Week 7: Live Like a Christian!
(1 John 2:28-3:10)
Our seventh week of daily devotions in the Book of First John center on the John’s discourse on resisting the world. You’re going to need your Bible and I’ve provided the Study Notes on this website that you can either bookmark, or print. Be sure to scroll down to the notes outlining and commenting on the 1 John 2:12-17. Or you may want to download the word document: 1jn2.28-3.10nn. I hope this helps those of you who are committed to journaling this year.
Friday: 1 John 2:28-3:10, What are you displaying?
Review the paragraph we have been studying this week by reading 1 John 2:28-3:10. As you read, underline the words translating the Greek word manifest—manifest, reveal, and appear. It occurs six times in one paragraph.
Abiding and Confidence
Now look back at the paragraph before this one, 2:17-27, and underline the word abide. It occurs seven times in one paragraph.
Finally, read again the verse that transitions between the two, 2:28, noticing the word abide and appears.
The connection is clear—the abiding that brings confidence to our lives when we stand before Him will be seen in what we manifest here on earth. The Christian who is truly abiding in Him will display the righteousness one would expect from a child of God.
The last verse of the paragraph, 2:29, sums up the truth that what is born of God in us cannot sin but always produces righteousness:
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God!
A true Christian who lives like those who belong to the devil will be full of shame when he or she sees Christ. A Christian who lives like Jesus asks us to live—righteously—will stand before Him in confidence.
Sin and Shame
It’s very simple. The more sin in my life now, the more shame I will have at the Judgment Seat. The more righteousness in my life now, the more confidence I will have when I see Him.
That’s my prayer for you my friend, and for me!
Father, please use my hope of seeing Christ to purify my life here on earth. Make me more righteous now so that I can have confidence then.
