Historical Posts
If You Abide, Walk! – Audio
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It may seem like an oxymoron to walk somewhere if you abide. However, that is what the Bible commands us to do! John wrote, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked (1 John 2:6).” God will not tell us to do something that we cannot do. How can we walk and abide simultaneously?
First, we must abide in Christ. One can only abide if one gets into. Thus, one gets into Christ by being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Once in Christ, we must remain in Him and be active. Jesus explained that He is the vine and we are the branches. The branches must abide in Him, as He abides in the vinedresser. By abiding in Him, we must bear fruit (John 15:1-8). He then goes on to say that we are to abide in His love (John 15:9ff.).
Once in Christ, we must walk as He walked. Earlier in his letter, John said that we must “walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).” By being where Christ is, we can have fellowship with Him and one another. Christ is no longer here on earth, but is with us in spirit. While He was on the earth, He showed us how we ought to walk (1 Peter 2:21-25).
By learning more about Him and following His example, we can abide in Him. We can only abide in Him if we walk just as He walked! Let us remain in His Word, and do what He says.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Go and Tell John – audio
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Text: Luke 7:18-23
At Nain, Jesus had raised the son of a widow from the dead. Word about Him quickly spread throughout the region, and ultimately came to John. John then sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was the coming one. John knew the prophets foretold about God’s Messenger that would come (Malachi 3:1-3), and he wanted to know if Jesus indeed was that Messenger.
As the disciples came to Jesus, they directly asked Him if He was the Coming One. Jesus did not answer them by word of mouth; instead, He performed miracles for them to see. He then said, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me (Luke 7:22-23).”
John’s disciples were able to return to him as direct witnesses of Jesus; they were not relaying hearsay. It was up to them to believe Jesus based upon what they had seen with their own eyes and heard with their own ears. It was up to them to go and tell John about it. It was then up to John to accept it and respond accordingly.
The same is true for us today. Those like John’s disciples are telling us what they saw and heard themselves. He writes, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24).” He wrote those things that he had seen and heard so we may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God. By believing, we can have life through Christ (John 20:31).
Now, it is up to us. Do we believe in what the Bible has to say? Are we willing to go and tell others what we have learned about Christ? The gospel has the power to save us all (Romans 1:16).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Thank You, Dorcas – audio
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Tomorrow is the national day of Thanksgiving. Christians, however, should be thankful all the time, not just one day of the year (1 Thessalonians 5:18). There are many things we are thankful for, and also many people. Dorcas is one person many were thankful for (Text: Acts 9:36-42).
Dorcas was full of “good works and charitable deeds.” She made clothing for people, which was readily displayed. God is pleased when we do good and share (Hebrews 13:16), and Dorcas did not forget to do just that. By giving clothes to those that are without, Jesus says we do it unto Him (Matthew 25:34-40).
Dorcas was dead, but lived again. When she was presented alive, no doubt many people had great joy. Imagine the joy that one would feel when seeing someone again after not seeing them for a long time. Jesus taught of a man that had a son who was “dead and alive again (Luke 15).” We all die spiritually, but through Christ we can be made alive (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Physically, we must die and then can live again forever with God (Hebrews 9:27-28).
Because of Dorcas, many people believed on the Lord. While Jesus walked the earth, many of the Jews saw the things He did and believed in Him (John 11:45). After Jesus ascended into Heaven, many people saw the things the apostles did and believed on the Lord. No doubt those that were witnesses of the good works and charitable deeds of Dorcas believed on the Lord.
I am thankful for the Biblical record of people such as Dorcas, who had a great influence. I am thankful for you who serve the Lord and influence others. I am thankful to God for sending His Son to die for us that we might live again. What about you? Who are you thankful for?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Taxation Talk – audio
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As a number of seats were determined yesterday in the House and Senate, a few items on some ballots involved taxes. Some taxes were accepted; others were rejected. Voters want to know how much of a tax they are paying and what the tax goes toward. Some people want to know where every penny spent goes.
Paul had a little to tell the Romans concerning the government and taxes (Romans 13:1-7). The government has a role to use taxes in the proper way, and Christians must render taxes to whom taxes are due.
This was the concern of the Pharisees as they sent their disciples with the Herodians to Jesus. They wanted to know if it was lawful to pay taxes unto Caesar. Jesus told them to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:15-22).”
Some even questioned Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). Jesus explained to him that although the sons of the king are free from paying taxes, they would pay in order to avoid offending them. Interestingly, money was provided to pay for them that did not belong to them.
Just as it is good to pay taxes, one must be careful about collecting them. Zacchaeus was a tax collector that was seen as a sinner in the public eye, but was brought salvation by Jesus; Matthew was a tax collector that left all in order to follow Jesus, becoming His disciple (Matthew 9).
As Christians, it is our primary to serve God (Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29). When paying our taxes, we are supporting the good and combating the evil. It is what Jesus would have us to do. He taught what He learned from His parents as they paid their taxes (Luke 2:1-5).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus and the Fig Tree – audio
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On two separate occasions, Jesus told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. There is an important lesson that we can learn from something not producing.
Matthew 21:18-22.
Jesus was hungry, and approached a barren fig tree. Noticing that it would not satisfy His need, he caused it to wither away. This aroused the curiosity of the disciples, and Jesus taught them how they could do anything with faith (James 1:5-8; Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17). This faith must also have love (1 Corinthians 13:2). Finally, Jesus comforted them by saying that they will receive whatever they ask in prayer, believing (Matthew 7:7-11).
