Parent Category (Pocket Sized Thoughts [Roger Jacobs])
 


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 14

Whoever is born of God overcomes the world …(5:4) “and keeps himself so that the evil one does not touch him.” (5:18)

These are the fourth and fifth characteristics of those who are born again. The world and all its temptations can so easily overwhelm us. When we are born again, there is an innate victory which is imparted to us. We do not despair and fall defeated before the devil’s lies and accusations. Sometimes, like Peter upon the water (Matthew 14:30), fear takes hold and we are conscious of beginning to sink. A cry to the Lord in times of danger will save us. The new life in Christ and faith in Him helps us to overcome. Neither are we playthings of the wicked one, nor subject to the constant change of circumstances. Men may curse, words may be thrown and events may threaten, but none of it seems to ‘stick’ to those who are truly born again and walk in the light of His word. May the Lord keep us pure and so prove the truth of these precious promises.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that nothing the devil does can destroy me; help me to keep my eyes upon You.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 13

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” (5:1)

This is the third characteristic that John mentions of one who is born again. They believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed one of God. This is not a mental assent, or an agreement with a set of values, or teachings. To believe is to be wholly and utterly persuaded. It is a total commitment, body, soul, spirit and mind to all the truths of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Though there may be times when such belief is under attack by all the despising and disputing of the world, the one who believes cannot doubt, neither can they be shaken. It is a sure and solid foundation in our lives. Though Satan may tempt us to despair, this foundation is something, if we are born of God, that we will stand firm upon for all eternity. This powerful conviction forms a bedrock in our lives when we are born again.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that what we believe about You, is real, powerful and eternally true.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 12

Whoever is born of God does not commit sin.” (3:9).

This is the second of John’s characteristics of a person who is born again. Once again, the truth is profoundly simple, that is, that one who is born again cannot commit sin. Sadly, many believers have tied themselves in knots over this verse. They think that because they have knowingly sinned then this verse proves that they cannot be born again. As a result, often, they sink into despair. The verse does not say that if you sin, you cannot be born again; it is not teaching sinless perfection. Previously, John had clearly stated that “If we sin, we have an advocate …” (2:1), allowing for the possibility of sin. This is not to excuse sin. Sin is inexcusable. The verse teaches that if, or since, we are born again, we do not have to sin. Sin does not need to be automatic. The power and dominion of sin has been broken at the cross of Jesus Christ (read carefully Romans chapter 6). That victory over sin and the need not to automatically commit sin is made available to me when His holy life is gloriously imparted when I am born again and become a new creature in Christ. I am born from above, from another kingdom where righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit reigns and where sin does not reign. By being of that kingdom and living in the reality and power of it, I do not now need to sin. Glory to His name!

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you for new birth. May I increasingly know the power and reality of it in my life.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 11

Everyone who does righteousness is born of Him.” (2:29)

Another of John’s recurrent themes is new birth. He referred to Jesus’ teaching on it to Nicodemus in John 3:1-8. There, Jesus taught how indisputable it is to be born again in order to see and enter the kingdom of God. In his letter, John refers to the qualities that should exist in the life of someone who has been born again. Once more, this is to help us to know truth from falsehood and reality from unreality. There are six characteristics that John refers to and the first is in 2:29. He simply says that one who is born of God does righteousness. His normal ‘default’ pattern is righteousness. He hates unrighteousness and will not tolerate it. All forms of unrighteousness (and obvious ones include lying, theft, drunkenness, sexual immorality, to name but a few) he will do all in his power to avoid. One who persists in unrighteousness cannot be born again, whatever he may claim. By stating this truth (and other truths), John intends that all sense of vagueness and ambiguity should not be present among God’s people.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that the new birth of your life in me helps me to love and do righteousness.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 10

They went out that they may be manifest that they were not all of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One and know all things.” (2:19,20).

The false values of the world are constantly trying to encroach upon and creep into God’s church. We are to be on guard. John says that those who espouse the values of the world are of antichrist and have no part in the kingdom of God. They may come alongside the church for a while seeking to enter and corrupt, but in the end, they will leave. How are we to discern such encroachments and know such people? John says that we have a witness within us, an anointing which we have received from God. This ‘inner knowing’ helps us to discern what is of God and what is not. It is not a sign of infallibility, but as long as we remain in fellowship with God, it is a guide. Therefore, John says in verse 24, that we should remain in that which we have heard from the beginning and not be seduced from the fundamental truths of the gospel. In this way we shall not be ashamed by being led astray into false things.

