Thursday, December 8, 2011

I John 3:19-20 (Part 1)


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By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

THE STUDY

These two verses are difficult to interpret, for the meaning of the text is not clear. The interpreter discovers that the wording is too general for him to give the reader a definitive explanation. In a sense, therefore, our interpretation only approximates the meaning of the passage.
“This then is how we know that we belong to the truth.” The word this refers to the preceding context in which John encourages the Christian to express genuine love for his brothers and sisters in Christ.” True children of God will know that they belong to the truth, because they will be sincere and genuine and live in accordance with the truth of God’s Word.
The person who refuses to acknowledge his sin is a liar and the truth is not in him (1:8; 2:4). But the believer who actively and sincerely demonstrates his love belongs to the truth. Actually, the expression belong to the truth is synonymous with the term born of God (3:9).[1]


WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH …

  • We walk away this morning with the understanding that our actions will demonstrate our heart. If we are expressing love to one another it is because this is what dwells inside of us. It will be a natural reaction to situations.
         
CONCLUSION:

          I have heard so many Christians say to other brothers and sisters of the faith, “Don’t judge me!” When in fact they are not being judged but being held accountable. I do agree there are, sometime, better ways at revealing to someone their flaws or sins, but we need to realize we are to be “fruit inspectors!”
          What dwells inside us will be demonstrated outwardly and those fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.)[2] will be evident.
          My prayer for each of us this morning is that we live in the truth which produces the fruits of the spirit and may that be evident to those who we come in contact with today.


[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (313). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 5:22–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

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