August 21, 2013 (Jeremiah 21,24,27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:5-6 NLT
Observation: First John chapter two separates the sheep from the goats. John clearly defines how to observe the difference between someone who is a follower of Christ and someone who is just a pretender. We can be sure, and have confidence that we know Him, if we obey His commandments. If someone claims, “I know God” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. Obviously John felt a very strong need to express the importance of living a life dedicated to holiness to the followers of Christ he was writing to. His audience was not limited to just those alive in his day, but we are his targeted audience as well. John urges us to remain faithful to the truth we have been taught from the beginning. It behooves us all to seek God and learn His commandments, it’s the only real way we can show others how completely we love God.
Application: Today Christianity has been reduced to not much more than a mental decision that can be made by anyone, at anytime. The “repeat after me prayer” has taken all the personal responsibility out of Christianity. Oddly enough there is no such prayer ever mentioned in the Bible. I believe the organized church will ultimately be held responsible for the lost souls of thousands upon thousands. The modern church has cast aside God’s commands and reduced them to mere suggestions or options of choice. God’s word is complete truth and it does not change, it is good for correction, instruction and rebuke. Those that truly know Him will prove their love for Him by their devotion to His word. Submitting to God’s commands is not optional, it is a requirement. Those that claim to “know Him” while continuing to live in open rebellion against His commands are liars. Once a person comes to Christ they must remain faithful to Him. If we do remain faithful then we remain in fellowship with the Son and the Father. It’s in this fellowship that we enjoy the eternal life He promised.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for all the blessings You give and the provision You provide. Thank You for Your word that corrects, instructs, and rebukes me. Your word proves Your love for me. May I be faithful to prove my love for You by being obedient to Your word always. Allow my life to be a witness of Your grace and mercy showing how You transform and change a person completely. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day, in Jesus name, Amen!