Luke 13:6-9.
On this occasion, Jesus taught a parable involving a fig tree. A man planted it, but it did not yield any fruit. He told the keeper of the vineyard that he sought fruit for three years and found none; therefore it should be cut down. However, the keeper of the vineyard replied: “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” Here Jesus stresses the importance of bearing fruit (also taught in the earlier text). Notice: 1) The keeper of the vineyard was longsuffering toward the fig tree (2 Peter 3:9); 2) he wanted to aid the fig tree (Hebrews 4:16); and 3) there was a fate awaiting the fig tree at the set time (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
Both passages of Scripture call to attention a barren fig tree withering away. Jesus has the power to save it, and the power to destroy it. As Christians, we are like the fig tree. Jesus has the power to save us or destroy us. What will happen to us depends on if we are bearing fruit (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 06:01-05 – Bear One Another’s Burdens – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:1-5 (Reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Individually, we all have burdens to bear.
B. Collectively, we should strive to help with one another’s burdens.
C. By doing so, the law of Christ is fulfilled.
Body
I. We are all tempted, and may be overtaken by a trespass at any time.
A. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. All brethren experience the same suffering, and we must resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9).
B. No temptation has overtaken you, except that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
1) Temptation leads to sin, and sin to death (James 1:12-15).
2) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; we have all been tempted (Romans 3:23).
3) Jesus was tempted in all points just as we were, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 4:1-10).
4) We continue with Jesus in His trials (Luke 22:28).
5) We are not sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
6) As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must examine ourselves as sinners; we examine the sinless Christ as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 11:28).
II. We must restore others in a spirit of gentleness.
A. God will render to each of us our deeds, and we should want our deeds to include helping others (Romans 2:5-9).
B. Christians are commanded to edify one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:11-13,15-16,29; Hebrews 10:24-25).
C. Jesus said not to boast in relation to others as the Pharisee, but humble ourselves as the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).
D. Paul also said not to think of ourselves too highly (Romans 12:3,5-6,8).
E. The strong ones should bear with the scruples of the weak (Romans 15:1-7,14).
F. We should bear with one another in love, with longsuffering (Ephesians 4:2).
III. Bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ.
A. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees bind burdens on others, but will not move them (Matthew 23:1-4). He also proclaimed woe on lawyers who did the same thing (Luke 11:46).
B. Loving your neighbor as yourself is the royal law according to Scripture (James 2:8; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28-33).
C. Jesus said, “therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
Conclusion
A. Are we bearing one another’s burdens?
B. Are we fulfilling the law of Christ?
C. Let us not think of ourselves as above others.
D. Rather let us humble ourselves and help each other get to Heaven.
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Plea for Pilgrims – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Peter makes a few important observations to Christians:
1. We are sojourners and pilgrims!
As the song goes, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thro’…” Even though we are in the world, we are not of the world (John 15:19; 17:14-16). Paul proclaimed that his citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
2. We must abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul!
John similarly warns Christians about worldly lusts (lust of flesh, lust of eyes, and pride of life). They are not of God; rather they are of the world. Just as sojourners and pilgrims do not stay in one place forever, the world and its lusts will not last forever (1 John 2:15-17). The body and soul are always at war, as Paul could tell you (Romans 7; Philippians 1:21-30).
3. Our conduct must be honorable!
As Paul told the Philippians to let their conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so Peter says it should be honorable among the Gentiles. We should be “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).” Jesus Christ is a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32), and the whole world (John 8:12; 12:46). As Jesus is our example (1 Peter 2:21), we too are lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
4. Others will speak against us as evildoers!
Many spoke against Christ, His disciples, and the early Christians; they will speak against us too!
5. Others may glorify God by observing our good works!
As we shine our lights (Matthew 5:16), people know we are not of the world but of Christ. As we follow His example, they can follow our example and bring all glory to God (Luke 5:25; 17:15; 18:43).
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 05:18-21 – Certainties of the Christian Faith – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:18-21
Introduction
1. In this last section of John’s epistle, we find him summarizing three facts or “certainties” that his readers should have learned – 1 John 5:18-21
2. These certainties of the Christian Faith relate to sin, the evil one, and the truth concerning fellowship with God and Jesus Christ
3. Each of these certainties is introduced by the words we know, and as we consider these three facts we shall begin each section in the same way
Body
I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE BORN OF GOD AND SIN (1 John 5:18)
A. “WHOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN“
1. This statement, like the one in 1 John 3:9, can be somewhat troubling to the English reader
2. But as we noticed in the lesson on that portion of scripture
a. John has already affirmed that Christians sin – 1 John 1:8, 10
b. To say we have no sin is to lie, and to make God a liar
c. So John is talking about one who does not continuously practice sin
B. “BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD KEEPS HIMSELF“
1. John explains why the one born of God does not continuously practice sin, but it is difficult to know exactly what he means
a. Some translations have keeps him instead of keeps himself
b. This is because most translators believe he who has been born of God is a reference to Jesus
c. And yet in his epistle, the phrase born of God always has reference to the child of Christ, i.e., the Christian
2. Assuming that himself is the correct wording
a. It becomes clear that the individual bears some responsibility in keeping oneself from sinning
b. While it is true that we have help from God – 1 John 3:9
c. Our faith must cooperate with God’s power – 1Pe 1:5
d. Thus the charge to keep yourselves – 1 John 5:21; Jude 21
C. “THE WICKED ONE DOES NOT TOUCH HIM“
1. When we cooperate with God, Satan has no chance
a. When we submit to God, and resist the devil, the devil flees! – James 4:7
b. For God who is in us is certainly greater than the devil! – 1 John 4:4
2. Instrumental in our cooperation with God is allowing His word to abide in us – 1 John 2:14
3. Even as the Word was instrumental in helping Jesus overcome the temptations of Satan – “it is written…” Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
D. So the first certainty of the Christian faith is that one born of God does not treat sin lightly, and with God’s help is able to win the conflict with the wicked one.
II. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THE WORLD (1 John 5:19)
A. “WE ARE OF GOD”
1. The Christian has been “born of God” – 1 John 5:1
2. The Christian is privileged to be called the “child of God” – 1 John 3:1-2a
3. Thus we are blessed to be “of God”!
B. “THE WHOLE WORLD LIES UNDER THE SWAY OF THE WICKED ONE“
1. Sadly, those in the world are not of God
2. For when one rejects Jesus Christ, they demonstrate who their father truly is – John 8:42-47
3. While they remain in their sins, they remain under the sway of Satan – 1 John 3:8, 10
C. Whose child are you?
1. Those who are in Christ have the assurance that God is their father.
2. Those not in Christ are still under the influences of Satan who has blinded them! – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
III. THE BASIS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:20)
A. “THE SON OF GOD HAS COME AND HAS GIVEN US UNDERSTANDING”
1. Jesus has come to give us true insight concerning God
2. As John declared in his gospel: “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” – John 1:18
B. “THAT WE MAY KNOW”
1. “…Him who is true“
a. Or as expressed in other translations: He is the true God
b. By true God [John] does not mean one who tells the truth, but him who is really God.
c. By coming in the flesh, Jesus has manifested the true God to us – John 14:7-9
2. “…and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ“
a. Jesus has also given us understanding about how we can be in God
b. It is through His Son, as we keep His words and His commandments, that we can abide in God – John 14:21,23
C. “THIS IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE“
1. Again, the expression “true God” is saying He who is “the real God“
2. With this declaration, John is also defining what eternal life truly is
a. It is to “know” Him who is true
b. It is to be “in Him” who is true, and “in His Son Jesus Christ“
3. In other words, eternal life (as defined by John) is that abundant life
a. Which comes from knowing the Father and the Son intimately
b. Which comes by having fellowship with the Father and the Son
4. So John intimated at the beginning of his epistle – 1 John 1:2-3
5. And so Jesus declared in His prayer – John 17:1-3
Conclusion
1. Here then are the certainties of the Christian Faith as summarized by John
a. “We know” the relationship between those born of God and sin
b. “We know” the difference between us and those of the world
c. “We know” the basis of fellowship with God and eternal life
2. May the First Epistle of John always serve to remind of these certainties, and may the last verse always remind us of the need for diligence: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” – 1 John 5:21
3. With his favorite term of endearment, John admonishes us to stay away from anything that would replace our devotion to the One True God
a. We may think that we are too sophisticated to succumb to idolatry
b. But as Paul pointed out time and again, anything that replaces God in our hearts is an idol – Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5
NOTE WELL: If there was no danger of being led astray, there would be no need for a warning!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 05:14-17 – Praying with Confidence and Compassion – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:14-17
Introduction
1. Rapidly approaching the end of his epistle, John has a few words on the subject of prayer – 1 John 5:14-17
2. This is not the first time he has broached this subject, for he has already mentioned…
a. The value of confessing our sins, which is done in prayer – 1 John 1:9
b. Our Advocate in prayer, Jesus Christ the righteous – 1 John 2:1
c. One reason why we receive what we ask in prayer – 1 John 3:22
3. In his final words on this subject, John does two things:
a. Expands upon a theme in prayer already introduced praying with confidence
b. Brings in another theme in prayer that is harmony with his teachings on brotherly love, praying with compassion
Body
I. PRAYING WITH CONFIDENCE (1 John 5:14-15)
A. REQUIRES ASKING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL
1. This is the point emphasized in 1 John 5:14-15
2. Confidence in prayer is not based upon some assumption that we have carte blanche in regards to prayer
a. Some may improperly conclude that we do from Jesus’ statements in John 14:13-14
b. But even Jesus’ own example illustrates that answer to prayer depends upon whether or not it is in harmony with God’s will – Matthew 26:39, 42
c. Paul learned this same lesson when he prayed about his thorn in the flesh – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
3. However, the more we learn God’s revealed will
a. The more likely we will pray according to His will
b. The greater confidence we can have that our prayers will be answered accordingly
B. REQUIRES KEEPING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
1. This was stressed in 1 John 3:22
2. Even if we are asking something that would normally be within God’s will for us
a. If we are not keeping His commandments
b. …can we really expect God to favorably answer our prayers?
