all understanding. In the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior, I pray.
Thank you for this beautiful prayer, Patti. It is truly such an encouragement to me.
Dear Lord, I agree with Patti, and lift up Chris’ step-mom to you. She is in your hands, Lord, and we trust you.
Praying
Amen Patti!
Chris, I have been praying for your stepmom and all the requests you’ve shared here. May God wrap His loving arms around you.
Praying. 🙏🙏
Thank you, all!
Still praying 🙏
Oh Father, please have mercy on Chris’s step-mom!
I am here!!
https://share.icloud.com/photos/006U9J-yh2yXAxkWIp6Fxjt7A
So thankful that I can be here with my bestie and sorry I have not been here much….♥️
Please pray for a young woman whom I worked with for several years. Her young husband suddenly died and they had just had a baby 3 months ago. So sad. They had just moved to be closer to her family in the south. He was up here at a hotel for work. She is devastated. Thank you for your prayers.
Oh, dear Laura. I will pray for her.
I could not open the photo. is it on Facebook?
Oh too bad on the photo. It’s a iCloud link. I can put it on the FB page.
Heavenly Father, Please wrap Your loving arms around this young mother whose husband died so suddenly. Put a hedge around her heart and mind. Hold her close and Holy Spirit minister to her heart, give her strength as she mourns. May she have the support of loved ones and other friends, so that she can go through this painful time. I prray for her future, too, dear Lord, and that You would protect her from depression and bitterness. You are a loving God, the God of all comfort. Touch this young woman, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen
Laura, so sorry to hear about this sudden death of your friends husband. Agree with Cheryl’s pray and will continue to keep her and the children in my prayers.
Where are you…saw the picture?
Dallas, Tara Leigh cobble.
Laura, I join the others in prayers for your friend. That must be an overwhelming loss. I’m glad she has you to be an encouragement for her.
Thank you. Thank you everyone. I am so pained by this. Why God? Why? I don’t understand.
What were your thoughts on Tara Leigh’s presentation, Laura?
You’ll never believe it! Abide in Him!! Sound familiar?
She was lovely. Told some personal stories that are painful for her. She is a true believer.
Love this Laura! What a joy that you heard Tara Leigh!
Awe. I’m glad you got to go. Love it when teachings dove tail. I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss. Truly, we don’t understand the big losses and we can only press deeper into the Father. Lord, be with Laura and her friend/family-we know You are there. May they have comfort and peace that passes all understanding.
Take today and next Monday to finish if you like. I want you to share what it means for you to get in the wheelbarrow — and anything else!
1John 5:10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son.
We need to believe the testimony of God, which is the Cross, salvation and redemption.
We can believe in God, but not believe God. We need to believe into God, that means that we submit to Him with our entire life, and that is getting in the wheelbarrow. He is mine, I am HIS. My life is His.
I like these: The Heart of the Gospel is Substitution and not Discipleship.
The blood is the linchpin: The Cross and the Resurrection are the atonement.
Jesus took our nature at His birth and our sin in His death. He took our place.
This love demands true humility.
My God Shot: In every life, we will all get to the place, that the only thing that will matter is that you have Jesus.
4. As you examine this, looking particularly at 1 John 4: 2 and 4:14-15 state the central truth about who Jesus is that we must hold to.
Jesus was sent by the Father, to live in the flesh, and save the world from sin. All who believe this abide in Him, and He in them.
5. In contrast, what are some ways you can discern lies, deceit, and error? Be specific.
Those who deny and do not abide in Him are 2 ways to know deceit.
We cannot be in relationship with the Father without the Son.
A water only teaching is false. We have to have the blood too.
6. What did she say that those who say they are “spiritual” are really saying?
They want their own truth. (Was this last week?)
7. What are some of the promises of these verses for those who hold to the truth that came from the beginning?
We would have fellowship, friendship, and ultimately joy. If we know Him we will have eternal life.
8. What else stood out to you?
I love the point she made about you not having the water without the blood. He was baptized like the sinners that John the Baptist baptized. He had no sin…God was making a proclamation from Psalms and Isaiah, that He would reign and would die. The blood took that sin forever. Thank You Jesus.
I love that she says this is God’s testimony!
finish Paige
“To believe into Him, is to let Him have ME. What happens then? I have HIM.” Everything He did, He did FOR ME. Everything He does, He does FOR ME. I know this is true and I thrill to hear Paige say this, and THEN she talks about the tuning fork. The Holy Spirit is the tuning fork of our hearts! How I want other believers to know and have this same thrill and excitement. I speak about this in my women’s study group and have seeen growth in grace and knowledge. Christ lives in me, I live in Him. Hallelujah!