The Great Seducers 1 John 2;26 - Equipped for Battle

With all the religions in the world, how is a person supposed to know which one is the right one? Is there a right one, or are all of them equally the same? If Christianity is supposed to be the “right” one, what about all of those who have other beliefs? What happens to them? Is there any danger for them if they just believe anything that they want, or is religion nothing more than a simplistic way for mankind to cope with stresses and unexplainable events in life? There are indeed many who question like this, and today John the apostle sheds some light upon those who are wondering about such things. In his book named First John chapter two and verse twenty-six, John writes:

These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

John has been sharing how God desires fellowship with us, and yet, there are barriers to that fellowship that must be removed before this is possible. Sin is a barrier, and Jesus Christ His Son came to die for our sins to remove that barrier. Also, there are those who seek to alter the truth, and John calls them “antichrists”. These are those who offer any other way for fellowship with God other than the sacrifice that Jesus made. Only Jesus can remove sin, and no other person has been or will be righteous enough to make that perfect sacrifice. No amount of works, good deeds, accomplishments, achievements or efforts will satisfy the requirement of God to remove sin. Jesus alone paid that price.

There are those however who teach otherwise. They “seduce” people into believing that if they will just say enough phrases, do enough good works, make certain trips or go on certain missions, they will be able to satisfy the requirement of God. John is very clear, there are those who will seduce us away from the truth and lead us into error, and John states that it is one of the reasons that he has written this letter.

The key to understanding what John is writing is to know first of all that there are those who have a purpose to lead others away from the faith. He is warning us that this is true, and those who are wise will compare any requirements or rules from any religious opportunity that arises by the scriptures within the Bible. We must be diligent to look to the Bible to see if what people are telling us is so. To follow others teachings without looking into the Bible is to put ourselves in danger of being seduced away from the truth of God and into the error of the antichrists that are alive and well today.

Next time we shall look further into John's concerns and come to understand how we are to recognize when someone is trying to seduce us away from the truth. Read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Promised Eternal Life 1 John 2:25 - Equipped for Battle

Out of all the wonders that I have experienced, heard of, or seen in my life, the greatest wonder of all has been death. Some people die young, and some people die old. Some people die very sick, and some people die healthy as healthy can be. I have found from the numerous individuals of which I have had the privilege to hold their hands as they left this world, death is indiscriminate. Death affects us all, and as the Bible states, “... it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27) We all will die, and John the apostle gives us the greatest promise and hope as he continues his discussion with us about having fellowship with God. He wrote in First John chapter two and verse twenty-five:

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

We learned yesterday from John in First John chapter two and verse twenty-four:

Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

Today we see there is a promise for allowing the Son of God to continue in us: we have the promise of eternal life. The benefits to having Jesus as our Savior goes beyond this life and extends beyond the grave. Though our bodies will indeed die, our spirits will go on to be with the Lord. Death is not the end. Everyone will go on living beyond the grave. It is just a matter of where we will be. Jesus stated it this way in the book of Matthew chapter twenty-five and verse forty-six:

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

And in the gospel of John chapter three and verse sixteen through eighteen Jesus said:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

God's desire is to have fellowship with us not only in this life, but also in the life to come. God knows the plight of us, and He knows that life on this Earth is limited. Sin caused death, and God sent His Son Jesus into the world to pay the price for our sin so that we may live forever with Him. Those who receive Jesus' sacrifice for their sins receive the promise of eternal life with God. Those who reject Jesus' sacrifice “shall go away into everlasting punishment”.

Oh that all who read these words would understand the gravity of what has just been written. May all who see these words simply admit their sins, call out to God for forgiveness, receive the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and inherit the promise of eternal life.