3. As Peter quoted from the Proverbs: “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And his ears are open to their prayers…” – 1 Peter 3:12
4. The righteous, of course, are those who “do those things that are pleasing in His sight” – 1 John 3:22b
5. Especially in regard to believing in Jesus and loving the brethren, two commandments given to us – 1 John 3:23
C. REQUIRES ABIDING IN JESUS, AND HIS WORDS ABIDING IN US
1. This was taught by Jesus Himself, and recorded by John – John 15:7
2. This should also help to clarify any misunderstanding from taking John 14:13-14 in isolation from its context
3. These words of Jesus actually summarize what we have already seen John to say
a. Confidence in prayer depends upon keeping the commandments, but keeping the commandments is the key to abiding in Jesus! – 1 John 3:24a
b. Confidence in prayer depends upon asking according to God’s Will, but if Jesus’ words abide in us, won’t that help us know what God’s will is, and what is proper to ask of Him?
D. Therefore, if we learn the words of Jesus, keep His commandments and thereby abide in Him, we will know what is in harmony with God’s will and pray accordingly. In this way we can have the confidence in prayer of which John writes!
II. PRAYING WITH COMPASSION (1 John 5:16-17)
A. FOR A BROTHER
1. This epistle of John has been one in which John has stressed “brotherly love“
2. He has told us that we “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” – 1 John 3:16
3. He has said that if “one sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?“- 1 John 3:17
4. Certainly, then, we should be willing and ready to pray for our brethren
B. SINNING A SIN NOT UNTO DEATH
1. This is a difficult passage, one that raises several questions
a. What is the “sin not unto death” versus the “sin unto death“?
b. What is meant that “He will give him life“?
c. Whatever conclusions we draw should be in harmony with the rest of the scriptures, and with other principles revealed therein, just as we do not draw conclusions about praying with confidence based upon John 4:13-14 alone
2. To understanding of this passage we must see:
a. The difference between “a sin which does not lead to death” and “a sin leading to death” is:
1) John says in 1 John 5:17a, “all unrighteousness is sin“, therefore all sin is not to be taken lightly
2) But there is sin “not leading to death“
a) That is, sin which does not progress to the point in which one experiences spiritual death, or separation from God
b) As indicated by James, sin does not produce “death” until it is “full grown” – James 1:15
c) Sin which does not produce (lead to) death would therefore be sin “repented of“
3) Sin “leading to death”, producing spiritual death and separation from God would be sin “unrepented of“
a) We cannot expect God to forgive one who refuses to repent
b) As John writes with some understatement: “I do not say that he should pray about that” – 1 John 5:16d
C. GOD WILL GIVE HIM LIFE
1. If the “death” in this passage is “spiritual death“, it is natural to assume the life is “spiritual life“
a. The “life” which God will grant our penitent brother in answer to our prayers could also be described as “forgiveness“
b. Which is a crucial element of the “eternal life” to which John has referred throughout this epistle
2. Thus the promise offered in 1 John 1:9 to the child of God who penitently confesses his own sin in prayer is offered in 1 John 5:16 to the penitent brother when prayer is made on his behalf by another member of the family of God
a. One might ask, “Why bother to pray for a penitent brother if his sins will be forgiven anyway,” as taught in 1 John 1:9?
b. One answer might be found in James 5:16, where we are taught to pray for one another: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.“
Conclusion
1. The privilege of prayer is a wonderful blessing, especially when we do so with:
a. Confidence
b. Compassion
2. Are we fulfilling the requirements to be able to pray with confidence?
a. Abiding in Jesus, and letting His words abide in us?
b. Keeping His commandments and doing the things pleasing in His sight?
c. Asking according to God’s Will?
3. Are we praying with compassion?
a. Praying not only for ourselves, but for our brethren in need?
b. Praying for brethren overtaken by sin, but who have demonstrated that their sin is not one leading to death?
3. As we all need the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives, let’s encourage one another to do whatever we can to be able to pray with both confidence and compassion!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Scatter the Seed, Wait Until it Ripens – audio
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Text: Mark 4:26-29 – And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 05:11-13 – Life in the Son – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:11-13
Introduction
1. We saw in this morning’s sermon that the word “witness” was used eight times in one form or another – 1 John 5:6-10
2. A form of the word is used again in 1 John 5:11-13, translated as “testimony” in the NKJV (“record” in 1 John 5:11-13 KJV)
3. In these verses, John reviews the “testimony” that God has given about His Son
a. In this case, it does not appear to be the “evidence” God has offered (that was covered in 1 John 5:6-10)
b. Rather, it is the “result” of the testimony which the evidence supports
4. What is the “result” of God’s testimony concerning His Son? What has God declared? And what does John say about these things?
Body
I. GOD HAS GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:11a)
A. ETERNAL LIFE: A PRESENT POSSESSION, OR A FUTURE HOPE?
1. John writes of “eternal life” as a present possession
a. “God has given us (not will give us) eternal life” – 1 John 5:11
b. “He who has the Son has (not will have) life” – 1 John 5:12
c. “that you may know that you have (not will have) eternal life” – 1 John 5:13
2. Yet Paul wrote of “eternal life” as a future hope
a. “who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those…” – Romans 2:6-7
b. “you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” – Romans 6:22
c. Which then is it? A present possession, or a future hope?
