Bible Pathway - Dec. 21, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Check out the spirits, guard against false teachings (4:1-6). What is real love (4:7-21)? Be sure to check out 4:20! Assurance that Jesus is the Son of God and our faith in Him (5:1-12). The Family of God; we're children of the Living God (5:13-20). Stay focused, don't let anything take the place of God in your heart (5:21).
Men have written millions of books on every conceivable subject. In contrast, throughout all the history of mankind, God has provided only one Book on how to gain the best out of life; and each word is important. All Scripture (Genesis through Revelation) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (II Tim. 3:16). A rule to remember concerning the importance of what God has said is this: When God says something once, it is important; we must give it utmost consideration. In I John 4, love is referred to more than 25 times. In view of this, let's consider the seriousness of our responsibility as partakers of the love of God.
The very nature of God is love, and when we receive His nature, we will share His love with others. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation (atonement) for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. . . . If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected (completed) in us (I John 4:7-12).
To hold ill will toward someone violates the very nature of God. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (4:20). As we express the love of God rather than insist on our rights, our capacity to receive His love will develop.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His Commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments: and His Commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:2-4).
Thought for Today:
Therefore I love Thy Commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (Ps. 119:127).
Word Studies:
5:18 he that is begotten of God keepeth himself =he that is saved will not become involved in sinful activities.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Carl E. Miller • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd (retired) • Government Official: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA) • Country: Philippines (76 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Filipino and English • Religious persecution in some areas • 80% Catholic; 9% Protestant; 8% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 3% Other (Buddhist, Animist, non-Religious) • Prayer Suggestion: Keep your mind on the Lord and trust Him; He will give you peace (Is. 26:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:19