Next time we will look at a reason that people reject the good news of Jesus Christ. I'll give you a clue, “seducers are out there”, so read ahead, and we will share together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Therefore Let the Beginning Continue 1 John 2:28 - Equipped for Battle

Whenever there is a “therefore” or “wherefore” mentioned in the Bible, it is best to look at the verses preceding the “therefore” and discover what it is there for. In other words, “therefore” is usually used as a conclusion word that defines what should happen because of something else that was said previously. John the apostle uses a “therefore” in today's verse, and we shall look together at his conclusion first, and then look at the reason the “therefore” is employed. In First John chapter two and verse twenty-four John writes:

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

John uses the word “let” which implies that there is a choice. In order for the principle that John the apostle is laying out to be part of our lives, we must allow it to be. We have a choice. John has laid out for us the idea of the antichrists which shall come on the scene to persuade us to not follow after Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but rather to adopt other persuasions and beliefs that deny that Jesus is the Christ. From the very beginning of John's teachings he has submitted the idea that Jesus is the Son of God, and the key to a person continuing in the faith is that they continue in Him, and in the Father.

The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible in chapter thirteen and verse eight wrote:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Jesus has not, does not and will not change. The truth that John brings to us is that because there are antichrists in the world we should continue to believe God has sent His Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins and to give to us eternal life. Others will say differently than this, but we must abide. Others will argue against this, but we must continue. Others may tell us how wrong we are, but we must not waver from the message that John the apostle has given us from the very beginning. In order to have fellowship with God, all who are willing must have a relationship with Jesus Christ His Son otherwise there is no remission of sins, and we continue in our lost state.

Next time we shall look at the promise of God for all who believe in Jesus Christ His Son, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

No Son No Father 1 John 2:23 - Equipped for Battle

Can there really be a relationship with God the Father without having a relationship with Jesus Christ? John the apostle has been addressing that very question in the book of First John with us lately. He has been discussing having fellowship with God and the barriers and distractions that keep people away from having a relationship with God, and now his attention has been upon those who are “antichrist”. Today he says this more emphatically in chapter two verse twenty-three:

Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also].

According to John, there is a direct connection between having a relationship with Jesus, God's Son, and God the Father. This verse says it so strongly that there is no denying it. If we are to have fellowship with God, we must have a relationship with Jesus. This is why anything other than this is “antichrist”. It's against Christ whenever there is any substitute offered.

Remember, these writings are from John the apostle who was so very close to Jesus that he lay his head on Jesus' chest at the “last supper”. These words come from the one in whom Jesus left His mother's care while he was on the cross. These words come from the last living disciple who was actually with Jesus whose life was spared through being boiled in oil and exiled to the island of Patmos, and he says, “Whoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father, but he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.”

So, the question of the day is, “Do we deny the Son or acknowledge Him?” If we do, we have fellowship with God. If we do not, we do not have fellowship with God. Perhaps this is one of the most probing statements that have been introduced by John the apostle, and the gravity of them is worth great meditation.

Next time we are encouraged to allow what was given to us at the beginning to stay in us. Read ahead, and we will share together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

A Liar Identified 1 John 2:22 - Equipped for Battle

Over the last few weeks, we have been learning from John the apostle how much God desires fellowship with people. God has made this possible through the removal of our sins for all who will confess them to Him and turn from their attraction. John has told us what to love and what not to love, and he has been giving us barriers and distractions to having fellowship with God. One of those distractions is following after something that is not the truth. Today he provides more understanding about what is the truth and what is a lie. He says in First John chapter two and verse twenty two:

Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son.

How could this statement be more plain? John identifies the liar by stating that whoever denies “that Jesus is the Christ” is a liar. Jesus Christ is the Messiah that was promised of so many prophets and priests throughout the Bible. He is the per-eminent one, the Savior, the One and Only One who can save a person from their sins. John quoted Jesus saying it this way in the gospel of John chapter fourteen verse six:

“I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by me.”

Peter the apostle said it like this in the book of Acts chapter four and verse twelve:

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

There is no one else who can bring man into relationship and fellowship with God. Other religions tell people they can, but according to the Bible, they cannot. John the apostle states this so emphatically that he says if a person says anything other than this, “He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son.”

There is a deceiver to our souls who roams around the world to persuade every one he can to believe anything other than the truth. This is the truth, “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners”. Jesus Christ came “to seek and to save that which was lost,” and there is no other way to be in fellowship with God unless a person recognizes Jesus for who He is, understands his or her own sinful state, and receives Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior and Lord. Jesus' purpose was to bring us all into relationship and fellowship with God Any other belief or creed is against Him, and we will find no other way that will satisfy the Father's requirement to be saved.