B. ETERNAL LIFE: BOTH A PRESENT POSSESSION AND A FUTURE HOPE!
1. I believe it is “both”, not one or the other
2. This is a case where the same term (eternal life) is used by different authors to describe different concepts
a. Paul normally uses the term to describe that which begins after the judgment
1) The same way Jesus uses it in Matthew 25:46
2) And again in John 12:25
b. Whereas John uses the term to describe the life we now have in Christ because of the fellowship we enjoy with the Father and the Son
1) Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing the Father and His Son – John 17:1-3
2) John defines it similarly in 1 John 5:20
3. We must be careful, therefore, and allow the immediate context to determine the proper meaning by a particular author
C. THE MEANING OF ETERNAL LIFE IN OUR TEXT
1. John began his epistle by referring to Jesus as “that eternal life” – 1 John 1:2
2. He ends his epistle by describing eternal life as knowing Him who is true and being in Him who is true (i.e., in Jesus) – 1 John 5:20
3. This leads me to conclude that John uses “eternal life” in the same way Jesus did in John 17:3
4. In other words, a quality of life that comes from having true fellowship with Deity
a. Which begins upon our conversion from “death” to “life” – 1 John 3:14-15
b. Which comes from knowing God and Jesus (the term “knowing” suggesting a close and personal relationship, not a casual awareness)
c. Because God and Jesus are “eternal life” (cf. 1 John 1:2), those in fellowship with them have life that is best described as “eternal” (in quality)
D. So the testimony of God is first this: He has given us “eternal life”, a quality of life based upon fellowship with Deity!
II. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN HIS SON (1 John 5:11b-12)
A. HE WHO HAS THE SON HAS LIFE
1. We saw where Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing God and Himself – John 17:3
2. As confessed by Peter, only Jesus truly has “the words of eternal life” – John 6:68
3. Paul wrote that all spiritual blessings (of which eternal life is one) are found in Jesus Christ – Ephesians 1:3
4. The conclusion should be fairly obvious: it is only in Jesus that eternal life can be found, and if we wish to have eternal life, we must be in Jesus!
B. HE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SON OF GOD DOES NOT HAVE LIFE
1. This sounds rather exclusive, but no more so than Jesus’ own words – John 14:6
2. Peter also made it clear that salvation (life) is found only in Jesus – Acts 4:12
3. Therefore, one who remains outside of Christ has no hope for eternal life (in either sense of term)
C. Of course, it is not the will of God than any perish – 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4
D. Therefore, through His Spirit He inspired John to write so we might know whether or not we have the Son.
III. WE MAY KNOW THAT WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:13)
A. JOHN HAS WRITTEN THAT WE MIGHT KNOW…
1. That has been the purpose of this particular epistle
2. His desire is that we “know” we are saved, not just hope that we are
a. “Now by this we know that we know Him…” – 1 John 2:3
b. “By this we know that we are in Him.” – 1 John 2:5b
c. “We know we have passed from death to life…” – 1 John 3:14a
d. “And by this we know that we are of the truth…” – 1 John 3:19a
e. “And by this we know that He abides in us…” – 1 John 3:24b
f. “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us…” – 1 John 4:13a
3. Thus, throughout his epistle he has been giving us “benchmarks” by which we can know whether we have eternal life in us
B. WHEN DOES ONE “KNOW” THEY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?
1. When they keep the commandments of Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
2. When they keep His words – 1 John 2:5
3. When they love the brethren – 1 John 3:14
4. When they believe what the Spirit has revealed about such things – 1 John 3:24; 4:13
5. When they confess Jesus to be the Son of God – 1 John 4:15
6. When they believe that Jesus is the Christ – 1 John 5:1
7. Taken together, these “benchmarks” reveal that one truly “knows” the Lord, and thereby has “eternal life” – 1 John 5:20
Conclusion
1. John’s desire was that his Christian readers would continue to believe in the name of the Son of God – 1 John 5:13c
a. That is my desire also, and I pray that in some small way that I have encouraged you to remain strong in your faith in Jesus Christ
b. If you do not yet believe, or your faith is weak, I recommend to you the Gospel of John – John 20:30-31
2. Dear friend, do you truly have “eternal life”?
a. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh and died for our sins? – John 8:24
b. Are you keeping the commands of Jesus?
1) Such as His command to be baptized? – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16
2) Which we learn from His apostles is the means by which we receive Christ? – Galatians 3:26-27
c. Do you love the brethren? – John 13:34-35
3. May this First Epistle of John encourage you to examine whether you really “know” Jesus Christ, and thereby have “eternal life” in Him!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 05:06-10 – Witnesses for Jesus Christ – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:6-10 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. Earlier in his epistle, John stressed two important things
a. That Jesus Christ has come in the flesh – 1 John 4:2
b. That those who believe Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are “of God”; indeed, they have been “born of God” – 1 John 4:2; 5:1a
2. In the text for our study (1 John 5:6-10), John offers five “witnesses” in support of these claims made about Jesus
a. The key word is “witness”, and in various forms is found eight times in our text (nine, if you count 1 John 5:8)
b. The word in Greek is “martureo” {mar-too-reh’-o}, and it means:
1) “to be a witness, i.e. testify”
2) “to give evidence for, to bear record:
Body
I. THE WITNESS OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:6a, 1 John 5:8b)
A. THE LIKELY CONTEXT OF JOHN’S WORDS
1. Evidently there was a doctrine that denied Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7
2. A heretical movement later known as Gnosticism was developing at this time
3. One representative of Gnosticism, a man named Cerinthus, taught:
a. That the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at the time of his baptism
b. And then left him before he died on the cross
4. Thus the Gnostics claimed that the “Christ” did not experience death
B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD
1. The “water” likely refers to Jesus’ birth, and the “blood” to His death on the cross
2. John’s emphasis is that Jesus Christ came by both water and blood, and not by water only – 1 John 5:6a
3. Thus emphasizing that not only was the Christ present at the baptism, but that He also suffered in the flesh on the cross
II. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT (1 John 5:6b)
A. THE SPIRIT ALSO BEARS WITNESS
1. Because of His involvement in the earthly life of Jesus, the Spirit can testify to:
a. The conception of Jesus – Matthew 1:20
b. The baptism of Jesus – Matthew 3:16
c. The temptation of Jesus – Luke 4:1
d. The ministry of Jesus – Luke 4:18
2. According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit was to testify about Jesus – John 15:26
3. The Holy Spirit did this by inspiring the apostles and confirming their word with spiritual gifts – John 16:13-14; Hebrews 2:3-4
