Little children, keep
yourselves from idols.
THE STUDY:
WOW, we have come to the end of I
John. I hope that you have enjoyed this study as much as I have.
The epistle closes by John using
family language little children in
his personal benediction. Accompanying this warm conclusion, however, is a
clear reminder that compromise is deadly. John’s pastoral concern drives him to
speak words of assurance, but also of caution. He commands the readers: keep yourselves (an imperative verb
form).
Without warning, his final sentence
mentions the threat of idols. He
offers no explanation or elaboration as to the specific dangers his readers
face. His words may warn against sin generally or perhaps even against literal
idolatrous images.
But in their present context the
meaning of idols probably summarizes
his explicit warnings throughout the letter against the secessionists and their
false Christology. Thus, John’s admonition sets before his hearers the clear
choice between the incarnate, crucified, risen, and reigning Christ, who gives eternal
life (v 20), and any counterfeit.[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that in this relationship with Christ there is no compromise. We realize that a decision to keep ourselves to Christ only in certain areas of our lives and try to hide others areas is the same as refusing Christ entirely. It’s all or nothing!
CONCLUSION:
If many of you are familiar with the story of Jacob you will understand the following story. I once
asked a physician friend, “Doctor, what is the exact significance of God’s
touching Jacob upon the sinew of his thigh?” He replied, “The sinew of the
thigh is the strongest in the human body. A horse could scarcely tear it
apart.”
God had to break us down at the strongest part of our self-life before He
can have His own way of blessing us. Today, I hope you realize that God doesn’t
want a part of you but ALL! Allowing God to have all of us is when God does His
best work! He wants to do that through you today. I pray you let him do just
that!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(174–175). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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