Next time we will look at what happens when a person denies Jesus as the Son of God, so read ahead, and we will share together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

No Truth Lies 1 John 2:21 - Equipped for Battle

It is amazing how early we humans learn to lie. From the time children are old enough to understand when they have an opportunity to say anything that will protect themselves from what is perceived rejection or hostility, they lie. Lying doesn't have to be taught. In fact, it has to be untaught. “Johnny, don't lie to me. Susie, don't you be fibbin'” can be heard at almost any department store from time to time. The truth is: people lie, and when we look at John the apostles description of the “antichrist and antichrists” that are and will be in the last time, John shares with us that there once again are and will be lies. He says in First John chapter two and verse twenty one:

I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

The word “know” that John employs in this verse is “oetis” which means: “to know by intuition”. This is not an experiential knowledge, but a knowledge that is imparted to the believer in Jesus by the Holy Spirit of God. Recall our last verse, “But you have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” where John shares with us how the Holy One is involved in our lives when truth and lies come our way. Those who would keep a believer in Jesus from knowing Him in the first place share lies, and those who try to persuade a person to follow after other than Biblical activities once they know Jesus share lies as well. Remember, the overall idea that John is communicating is how much God desires to have fellowship and relationship with us. Since this is the case, it is imperative that we know when someone is sharing with us anything other than the truth.

John knows his readers know the truth, and he declares just for clarity that “no lie is of the truth”. Read your Bible. Whenever anyone, anywhere, including myself, shares with you something that is deemed to be the truth, test it with the Holy scriptures. We must be like the people of Berea in the book of the Bible called “Acts” or “Acts of the Apostles” who in chapter seventeen and verse eleven it says:

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth, and He often does so by what we discover through Him in the scriptures. This is one of the reasons that we are going through the book of First John together chapter by chapter, verse upon verse, and precept upon precept. We are learning the truth, and dispelling all lies. “No lie is of the truth”, and as we share together, those who would keep us from fellowship with God will persuade us less and less with their fabrications.

Next time we shall discover one of the greatest lies ever told. Read ahead, and we will meet together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

A Holy Unction 1 John 2:20 - Equipped for Battle

When we think about it, sometimes it is a marvel that our Holy God who is without fault desires to have fellowship with unholy and unrighteous people. So much so that He desires to take us from our unholy state and make us righteous and holy before His eyes. Like I said, sometimes that thought can make us marvel. John the apostle has been sharing with us that God desires fellowship with everyone, and yet, there are barriers to that fellowship. Sin is one barrier, and another is the onset of those John calls “antichrists”. These who teach and roam among us promote spiritual and religious ideas, however they alter the Bible or add to the Bible which causes many people confusion. So how is a person to know what is really the truth and what is not? John helps us all today in the next verse of First John in chapter two and verse twenty:

But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.

The word “unction” is “khresma” in the Greek language. It means anything smeared on like an ointment or anointing. The idea is like when they would anoint priests for service with a holy oil, and the holy oil represents the Holy Spirit of God.

Jesus gave us a promise before He was crucified, resurrected, and ascended from the Earth. He said,

However when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show [it] unto you. John 16:13-14.

Those who are followers of Jesus Christ - those who have repented of their sins and been baptized into the faith - receive the Holy Spirit of God. When they do, they receive this “unction” that John shares with us. It is hard to describe unless you have received this “unction”, but suffice it to say that there is something deep inside that allows us to know that something isn't quite right whenever we encounter someone who is speaking against the word of God. This “unction” from the Holy One persuades us to search the scriptures of the Bible to verify or disqualify ideas that may be “antichrist.” It's as if John is saying, “you who have received the Holy One's unction know when there is error and when there is truth.” Look at Jesus' promise one more time as encouragement, “ he will guide you into all truth”. Knowing this gives us assurance that this wonderful God who desires fellowship with us will not let us stray, but will keep us in the faith as we rely upon His Holy Spirit.

If you happen to be confused about all the offerings from religions that are in the world, seek fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, and the promise of the “unction” will be yours.

