1 John 2:12-17
Reflect
Let’s be honest for a second. Sometimes it can be really hard to live out the Christian life. I don’t know about you, but I know that for me there are times when the commands of the Bible seem a little out of reach. Today’s passage though, makes me think that this may be the wrong approach. In the verses surrounding the ones we are looking at, John is letting his readers know that the only way they can please God is by following His commands and living like Jesus. In fact, John says that if we do not follow Jesus’ commands, He does not dwell in us! This type of verse can sound quite condemning but they are reframed in verses 12-17. In each of these verses, John gives us an example of what we have already received in Christ: our sins are forgiven, we have conquered the evil one, we have come to know the Father, God’s Word remains in us,, we are strong! Rather than getting bogged down in the burden of ‘living up to’ our calling to Christlikeness, we are invited to receive who we already are and, out of that place, our lives will reflect that of Jesus. Reflect over each of these realities today. Which one do you need to be reminded of? What difference does that make in your life?
Pastor Daunavan
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.
- Pray for the ministry of International Student Ministries.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Assistant, Kyla Mould.