Bible Pathway - Dec. 21, 2010
Read 1 John 4
Highlights:
Try the spirits (I John 4:1). Avoid false prophets (4:1-6). What is real love (4:7-21)? Compare prayerfully Cor. 13:1-12, especially 12. Assurance that Jesus is the Son of God and our faith in Him (I John 5:1-12). The family of God; children of the living God (5:13-20). Don't let anything take the place of the will of God for you (5:21).
The Holy Spirit directed the Apostle John to write: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (I John 4:1). Doctrinal deception is widespread and always difficult to discern. Jesus warned: Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21).
Jesus warned that many who believe they are the children of the Kingdom shall be cast . . . into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing (grinding) of teeth (8:12). The consequence of deception is horrifying. Just think! The majority of "religious" people will be cast . . . into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (13:42). Our loving Savior said it would happen.
Nothing could be of more importance than obedience to His Word by reading all the Bible so that we are included with the few there be that find it (eternal life) (7:14). Since it determines our destiny for eternity, we are told: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). Jesus warned: Take heed that ye be not deceived (Luke 21:8). We are also warned: Seducers (imposters) shall wax worse and worse (progress from bad to worse), deceiving, and being deceived (II Tim. 3:13). John said: This is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments. . . . For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (I John 5:3-5).
Being born of God is far more than just becoming a member of a church or believing certain doctrinal facts about Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit brings conviction to our hearts while reading His Word which leads us to repentance of our sins. It affects the whole life — the heart as well as the head. It molds character and guides conduct. If we have genuinely put our faith in Jesus as the Son of God (4:15), we will have a desire to be obedient to His Commandments (I John 5:2).
Thought for Today:
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Prov. 28:13).
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 Jeanne Young • Government Official: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA) • Country: Monaco (32,000) in southeastern France • Major languages: French and English • No open evangelism permitted • 90% Roman Catholic; 7% Protestant; 1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and mercy (Lam. 3:22-23).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