Next time we shall share together about truth and lies. Read ahead, John the apostle has much more to share with us.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Source of the Antichrists 1 John 2:19 - Equipped for Battle

I heard a man speaking about the art of finding a spouse when he made this statement to the guys in the room, “Boys, that girl sitting so close to you may be the right one, but she may also be the antichrist.” Of course he was just joking, but his point was well taken that there is wisdom in waiting for the Lord to provide the right person to marry. Many people who thought they were marrying an “angel” soon discovered that their new spouse was not all the angel they presented themselves to be. This is somewhat like where John the apostle takes us today. Yesterday he shared that there are antichrists among us. Today he shares the origin of these antichrists.

In First John chapter two and verse nineteen he writes:

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Amazing. Do you mean to tell us John that the source of the antichrists were those who were once in fellowship with you? That's right. The people that John refers to were once in fellowship within their church. This is not at all uncommon today as well. Some individuals who have founded some of the largest cults in the world were once in fellowship in churches. They grew up in the church, but then found “another way”, and leaving the principles of the Bible, they began to serve as “antichrists” in the world. For example, just consider Jim Jones and the Guyana tragedy.

The church is the body of Christ, and when a person leaves the teaching of the word of God and begins to factor in philosophies, ideas and ways of the world that are contrary to the Bible, he or she is in danger of becoming the “antichrists” of which John wrote. Jesus referred to this being the case in His parable of the wheat and the tares. Matthew records the parable:

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? from where then has it tares? He said unto them, An enemy has done this. The servants said unto him, Will you then that we go and gather them up? But he said, No; unless while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13:24-30

John wrote that the revelation of the antichrists would be a sign that we are living in the last time. Jesus told us that there would be these “tares” among us. Never before have we been so aware of so many who started out within the church and the teachings of the Bible who now have become opposed to the teachings that the Bible gives. They are among us, and more than ever those who are wise will protect themselves from their teachings by studying and knowing the word of God.

Next time we shall look at how we can know who these “antichrists” are, so read ahead, and meditate on the next verse, and we shall share together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Antichrist and Antichrists 1 John 2:18 - Equipped for Battle

John the apostle does not want us to be unprepared for the last days. In the first part of his book of First John he has been sharing with us about how God desires fellowship with us and the provision He has made to do so. John's attention now is turned toward the last days and the antichrist and antichrists that shall be within them. In chapter two verse eighteen he wrote:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

John mentions two ways that we can know the last time is here: One, you will hear of the antichrist coming, and two, there are many antichrists who are already here.

First, let's talk a little about “the antichrist.” According to the Bible there will be one man who will rise on the scene during the last days who will appear to have the answer to all of the world's problems. He will come with the guise of peace, provision, and supply. Economic answers will be given. Political questions will be resolved, and warring factions will finally rest with one another. Much more can be known about him by reading the Book of Revelation chapter thirteen and Daniel chapter seven.

But secondly, John tells us “even now there are many antichrists”. The prefix “anti” means “against”. The idea is in opposition to or diametrically opposed to something else. John says there are those who are “against Christ” during the last time. Have we ever seen a day when there are so many who are “against Christ”? Pluralism and pantheism have replaced the worship of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Bumper stickers now boldly proclaim, “Co-Exist”, and there are those who without regard state “There is no God”. This is in direct opposition to the Bible. This thinking is exactly what John is sharing with us today: “there are many antichrists”, and the idea that the “many antichrists” exist points us to the fact that we are indeed living in the last time.

Many ideas and thoughts will come and go during these last days. Many will be against Christ, and some will seduce people to follow them. John the beloved disciple as a caring spiritual father warns those who will listen, his little children, to be aware of the “many antichrists” that appear, but to also note that their appearing means that the last time is among us.

Next time we will look at the source of these “many antichrists” and discover what John has to say about their origin. Read ahead, and we shall meet together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Last Time 1 John 2:17 - Equipped for Battle

Many people have wondered, “Are we living in the last days?” “Does the Mayan calendar really know what is going on?” “What about all this activity in Israel and the Middle East? Does all this really mean that the end is near?” So many questions and so many speculations as to what is going on are available just about on any news network. Let me be clear on my position: I don't know, however, Jesus said this in referring to times like these:

So likewise, when you see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near at hand. Luke 21:31

John the apostle continues his effort to help us understand how much God desires fellowship with us. In doing so, he now turns from his subjects of the removal of sin which separates people from God, loving God and loving others, growing in the faith, and resistance to temptation, to warnings over false teachers and ideas that shall appear in the last times. In First John chapter two and verse seventeen he writes:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Think about it for a moment. John wrote this almost two thousand years ago, and he said, “it is the last time” and he repeats it, “whereby we know that it is the last time.” The last time? Two thousand years ago, and John is saying “it is the last time?” For some that will cause questions. How could it be the last time when John was speaking and yet it has been two thousand years since then? The answer is simple really when you know just a little more.

