Note for 20241228 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Part 29 - 1 John 3 - By Their Fruit
Even the Prickly Pear is some sort of fruit, sweet to eat, when you get past the thorns.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
According to John
Read Through The Bible
“As it Happened” Bible Reading Plan
Day 042
Exodus 36 to 38
Part 29 - 1 John 3 - By Their Fruit
The Audio Version of today’s note, also now known by: Breakfast Quiet Time with Mom
1 John 3:1-24 KJV
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. [4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. [5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. [6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. [7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. [8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. [9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. [10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. [11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. [12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. [13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. [14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. [15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. [16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? [18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. [19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. [20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. [21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. [22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. [23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. [24] And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.3.1-24.KJV
Note for 20241228
This morning, I am somewhat out of sorts. It is as if a veil has fallen from my eyes. The LORD said unto me, "Speak the full truth." Now, I thought that I was, and yet, I now know that there was some that I was withholding, because I considered that it would be too much for people to receive it. I repent of that. Now, at this time, I understand that it is crucial to make known that which GOD has revealed to me.
Read here in this chapter what is required in love for one another. And... What is hate, as John compares it to the actions of Cain? One who is constantly belittling his fellow man, has not the love of GOD in him. One who is constantly "making" others wrong, that he appears "right," the love of God is not in him. By their fruit shall you know them.
Now, that is all good to consider inwardly, but neither should we make ourselves guilty of these things in consideration. If the heart convicts, GOD is greater than the heart of man. In judgement of others, we judge ourselves. If we know enough to judge another, and we are guilty of the same, then have we passed judgment on ourselves by that which we spoke out over another. It is thus better to bridle the tongue, and bring all matters before the Lord our GOD, Who is the Judge of all. Unrestrained, man moves by a love of self, and seeks gain for his own kingdom here on earth. The question we have to ask ourselves in honesty is this: "Am I like that?" What does this chapter say about purifying oneself?
Friends, the time has come for the training wheels to come off. Enough slumber and sleep, each must find his foundation in Christ himself. Is it not written that we must work out our salvation with the Lord in fear and trembling? How can we say the love of God is in us, and permit our neighbour to starve to death? Do we murmur in ourselves against our fellow man? Do we judge some as less deserving of the charity of GOD? Are we not all passing through the valley of the shadow of death, here where our mortal bodies are at risk of plague and injury? What does the Psalmist write, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." and yet, do we not fear, when we "protect" ourselves from everyone? Is our trust then in the LORD? When do we become the Oasis in the wilderness, where life giving water can be found?
I know, these statements here require a knowledge of the Word of GOD, and yet, he that is filled with the Holy Spirit of GOD, the Spirit in him will confirm the Word. He that has an ear to hear, will hear. Don't you know that salvation is something between you and God, no one but Christ can intercede for you in that. And still among us do we have those that seek the advice of men, because of a lack of trust in GOD. This is a truth that I must face within myself, that I will bow my knee to the Most High GOD, and not in some way become a god unto myself. It is good to remember that we are saved by the Grace of GOD alone. By His Love for us, so are we redeemed. But he that walks in sin, with excuse and justification, deceives himself. Then, the enemy is within. It is almost as if man has come to love his captor, for we struggle not against flesh and blood.
We all fall short of the Glory of GOD, but Christ Jesus does not. He alone is worthy, in all of Creation, to open the seals of the scroll. None other can be found. And in Christ, are we saved from death and brought into life.
Don't you know that those that are struggling within themselves are fighting an unseen enemy? Where then is our compassion for one another, did we not face the same struggle in us? Do we forget the thoughts and feelings that kept us up at night, that made things confusing as we walked about in sunlight, and how what we said and did had an outcome other than what we intended? Did we not all feel misunderstood at some point in time, and erroneously come to the conclusion that the fault is in others? That will harbour something like resentment, that is the breeding room for hate. When we move by our carnal minds and hearts, we can be assured, things will not go right. For what is carnal stands in enmity with GOD. Yes, that is where the fight for survival springs forth from, even the need to be right and come in first. It lacks the compassion to consider dying for the sake of a friend. It must survive, for it fears death. That is man, in his fallen state. In fear to meet his Maker. Hiding in the bushes, with leaves to cover his nakedness, for he is ashamed.
In Christ, we have an advocate at the Right Hand of GOD upon His Throne. One, Who walked upon the earth as we do. One, Who experienced the death of a friend, and Wept in compassion for the mourning of His friends. One, Who in earshot of the Most High GOD, prayed: "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."
As ambassadors of the Kingdom of GOD, it will serve us well to remember what we ourselves were saved from. That we may know to shine our light in Christ in darkness, and bring hope to those found in hopelessness. That we can reach out to comfort those who find themselves in distress. Giving glory to God always, that He is willing and able to save all that believe and trust in Him. Yeshua, GOD saves. It is in the Name of our Messiah. GOD saves, so pray to our Father in Heaven, for He can perform a miracle to bring us out of Egypt (our captivity.) Sure, we might have to travel through the wilderness, but He will never leave nor forsake us. He will be with us in that wilderness and bring us all the way through to the promised land in victory.
Shalom
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.2.15.KJV
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