B. THE SPIRIT AGREES WITH THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:8b)
1. The Spirit, the water, and the blood, all three bear witness, and agree as one
2. That is, they all testify that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh!
3. The significance of having three witnesses agreeing may be taken from the requirement found in Deuteronomy 19:15, “by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.“
(At this point we might simply note that most translations omit the words from “in heaven” (1 John 5:7) through “on earth” (1 John 5:8). Apparently there is good reason for doing so, since these words are found only in four or five manuscripts, and none dating earlier than the 14th century A.D. They are not found in literally thousands of manuscripts dating much earlier. They are likely a gloss.)
III. THE WITNESS OF GOD (1 John 5:9)
A. WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE GREAT WEIGHT WITH US
1. “If we receive the witness of men…”
a. This is a simple conditional sentence that is true to fact
b. It means “Since we receive the witness of men…” (which we do in courts of law, don’t we?)
2. Any witness of God would naturally be greater than that of man
B. GOD HAS TESTIFIED OF HIS SON
1. Certainly God has born witness to Jesus on several occasions
a. At His baptism – Matthew 3:17
b. At the mount of transfiguration – Matthew 17:5
2. So we have three witnesses who in agreement speak for the fourth witness (God).
IV. THE WITNESS IN THE BELIEVER (1 John 5:10a)
A. HE WHO BELIEVES IN THE SON OF GOD HAS THE WITNESS IN HIMSELF
1. This statement is reminiscent of Jesus’ words in John 7:16-17
a. Those who do the will of God (as taught by Jesus):
b. …shall know that the doctrine of Christ is truly from God
2. Likewise the one who believes in the Son, receives confirmation “in himself”…
a. About who Jesus truly is
b. How one who believes in Him is “born of God”
B. ADMITTEDLY, THIS IS A VERY SUBJECTIVE WITNESS
1. As such, one must be very careful with it
2. Many people can easily deceive themselves into thinking that some feeling is an indication that they are saved, or that God has confirmed something to them – Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
3. But if we believe (and act upon) the witness of God concerning His Son:
a. Revealed in His Spirit-inspired Word
b. Which agrees with the witness of the water and the blood… then we will have confirmation in ourselves that Jesus is truly the Son of God!
4. One way we have confirmation is the change that takes place in our lives as we grow in Christ
a. Just as our love for one another is an indication of passing from death to life – 1 John 3:14
b. Just as our unity with one another is evidence that Jesus was truly sent from God – John 17:20-23
Conclusion
1. These are the “witnesses”, then, that John offers in support of Jesus Christ
a. That He came in the flesh
b. That those who believe Jesus is the Christ are “born of God”
2. The first four (water, blood, Spirit, God) provide their evidence whether you believe them or not; but if you will believe them, then you will receive the fifth (the witness in yourself)!
3. But suppose you do not believe the four witnesses? John says you then make God a liar! – 1 John 5:10b
a. Do you wish to stand before God on the Day of Judgment and answer why you believed Him to be a liar?
b. How much better to believe on the Son, and through obedient faith become His child! – Galatians 3:26-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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I Thirst – audio
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It is very natural for one to get thirsty. When one does get thirsty, a cool glass of water can quench it. As Jesus hung on the cross, He cried: “I thirst (John 19:28)!” A vessel of sour wine was offered Him on hyssop; upon receiving it, He cried: “It is finished (John 19:29-30)!” He then died.
Long before He died, Jesus encountered a woman of Samara at Jacob’s well. She came to draw water, and yet Jesus offered her living water. Upon hearing about it, she said, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, not come here to draw (John 4:15).” When she learned something of value, she thirsted for it!
There are some things of great value we must thirst for:
- “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God (Psalm 42:2).”
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).”
- “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me [Jesus] and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water (John 7:37-38).”
Are you thirsting? Come to Christ, and he will quench your thirst!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Mark 10:35-45 – A Selfish Request – audio
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Text: Mark 10:35-45
Introduction
A. Sometimes people ask for something and do not realize the nature of the request.
B. Sometimes a simple request can be of great importance.
C. It may turn out for greater good than realized
D. Or it can turn out to cause more problems than anticipated.
E. A case in point involves James and John, two of Jesus’ apostles.
Body
I. They wanted Jesus to do something for them.
A) Sometimes we want something for selfish reasons, and God does not give us what we want.
