We know that we are
from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
THE STUDY:
The second thing John reminds
the readers of is being a child of God. John again declares we know. We have an experiential certainty, given by God. It is not
“insider” secret knowledge, not a mysterious super-spiritual insight only a few
can fathom (as gnostics thought). Those who are truly from God are kept safe.
They have the assurance of sufficient knowledge.
John’s readers know they are
children of God. At the same time John makes the staggering claim that the whole world is under the control of the
evil one. This is hyperbolic language. When John says the whole world he recalls the dualistic worldview in which the
spirit of antichrist stands in hostile opposition to Johannine Christians (see
2:15–16). John does not, of course, mean that every last portion of the globe
and all of those on it are being manipulated by satanic forces. His point is
clearly that the true children of God are safe (v 18), despite those who oppose
them. Even now they are being kept from the
evil one.[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that being a child of God brings about a certainty. A knowledge that allows us to live a life that is free from worry or doubt when it comes to God. Our personal relationship with Christ gives us this certainty.
CONCLUSION:
During the first part of the construction of
the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, no safety devices were used, and 23
men fell to their deaths. For the last part of the project, however, a large
net which cost $100,000 was employed. At least 10 men fell into it and were
saved. But an interesting sidelight is the fact that 25 percent more work was
accomplished when the men were assured of their safety!
Today, walk out of your house with the
certainty of your relationship with Christ. In that certainty you will be free
to do more than you ever thought imaginable for His Glory!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(173). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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