God does not measure time like we do. Where we count days, weeks, months and years as lengths of time, but God who lives out of the time continuum sees it differently. For example, we are given a hint to this in the book of Psalms chapter ninety and verse four:

For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.

Also the apostle Peter shares with us in the book of Second Peter chapter three and verse eight:

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

So from what we can glean from these verses, when we think, wow, John said it is the last time and that was two thousand years ago, God thinks, oh, it's been a couple days that have passed by. Time is not the same for God, and He knows exactly what time it is. One thing is for sure, it is much closer to the “last time” today than it was when John wrote these words, and God knows when all these things will come to pass.

Next time we will look further into John's statement about the “antichrist” and “many antichrists”, so read ahead, and we will share about them then

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Abiding Forever 1 John 2:17 - Equipped for Battle

For days now we have been seeing how John the apostle writes about having fellowship with God. John has brought us through the barrier of sin that keeps us from relating to God, he has shared with us who and what to love. He has given us the three areas of temptation unto which we are likely to be subject, and he has begun to describe the difference between things that are eternal and things that are temporary. Today we read what he wrote in First John chapter two and verse seventeen:

And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides for ever.

Think for a moment about the first toy that you ever owned. Do you still have it? How about a car, do you still have the same one? What about your clothing from years ago? Is it still in style? Certainly some of these items may be around, but if they are like anything else, they fade away or rust away. Even our money isn't worth what it used to be. Have you noticed how much of our money it takes to buy one gallon of milk or gas today? Here is John's idea, “the world passes away, and the lusts thereof”. Things that are in this world are here today and gone tomorrow. Even the most famous and beautiful after a few years go by are not as famous and in most cases not so beautiful. The reason is that things of the earth are temporary. Things we desire today will be old fashioned or obsolete in just a couple years.

The apostle John gives us advance notice about the things of the world and the lusts for them. He knows they are temporary. Remember that he is around ninety years old when he is writing this book, and he has seen a few temporary things come and go. He contrasts, however, those who do the will of God with these temporary things. He shares with us that doing the will of God “abides” (remains, lasts, continues, endures) forever. Doing the will of God outlasts any temporary substance or activity. Doing the will of God outlasts any fashion, style, life or living. Since it is eternal in nature, doesn't it make sense that we should point our desires in the direction of obeying God?

Maybe today we should examine our lives to determine whether or not we are pursuing temporary or eternal things. After our examination and with the encouragement of John the apostle, perhaps there are a few changes that should be made. Perhaps today can be noted as the day we begin “doing the will of God” and our results will last forever.

Next time we begin a new section buy looking at the world's offering of the antichrist. Read ahead, and we'll meet together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Not of the Father 1 John 2:16 - Equipped for Battle

John the apostle has been sharing with us over the last few days the three areas of temptation that are common to every person – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. If we narrow down any area of sin that is available, it will fit in one of these categories. Today we have one more thought from John in this wonderful verse – First John chapter two and verse sixteen:

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

All of these that are in the world are not of the Father, but of the world. Remember John shared with us that the Father desires to have fellowship with every one of us, and He has removed the sin barrier that separated us from Him. Now all we have to do is believe in Him, and we can be saved. However, what we really believe is revealed by our lives and the passions that we follow. If we love the world and the things that are in the world, John says the love of the Father is not in us. The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are the areas we should examine within our own lives to reveal what we really believe.

We should ask ourselves regularly, “Do I love this world and the things that are in it more than God?” “Are the things that I am passionate about temporary or eternal in nature?” “Does my flesh desire things that are not of the Father, and do my eyes long for things that will not last forever?” “Am I seeking acknowledgment, fame and elevation from man or do I humble myself under the mighty hand of the Heavenly Father?” I'm sure there are more questions that can be asked, but these should get us started.

