Bible Pathway - Dec. 20, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Confession of sin brings cleansing and the opportunity to build integrity (1:9-10). There is either love or hate, truth or lies (2:9-10). To be blessed keep the Lord's Commandments (3:22-24).
The word study is not a popular word among failures, for it means to read in detail especially with the intention of being devoted to achieving the mastery of a grade, goal, or acceptance. As we diligently study the Word of God in order to know His will, we discover that He empowers us to accomplish His will.
This is the reason the Holy Spirit led John to write: Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that . . . shall remain in you, ye also shall continue (abide) in the Son, and in the Father. . . . The Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you . . . the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and . . . ye shall abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming (2:24,27-28).
We are to study the right thing (the Word of God) for the right reason: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
As we abide in Him (I John 2:28) through His Word, we will not be ashamed. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in Him, the same bring forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5). To be ashamed is to be accountable for intentionally doing wrong. It is much different from the humiliation that results from making a mistake or by having tried and failed.
As Christians who desire Christ as Lord of our lives, He has spoken to our hearts: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (II Tim. 2:15). Shame is caused by the consciousness of deliberate wrongdoing.
When we set aside a definite time each day to read what God has to say and fellowship with Him in prayer, we will learn what His will is. Then we have no fear of being ashamed before Him at His coming (I John 2:28).
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38).
Thought for Today:
Therefore to him that knowth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
Word Studies:
2:3 keep =guard with our lives and obey; 2:20 Unction =anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is how we can know all things (2:20); 3:9 His Seed =esus, the Word of God (Gal. 3:16; John 1:1-14; Luke 8:11).
Cross References:
For I John 1:8: See Eccl. 7:20. I John 3:12: See Gen. 4:8.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of George Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Henry Brown, Jr. (SC), Gov. Sonny Perdue (GA), and Rep. Ike Skelton (MO) • Country: Peru (26 million) on the western coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Open to evangelism and Bible distribution • 90% Christian; 8% non-Religious/Other; 1.2% Traditional ethnic; .3% Buddhist; .09% Baha'i; .02% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the Truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Is. 26:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:19
