September 23, 2014
IS YOUR LIFE A REFLECTION OF HIM?
1 John 2:1-17
Brad Pollock
Central Truth
If we say that we abide in God, then we are called to walk in the manner that Jesus walked. The way in which we fellowship with God will impact the way we live, and the way we live is a reflection of our relationship with God.
Key Verse | 1 John 2:6
[W]hoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (1 John 2:6)
1 John 2:1-17
Christ Our Advocate
1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
The New Commandment
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because 1 2:8 Or that the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him 2 2:10 Or it there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12
I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
13
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
14
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
Do Not Love the World
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life 3 2:16 Or pride in possessions —is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Dive Deeper | 1 John 2:1-17
If you desire strong, consistent accountability, get yourself some children. Even if they aren't able to communicate effectively yet, they'll readily imitate you and provide an accurate reflection of who you are and what you value. Some days are a cause for celebration, but others aren't.
My kids remind me on a daily basis to examine how my actions are a reflection of my relationship with Christ. The way that they interact with others, the manner in which they enter into and handle conflict, and the ways they speak and listen often convict me to consider the tone of my household. Is it a tone of love that's focused on His Word? Am I valuing and encouraging the ways my kids exhibit the characteristics of Christ more than I am valuing and encouraging their performance at school or in sports? Most of the time the tone of my house is a sign that I need to examine the current condition of my relationship with God.
I know that not all of you have kids, but there are plenty of other things that will provide you with a good picture of your actions and values (e.g., your material possessions, the things you invest your spare time in, your relationships with others, the way you work). What do these things say about your relationship with Christ?
Questions like these cause me to challenge the current state of my prayer life, my time in God's Word, and how I am living in the context of a biblical community. Am I consistently seeking God's wisdom for my life and abiding with Him daily?
Some have defined abiding as habitual obedience, having an intimate relationship, or knowing God experientially. To accomplish these things, you must trust, rely on, and appreciate God and His love for you. Being called to abide with Christ daily can seem overwhelming or even impossible, but we can remind ourselves every day that God desires to be in relationship with us. He desires intimacy with us, and He wants us to experience His love.
Discussion Questions
1. Ask a close friend, your spouse, and/or your children what they think is most important in your life and what they see you valuing most. Then consider what their answers reveal about the condition of your relationship with God.
2. Think about what things in your life have the most influence over you. Is it a relationship, success and identity in your work, or what you own? Do these things align with your faith and God's Word?
3. In considering your daily actions, are you simply obeying God, or do have a desire to please Him?
4. Do your daily actions represent evidence to others that you have been born again?