Heavenly Father strengthen us as we pour out so that You can pour in and lead us as we pour forth in Your name.
May 4, 2020
Good Morning Princesses!
As we continue in our study of 1 John, you may have noticed that John is very explicit, yet gentle with us. However, in true Johannine style, he shares with us in Chapter 2, four key indicators that are fundamental in our Christian walk. We are:
told that we have an advocate- Christ- the righteous, who was a living sacrifice for the entire world (1 John 2: 1-6);
reminded about the foundational commandment- to love one another (a new (John 13:34-45), but old commandment) (1 John 2:7-14);
challenged to take a stand: are you a people pleaser or a God-pleaser (1 John 2:15-17);
reassured that as Christians we have an anointing; a deposit, the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:18-27); and
strengthened and encouraged to walk in confidence because we are children of the Almighty and righteous (Jesus Christ, Father, Savior, and Lord). (1 John 2: 28-29)
1. A Deposit ~ A Truth ~ An Assurance
A Deposit
"Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 1 Timothy 6:20 NLT
A Truth
Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14 NLT
An Assurance
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
2. Putting It All Together
So how do these verses apply to what John is telling us in 1 John Chapter 2?
First, the deposit is our spiritual, Christian truth, God's word (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) which is realized through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Second, knowing that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth, revealing, teaching, and enabling us to guard the truth (will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" - John 16:13) we are what Wiersbe calls "stewards of the doctrines of faith, and God expects us to be faithful in sharing His good news". Wiersbe, W. W., & Wiersbe, W. W. (2007).The Wiersbe Bible commentary: the complete New Testament in one volume. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.
Third, in John 16:33 we find that while Jesus tells us what we will be facing in this life, He also emphasizes what is indicated as a strong emotion (exclamation point) very good news. You see, Jesus tells us in the second and third sentence of John 16:33 that we have a guaranteed assurance, "But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Finally, in times when our journey is shaky and we are presented with the challenge of being a people-pleaser or God-pleaser, know that you have an Advocate who gives you hope, a future, and surrounds you in love. Know that you have a deposit, the Holy Spirit, which brings to your remembrance a truth of who you are (a child of Christ). Knowing who you are in Christ gives you not only confidence, but a guaranteed truth of everlasting love, faithfulness, and unspeakable joy. We are overcomers.
Beloved, peace, love, and blessings to you. Please state the following:
Oh, (insert your name), guard the deposit that has been entrusted in you.
May the Lord strengthen you so that you are continually faithful in spreading the Good News to others as has been done from generation to generation.
3. Join us for WEEK #4- May 5th
"What Love Is" by Kelly Minter. There is still time to sign up, so please feel free to do so using the link below and invite a friend.
How will this virtual online study work? Here's the set-up...
1. Complete the registration and a link will be sent to you to finalize your information;
2. A login link will be sent for you to join the session either via laptop, tablet or iPad, desktop or phone;
3. We will pray, fellowship and spend time in God's word (specifically the letters of 1, 2 and 3 John);
4. Timeframe- 6:00 - 7:00 pm; and
5. Dates-Tuesday's - April 14- May 26.
Our new study is underway "What Love Is". See the Bible Study link to register=> HERE
Oh, princesses of faith...remember
Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer… your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s-Spirit can give."
Closing Thoughts
DON'T FORGET...Click on the icon below to access...
Know that through the Holy Spirit you can:
do things you couldn't;
feel things you didn't; and
know things you wouldn't.
GO! 5/4/20- New feature, contains a playlist of songs for your praise and worship time.
Housekeeping:
Join Us an Invite A Friend!
"What Love Is~ The Letters of 1, 2, and 3 (from April 14- May 26). Want to learn more? Click HERE.
Remember, each day is an opportunity for us to... Lead, Serve, and GO!
