Bible Pathway - Dec. 20, 2011
Read 1 John 1
Highlights:
Confession of sin brings cleansing from sin and all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). If we hate our brother we are in darkness (2:9-10). To love is to abide in the light. If we keep His Commandments we dwell in Him and He in us (3:22-24).
Some people will be ashamed when they stand before the Lord Jesus at His coming. Why? Because they have neglected His Word for such long intervals and have spent so little time being exposed to it — the only means through which the anointing (Holy Spirit) teacheth you of all things.
The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him (I John 2:27).
Steadfast discipline in daily Bible reading is essential if we are to be approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15).
To be ashamed is one of life's most dreaded experiences! Shame is quite different from embarrassment. The latter term implies that we did or said the wrong thing and therefore we unintentionally blundered. Shame, however, is a painful emotion caused by failure to do what we could have done.
The instructions of God are clear; but if we fail to accept the will of God and choose to be disobedient, we will be called to account and stand convicted by our own conscience and will be ashamed.
There are some who say they have a relationship with Christ, but they still walk in darkness (I John 1:6). God directed John to write that such people lie (deceive themselves). Because of the darkness of the natural mind, it holds resentment because of an offense. So we read: He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (3:14).
A jealous disposition, a secret spirit of envy, or a tendency to speak of the faults of others and ignore their virtues are also characteristics of darkness and death (Luke 6:28; Rom. 12:14). Others walk in darkness with a spirit of self-pity and convey that spirit to everyone who will listen.
As saints, let us be like King David who prayed with a sincere desire: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139:23-24).
Thought for Today:
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26).
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, Jesus, 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 Staff: Pam Murton • Country: Kuwait (2 million) in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and English • Some religious freedom • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will move His people to give faithfully to His work (Mal. 3:8-10).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:3