There are things that are worldly, and there are things that are heavenly. Paul the apostle gave us a great exhortation concerning this in the book of Colossians chapter three and verse two:

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

When we examine the things that we love, we will know whether we are earthly minded or heavenly minded. Those who desire fellowship with God know that the heavenly minded person will have fellowship with God, and all the things of the world become a distant thought to relating to Him.

Next time we will discover what happens to the person who is heavenly minded verses what happens with the things of the world. Read ahead, and we will share together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Pride of Life 1 John 2:16 - Equipped for Battle

In our last two studies, we have seen John the apostle addressing the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes. Today he shares with us about the third area of temptation – The Pride of Life. Let's read together in the second chapter of First John verse sixteen once again:

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Pride. I'm not sure that this isn't the most attractive lust of all. Most people like to be acknowledged for their accomplishments. They like to be known to be the best, the greatest, the most attractive, and the most skilled. Whether it is in sports, music, law, medicine, sales, being mommy or daddy, you name it, people like to be “puffed up.” The famous song, “My Way” uses these words “I did it my way”, and the spirit behind these lyrics is “I am proud and everyone should know it.”

The pride of life was used by the devil on Eve in the Garden:

And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise,she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Genesis 3:6

And on Jesus in the wilderness temptation:

Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Matthew 4:5-7

Eve desired to be wise, and the devil thought to tempt Jesus into having everyone notice him because of his miraculous saving by the angels. Eve succumbed to the temptation. Jesus did not. Fortunately for us Jesus passed every temptation that Satan threw at Him, and that is why Jesus is our Savior today.

There is much that could be said about the area of pride, but suffice it to say that pride was the very thing that got the devil thrown out of heaven, and he uses the attraction of pride on a regular basis to tempt all of us. (Refer to Isaiah 14:12-14 and notice all the “i” phrases that are used.)

When it comes to pride, James the apostle possibly said it best:

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

If we will obey this directive, pride will disappear, and all acknowledgment for advancement will give God the glory and not ourselves.

Next time we shall look at the fate of the world and the fate of those who obey God. Read ahead.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Flesh, Eyes, Pride - The Lust of the Eyes 1 John 2:16 - Equipped for Battle

For a few lessons now we have been looking at the writings of John the apostle and what he has to say about having fellowship with God. In the last few verses, John has been sharing with us the things we are to love and the things we are not to love. We are not to love the world neither the things in the world or the love of the Father is not in us. Yesterday we looked at one of those things that are in the world – the lust of the flesh. Today John addresses another area – the lust of the eyes. He writes in First John chapter two and verse sixteen:

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

It is important to realize that what we allow our eyes to see influences our desires. If we have a passion toward something it often is as a result of seeing that thing. For example, if we desire a new car, it is usually because we have seen that new car and now a desire for it is planted within us. It may be a new watch, wardrobe, candy, jewelry, or another person, and the lust to have it or them grows inside. Now in and of themselves these things are not necessarily wrong, sinful or bad, but when we lust for them more than obedience to the Heavenly Father, we are not of the Father but of the world.

When the devil tempted Eve in the garden, the book of Genesis chapter three and verse six says:

And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The woman “saw” and “it was pleasant to the eyes”. This was the beginning of the fall of mankind. It was through her eyes that desire grew within her, and she eventually succumbed to sin.

When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness as written in the book of Luke, chapter four and verse five:

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

The devil “showed” Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He tried to persuade Jesus through the same means he does us. However, Jesus was victorious over the devil's temptation. The eighth verse of the same chapter in Luke tells us:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Remember, John the apostle is sharing with us the way to have fellowship with God. He knows. He has experience at this point in his life, and he had the advantage of being discipled by Jesus personally. John's warning to all of us can be put into the simplest phrase of a children's song: “Oh be careful little eyes what you see...”