B) Instead, He gives us what we need (James 4:1-3; Matthew 6:33).
II. They wanted what they considered the best places of authority.
A. This was a common request of the scribes (Mark 12:38-40)
B. And of the Pharisees (Luke 11:43)
C. Both of which Jesus warned against.
III. They claimed they were able to drink the cup that Jesus drank (John 18:11; Matthew 26:39) and be baptized with the same baptism that Jesus was baptized with (John 12:50).
A. Jesus said it was not for Him to grant this request
B. Instead, they would receive what was prepared and deserved (Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 21:1-2; Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46).
IV. This request caused many others to be displeased with them.
V. Jesus stressed that even though some appear to be great on the outside, they are not great on the inside.
A. Greatness is not all about exercising authority or power.
B. Greatness is about being a servant.
1) Jesus Christ came to be a servant (Luke 22:27; John 13:14-17; Philippians 2:7-8).
2) Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for many (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 2:14).
Conclusion
A. What would you request of Jesus?
1) Would it be beneficial?
2) Would it cause conflict?
B. How would it affect your eternal salvation?
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Timothy 01:08-12 – Sharing in Suffering – audio
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Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-12 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. Many people are currently dealing with some form of suffering.
B. It is a great comfort to know that someone else is suffering just like you.
C. When you find what you have in common, it makes it easier for everyone to deal with that form of suffering.
Body
I. Jesus endured suffering.
A. He was accused of blasphemy (Matthew 9:3).
B. He suffered up until and during His crucifixion (Luke 24:46-48; 1 Peter 5:1).
C. He made salvation perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
II. Christians will suffer.
A. By preaching the gospel of Christ, suffering may be necessary (2 Timothy 1:8-12; Acts 9:16; Philippians 1:29; 1 Thessalonians 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:12).
B. We have fellowship in the sufferings of Christ (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13).
C. We can rejoice in time of suffering (Colossians 1:24; Acts 5:41; Philippians 1:12-18).
III. We all share in suffering now, and will share in consolation and glory.
A. The true prophets set the example of suffering (James 5:10).
B. God is pleased when one suffers for His sake (1 Peter 2:19-20).
C. If one member of the body of Christ suffers, all suffer; if one is honored, all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26).
D. As sufferings abound in Christians, so do the consolation (2 Corinthians 1:5-7; 1 Peter 3:14,17; 4:16,19).
E. Glory follows suffering, and it will be much better (1 Peter 1:11; Romans 8:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 11:24-26).
Conclusion
A. Are you suffering for the cause of Christ? You are not alone!
B. Remember, what you are suffering from now is nothing compared to the glory of God that follows.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus and the Jews
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Text: John 8:21-30
Jesus knew who He was and what He was about to do. The time was nearing in which He would be crucified, and on the third day rise again. Shortly thereafter He would ascend into Heaven. Because of sin, many could not go to where Jesus was going. Jesus taught the Jews that He was from above; they were from beneath. By not believing in Him, they would die in their sins.
The Jews asked who Jesus was. Jesus all along revealed Himself to them in words, actions, miracles, etc. Sadly they still did not believe Him. Jesus then began to hint at His relationship with His Father, saying that “He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him (John 8:26).”
No, the Jews did not understand about the Father. After all, if one saw Jesus he would see the Father (John 14:9). Since they truly did not “see” Jesus, they did not “see” God.
Jesus went on to tell them that there would come a time in which they would know who He was: when they would “lift up the Son of Man (John 8:28).” Yes, when He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day, many began to say: “Truly this Man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39 e.g.)!”
Even though at this time some only saw Jesus, He was not alone. The Father was with Him (John 8:29). Jesus always sought to please His Heavenly Father, and His Father was right there at His side.
Do we see Jesus the same way as the Jews? Do we believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God? Are we willing to repent of our sins so we can be where He is?
If we truly “see” Him, we “see” the Father. By confessing Him, obeying the gospel, and living the faithful Christian life, we can always be with Him. Thus, like Christ, we must always seek to please our Heavenly Father.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Christians, Rejoice! – audio
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Introduction
A. It is wonderful to be a Christian!
B. We have so many things to enjoy, both in this life and in the one to come.
C. For example, today we can share mutual joy as we sing praises to our God, have fellowship with each other, and partake of delectable food.
D. We also look forward to the home that is laid up for us in Heaven.
Body
I. Christians rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4).
A. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
B. In order to be in Christ, one must be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27).
II. Christians rejoice in Hope (Romans 12:12).
A. There is one hope of our calling (Ephesians 4:4).
B. If Christ had not been risen from the dead, we would not have any hope (1 Corinthians 15:14-20).
III. Christians rejoice in their names being written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
IV. Christians rejoice in your genuine faith.
A. My faith praise, honor, and glorify Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Conclusion
A. Are you a Christian?
1) If so, you have every reason to rejoice!
2) If not, you can become a Christian right now and many will rejoice with you.
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Thessalonians 03:01-05 – Paul’s Confidence and the Thessalonians’ Prayer – audio
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Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (Reading by Steven Winland)
Introduction
A. Paul made a request of the Thessalonians that they would pray for him.
B. He prayed that He and others would carry the Word of God as commanded.
C. Knowing that God is faithful, he assured them that God would help them and achieve His purpose.
D. Paul then encourages them to do their part, just as he would do his.
Body
I. Paul requested prayer of the Thessalonians.
A. Paul often requested prayer for his boldness to proclaim the Word of God (Ephesians 6:18-20).
B. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man does avail much (James 5:13-18).
