By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17
I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books. Today, my focus is an unassisted review of 1 John 4:13-21. John continues his discussion on love sharing first how the Holy Spirit is given to believers and resides in their hearts - v13. We have faith and testify in Jesus as God and our Savior - vv14-15. Those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior - as the Messiah (as Peter did) demonstrate evidence that God is in them and them in God as a child of God adopted by Him - v15. God loves us, He is love, and if we love Him and others then others will know that we are from God and of God - v16. As we abide in God, love (of Him and others) is perfected in us and this gives believers confidence that we are prepared to face Jesus and be held accountable in our final days - v17. The love we have gives us hope, confidence, peace - fruits of the Spirit (see also Galatians 5:22) - and freedom from fear and condemnation. No earthly power can hurt us or take our salvation from us - we have a power great than that in the world (see also 1 John 4:4); fear is a measure of lack of faith - see v18. God loved us first and on becoming one of His, adopted into His family as one of His elect, as we abide in Him and Him in us - we love also - v19. The text for today closes with a commandment that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ - we must not hate nor have hardness of heart - vv20-21.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good as You willingly went to the cross, being obedient to death, perfect and sinless, becoming the propitiation for our sin...so that we can can forgiveness from sin, and eternal life with You. Thank You Jesus for this gift - the greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving of such a gift. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