At another time we shall look at the third desire that is in the world. Today's lesson should be enough to think about for now.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Flesh, Eyes, and Pride 1 John 2:16 - Equipped for Battle

John the apostle has been sharing with us about how God desires to have fellowship with us. Sin is a barrier to fellowship with God, so John has been directing us as to how that sin is to be removed. He has encouraged us in the areas of loving God and loving others, and he has just shared in our last verse about not loving the world neither the things in it. Today John expands upon the ideas of sin and loving the world by sharing with us the three areas where we are tempted the most. He writes in First John chapter two and verse fifteen:

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are the three areas where we are tempted to sin. All three of these are in the world, and we shall explore them individually because they are exactly what were used by Satan in the garden with Eve (Genesis 3:6) and with Jesus when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

First, there is the lust of the flesh. Our bodies have desires which have been given by God, and they are to keep the body functioning. For example, there is the desire to breathe, eat, drink, eliminate, have sex, etc., all of these are natural desires given by God. However, our enemy, Satan, who desires to keep us from fellowship with God will tempt us to go beyond sustaining these areas and have us destroy ourselves in them. For example, eating is good, but overeating can be destructive. Drinking is good, but drinking the wrong things and too much of them, can also be destructive. Sexual desires are natural, but unless they are kept in the direction of what God says in the Bible, they can lead to destruction of our bodies and relationships with others.

The world is filled with temptations to fulfill our flesh's desires. This is why John wrote previously for us not to love the world neither the things in it. If we are to continue our relationship with God, we must put away the lusts of the flesh and keep them in obedience to God's spirit. Paul the apostle wrote this about the flesh:

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

and Peter the apostle wrote this about the flesh:

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

There is much more that could be written about the lust of the flesh, but we shall end it with this. The lust of the flesh is in the world, and those who desire to have fellowship with God must align our flesh with what He desires for us, and not that of ourselves. We all need prayer in this area.

Next time we shall look at the lust of the eyes, so meditate on these things until then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

World Lovers? 1 John 2:15 - Equipped for Battle

“How's your love life?” used to be a very famous question to which a person would respond, “Oh it's wonderful” or “What love life?” So many people are looking for love, and it seems that they never find it. Consider all the match-making websites out there today. Others are looking for love so intensely that if they love anything or anyone they determine that it is right and okay simply because it is related to love. John the apostle has been sharing with us about having fellowship with God. He's written about the removal of the sin barrier between God and man. He's written about walking in the light, keeping God's commandments, and growing in maturity in the Christian walk. Now John addresses our love life in particular as he writes in First John chapter two verse fifteen:

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

“Love not the world?” Does John really mean that we are not to love this world neither the things that are in the world? The idea is not the wonderful creation that God has made, but rather the worldly-system that is here. John puts so much emphasis on this that he declares that if a person loves the world, “the love of the Father is not in him.” What ever does this mean, and is there anyone out there who can keep such a command? The idea here is “agape” or pre-eminent love. Nothing is to have pre-eminence over love for God. Some people elevate the world and its systems to the same level or above God. Jesus declared,

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

This world is material and temporary. Why would anyone fall in love with that which eventually shall not be? John is exhorting us to love the permanent, unending and eternal things. If our love life is pointed in the right direction we will indeed have fellowship with God. Temporary things such as the world and the things that are in the world will have no standing in our love lives when we place the love of God in pre-eminence. If we love the right things we have it made, but if we love the wrong things we have it unmade, so much so that John declares “the love of the Father is not in him.”

The key to the study today is to ask oneself, “What do I really love, and is what I love in keeping with the word of God?” Personal examination is imperative if we are to have fellowship with God as He desires.

Tomorrow we shall explore three areas of temptation in which the world tries to draw us in to love it. Read ahead, and we shall share together about these temptations then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Written to Fathers and Young Men 1 John 2:14 - Equipped for Battle

There is much to be said to fathers and young men in the day in which we live. Sometimes it seems that the traits of integrity and personal morality have gone to the wayside when it comes to many fathers and young men today. John the apostle addresses once again those who have walked in the faith and fellowship with God. Yesterday we saw where he exhorted fathers – those mature in the faith, young men – those who are growing in the faith, and little children – those who are new to the faith. Today he repeats himself with additional exhortation to fathers and young men.

In First John chapter two verse fourteen he writes:

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Notice firstly that John now writes that he has “written” fathers and young men before. This denotes something that occurred in the past. It is often good for us to hear something like these words again and again as reminders to keep in fellowship with God.