C. Paul prayed here for:
1) The Word of God would run swiftly and be glorified (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20; 2 Timothy 2:9; Philippians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:8). Others gained boldness and proclaimed it!
2) He and others would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (Romans 15:30-32; 2 Timothy 3:11; 4:17-18).
3) God assures us of our deliverance (Psalm 91:15-16; Matthew 6:13; 2 Peter 2:9-10).
4) Those that do not have faith (Acts 28:24; Romans 10:14-18).
II. The Lord is faithful to Paul, the Thessalonians, and to all Christians!
A. Many proclaimed the Lord’s faithfulness (Isaiah 49:7; Deuteronomy 7:9; Hosea 11:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 10:23; 1 John 1:9).
B. Christians are established through Christ (James 5:8; 1 Peter 5:10).
C. Christians will be kept from the evil one (John 17:15).
III. Paul had confidence in:
A. The Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:4).
B. The Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:14-16).
C. The Lord (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
1) He would direct the hearts of men into the love of God (1 Chronicles 29:17-18; Luke 8:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:11).
2) He would direct men into the patience of Christ (1 Timothy 6:11; James 1:2-4; Revelation 1:9).
Conclusion
A. As Paul prayed, we should pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
B. God’s word must continue to spread!
C. He is faithful toward us, and we must be to Him.
D. We can have confidence in Him, ourselves, and others!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Don’t Resist the Truth
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Text: 2 Timothy 3:8-17
Jannes and Jambres are examples of those who resisted Moses. Even though their names do not appear in the Old Testament, rabbinic tradition says they are among the magicians who sought to duplicate the signs God showed Pharaoh through Moses (Exodus 7:11-12, 22; 8:7; 9:11). They succeeded in copying the first two plagues, but by the third admitted “this is the finger of God (Exodus 8:19).
Paul uses them as an example of how men today still resist the truth: by having corrupt minds. They are disapproved concerning the faith. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said this person does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of Jesus Christ. Therefore we should withdraw ourselves from them (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
As Jannes and Jambres could do no more plagues, those that resist the truth can progress no further. Instead, Paul says, we need to follow the proper doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, and afflictions as he did. We may be in the minority for doing what is right, but as Moses did, so do we have God on our side! We need to be encouraged to stand up for the truth! By hearing the word of God, we receive faith (Romans 10:17). Paul goes on to tell Timothy that the Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
As human beings, we are physically limited in what we can do. However, as Christians, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Instead of trying to resist the truth (which will not get us anywhere), we should learn and obey the truth. Jesus said, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).”
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jeremiah 32:16-23 – Jeremiah’s Prayer – audio
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Text: Jeremiah 32:16-23
Introduction
Jeremiah was distressed. He was commanded by God to preach to the people, but they were not listening.
His prayer is a reminder for us that God is in control, and we must allow ourselves to put our complete trust in Him. As was recently discussed, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).”
Jeremiah was called by God, and He had a purpose.
Body
Jeremiah 32:16-17.
God made the heavens and the earth (2 Kings 19:15; Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24).
There is nothing too difficult for God (Genesis 18:14; Luke 18:27; Job 42:2; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37).
Jeremiah 32:18.
God shows His lovingkindness to thousands. It is described in the Psalms as better than life (Psalm 63:3), good (Psalm 69:16), always abounding (Psalm 92:1-2), etc.
God will also repay iniquity to those that continue to sin, yet show mercy to those that keep His commandments (Exodus 20:5-6; 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18-24).
Those that name Christ may depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19); they are redeemed by Christ (Titus 2:14).
God and Christ are referred to as “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Redeemer, LORD of Hosts, and the Holy one of Israel (Isaiah 9:6; 47:4; Jeremiah 10:16; 50:34).
Jeremiah 32:19.
God is great in counsel. He shows this through Joseph, Daniel, Solomon, and others.
He is mighty in works (providing manna, helping the Israelites to cross the Red Sea, et al.).
His eyes are open to all the ways of men, and nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Job 31:4; 34:21; Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17).
He gives to man according to his ways and doings (Jeremiah 17:10).
Jeremiah 32:20.
God made a name for Himself by showing His power.
His name is everlasting (Isaiah 63:12), and He gave His Son a great name (Philippians 2:9-11).
Jeremiah 32:21.
God led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 6:6).
Jeremiah 32:22.
This land flowing with milk and honey was promised, and it was given (Exodus 3:8,17).
Jeremiah 32:23.
People were still disobedient to God (Nehemiah 9:26ff.).
Conclusion
God heard the prayer of Jeremiah, and answered him. His response is in Jeremiah 32:31ff.
Jeremiah 32:31 – God would remove the city from them.
Jeremiah 32:36 – God would deliver the city into the hand of the king of Babylon.
Jeremiah 32:37-38 – God would gather His people from where they were driven, yet they would dwell safely; He would be their God, and they would be His people.
Jeremiah 32:39-40 – God would make a covenant with them, and cause them to fear [respect] Him.
Jeremiah 32:41ff – God would still do good to them.
Content by Richard Dillon
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