1 John 5:1-15

I got a little behind again, but I would still like to highlight a few portions from chapter 5 that have captured my attention.

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1) Everyone who believes this has his or her faith placed correctly. I found it especially comforting to remember that people from every nation, tribe and language will enjoy life everlasting in heaven, regardless of the denomination to which they belong. Of course, God commands us to watch our life and doctrine closely, and we want to understand and teach his Word clearly and correctly. We want to run far away from any distortion of God’s truth. Not all denominations profess the truth as God reveals it in his Word. But despite our human flaws and errors, the Spirit is still working faith in hearts worldwide, a faith that proclaims that Jesus is the Christ. He is the one thing needful.

“And his commands are not burdensome” (3) My sinful nature just balks at this one. Not burdensome? Ha! If only I could do what I wanted, instead of being constantly weighed down by these oppressive laws. But the Holy Spirit drives me back to the words of Psalm 119:24 (though the entire psalm is packed with similar acclamations of love for God’s law) – Your statues are my delight; they are my counselors. And I do love the law; I love that it drives me despairing back to the cross to cling only to my Jesus.

“Who is it that has overcome the world? Only (s)he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (5) Take that, world! The troubles, cares and pleasures in which you revel cannot suck us in. We women have already overcome in Christ. We are no longer chained to material goods or earthly successes or man’s opinion. The truth has set us free to truly live for Him who died for us.

“We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater…” (9) I liked this verse because it reminds me of how we believe, though we have not seen. With our limited human understanding, not everything the Bible proclaims makes sense. And we don’t fret about it – because God’s testimony is greater than our reason. We simply believe because the Spirit enables us.

“If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (14) Glorious, glorious comfort. He hears me when I cry out to him. And when I ask those things which are a part of his will (a heart to love his people better, patience, stronger faith, forgiveness) his answer is yes! Though sometimes he gives us what we ask through trials, so be careful what you pray for… :)

Keep asking for all those godly gifts! Your Father delights to give them to you.
Enjoy these final days of November and the beginning of the Advent season.