Secondly, notice that he repeats the same phrase to the fathers that he shared in the previous verse. “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning.” As though there needed to be a re-emphasis and appeal to those who are mature in the faith to remember that God is from the beginning. God is all-sufficient, all-powerful, all-knowing, and He is an ample supply for every occasion and situation in life.

Thirdly, John shares with young men whom he calls strong, and the reason for their strength is that the word of God abides in them. The way we grow as Christians in faith, endurance, patience and love is to continue in the word of God. Daily feeding our inner person helps us to have confidence in God who desires fellowship with us. By staying in the word of God a person is able to overcome the wicked one. There is indeed an enemy against our souls, and those who are weak in the word are those who are the most susceptible to his onslaughts. When we find ourselves in the word of God and studying the Bible regularly, we find resisting the enemy much easier than if we do not.

Next time John helps us to know what to and what not to love, so read ahead, and we will share together another time.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Fathers, Young Men and Little Children 1 John 2:13 - Equipped for Battle

John the apostle has been sharing with us about having fellowship with God. Yesterday we saw the beginning of that relationship as it starts with the forgiveness of sins. When sins are confessed, forgiven and cleansed, a person begins his or her new life in fellowship with God. It's as though they were a new-born baby, and after some time growth begins and a person who continues in fellowship with God and His word begins to mature. Today John addresses those who are more mature in the faith as well as those who are freshly exposed. He calls them “fathers”, “young men” and “little children”.

In First John chapter two verse thirteen John writes:

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father.

First John addresses fathers. Those who know the God of the beginning, the Creator, and the Everlasting Father. The One who has always existed, and who is able to care for every situation.

John then writes to the young men, and notice their trait – you have overcome the wicked one. Our enemy the devil wants and desires to defeat us. Those who begin to grow in the faith find the resources for overcoming him.

Finally John writes to little children again. This time he adds that they know the Father. There is something wonderful about a small child when he or she begins to recognize his or her parents. There is maturity beginning, and the growth and development of a Christian is much the same. Recognizing who God is becomes part of the process.

The idea is that there should be growth and maturity within the Christian walk. God desires that we first come to know Him, but then we are to have a stronger and stronger relationship with Him throughout the years. He wants us to mature, have more faith, more hope, more love than we ever have experienced before. He desires that we overcome the enemy of our soul who wishes to destroy us, and that our reliance upon Him who is the strength of our relationship will grow every day.

John continues to address fathers and young men in our next verse, but we shall share together on that another time.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Sins Forgiven Little Children 1 John 2:12 - Equipped for Battle

As we venture through the book of First John in the Bible, we are discovering that God desires fellowship with people. He created them, made them, and enjoys the company of men and women. We have discovered how much He truly loves us and desires to be with us so much so that He removed by Jesus Christ the barrier of sin that kept us from having a relationship with Him. Today John speaks specifically of one of the reasons that he is writing to us, and it is verbalized in chapter two verse twelve:

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Notice first that John addresses those who are known as “little children”. When a person first becomes “born again” he or she is spiritually much like a little child. At this point the greatest part of being a Christian is that your sins are forgiven. There may not be a lot of knowledge about the Bible, theology, or other facets of the scriptures, but there is a knowledge that “sins are forgiven.” What a joy, what an inspiration it is just to realize that no matter how horrible, how bad, how atrocious a life has been, Jesus stands able and is ready to forgive sins. Just having this knowledge gives life and peace to the empty soul.

Secondly, notice why “your sins are forgiven” is important, “for his name's sake.” It's because of his name's sake that sin is forgiven. God gets the credit for the removal of sin from a person's life. Self-help, life developmental programs, pathways to positive thinking and the like will never remove sin. The reason is simply because the credit or the glory goes to another other than God. If I can help myself, I have no need for God, but therein lies the problem, I can only help myself to a limited degree. God knows this, and He will allow me to discover this and walk in this manner until I realize that His help is needed. My sins, your sins can and will be forgiven, and all the glory for their removal goes to God alone.

There is more in the next verse that alludes to spiritual growth, but we shall take that up on another occasion.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore