No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6
I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books. This morning, my focus is a unassisted review of 1 John 3:4-10. Here, John continues his discussion on being prepared for Christ's second coming (see yesterday's post), by focusing on how if we abide in Him, we become more like Him (sanctification), thus living lives in obedience to Him and free from the bondage of sin. There is no implication here that believers will be perfected while living in their earthly bodies (vs our manifestation in Heaven after glorification) - as no earthly being will live a sinless live as Jesus did during His time as the Incarnate Son. Yet, we will avoid conscious, deliberate, willful patterns of sin if we truly abide in Him. V6 is core to this discussion - as John writes how a life of sin is a marker that we don't know Him. If we DO know Him, we will become more like Him. V5 is also core as John shares WHY Jesus came - to "take away sins" - this means not just forgiveness but also sanctification. What encouragement - that God frees us from our sinful life!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good - I have seen with my own eyes how You have freed me from the bondage of sin. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessing. 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.
