4/14/24
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
A Christian knows the heavenly Father intimately through a love relationship with Jesus Christ and is therefore pardoned and released from spiritual debt. By believing on the only begotten Son of God our sins are forgiven. Luke 19:10; Romans 6:23
John encourages those spiritually mature because of their experiential knowledge of the eternal God of Creation. They have pursued God as Father through their lifestyle. They know God through His Holy Word. Philippians 3:12-14
John encourages those that are persistently growing in their spiritual maturity. They resist temptation and are victorious over the evil one through their faith in Jesus Christ. They continue to grow in their faith because the Word of God abides in them. Ephesians 6:10-18
John encourages those who are new believers, those spiritually immature. They have placed their faith in Jesus through the witness of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:13-21
John warns believers; “do not love the world of sin that opposes God and His precepts, nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
John warns everyone of all ages against loving the things of this world that are not of the Father. He list them; (1) the lust and sensual craving of the flesh, (2)the lust and longing of the eyes, and (3)the pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things. Mark 8:34-38; Galatians 5:16-26
The world is passing away, and with it its shameful pursuits and ungodly longings; but the one who does the will of God and abides in Him has eternal life. John 3:16-21; John 15:1-11
Are you abiding in Christ?
Do you love the things of this world more than God?
What are you pursuing with all of your heart?