PRAYER :- “Lord help us to be delivered from the many deceivers and antichrists that are in the world.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 9

Love not the world.” (2:15)

The world in which we live is another constant theme of John’s. He mentions it many times (2:2,15-17; 3:1,13,17; 4:1,3,4-5,9,14,17; 5:4,5,19). It describes not so much the physical attributes, such as mountains, lakes, rivers, coastline, etc., but more to the order, arrangement and system under which it operates. In this way, its function is under a prince, Satan (see John 14:30). The world, sometimes knowingly, but more often unknowingly, is under his direction and orchestration. Worldly values are essentially his values. They are characterised by greed, selfishness and the desire to dominate. In Satan’s world, love, kindness, humility and gentleness are despised; these are aspects of God’s kingdom and it should be no surprise that when we display them, the world will hate us (3:13). We are not to be conformed to these values of the world (Romans 12:2). They were introduced in the beginning to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. They have multiplied and become ever more powerful as men have increased upon the earth. The Lord Jesus systematically undid all that Satan introduced (the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life). Because Jesus Christ overcame all the values of the world, we also are to overcome the world. This is why we are not to love what the world loves.

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to see that this world system is diametrically opposed to the values of Your kingdom, so that I may live more in line with your will and not mine, nor the world’s.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 8

I write to you little children … young man … fathers.” (2:12-14).

The love of God is not static, but something we grow and develop in. In his writing, John mentions three stages of growth in Christian life :- little children, fathers and young men. Each has its own characteristics. One is not better than the other, but each represents different stages in Christian maturity. Little children know the forgiveness of sins and the love of the father. This is essential and foundational. Young men are strong and have learnt to overcome. This is not due to their own strength but the strength of the indwelling word of God imparted to them. How vital it is for young men as they grow up to know their Bible well. Fathers are mature, secure and stable. Such security and stability provides safety for others to shelter under. Blessed is the church that has all these three stages of godly life amply demonstrated within it. We are not meant to remain at one stage but be inspired to mature into the next. In this, God can use us in a multitude of ways to make His kingdom increase and to help all of His children to know more of the Father who gives us His life to grow in.

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to grow in to all the fullness and maturity of Your life within me.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 7

Whosoever keeps His word, truly in him, the love of God is perfected.” (2:5)

The apostle John is very keen that the Christians he is writing to should remain in the light and be free from all the destructive power of sin. One of the ways of doing this is by obeying God’s commands. Whoever keeps His word, the love of God will be perfected in him. He will walk and live as Christ lived. This love will be demonstrated not only toward God, who cannot be seen, but also toward his fellow believer, who can be seen (1 John 4:20). This is one of the strongest themes in the whole letter and is emphasised again and again. If we say we love God and walk in the light, then we will love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We cannot hate them. To do so, is totally incompatible with the light and life of Jesus Christ. The love of the world is fickle and changeable. The love of Christ is unchanging, pure and totally impartial. This is the love of God which the Father has freely given to us and poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). It distinguishes us as His children and makes us so different from the world (3:1). This is the love which God wants us to know. This is the love which is to guide every action and thought, not only to God, but also to others.

PRAYER :- “Lord, Your love is unlike any other; help me to know it more and more in my life.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 6

We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (2:1)

Here is a most wonderful word. This word advocate means one who pleads our cause. It is the very opposite of adversary, that is, of one who accuses. The picture conjured up is one of a court scene where one stands accused of foolishly and perhaps unwillingly committing a crime. There may be extenuating circumstances but he is guilty and cannot escape the inevitable punishment. The adversary demands justice and all his acquaintance cry out for him to be punished. Then, there is silence as another steps into the scene. He knows the person is guilty but admirably pleads his case. Then, as he reaches the climax, he offers to take the punishment instead. The accuser is stunned for a moment, but then with his supporters, they cry out, “Unfair.” “Silence”, orders the judge. “The advocate will bear the punishment; the guilty accused is now free.” The drama is intense but wonderfully demonstrates the work, and indeed ongoing work, of Christ Jesus, our Advocate. The word in Greek is ‘paraclesis’, meaning to come alongside and comfort. What an incredible comfort to know that all our past sins have been borne by Christ Jesus and that he has taken our punishment. And, should we sin again, we still have an advocate with the Father, Christ Jesus, the righteous.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you for your amazing advocacy on my behalf. What can I do but praise and bless you.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 5

The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.” (1:7)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1:9)

As we walk and live in the light, there is a promise, which God will faithfully keep and never break. It is, that in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. These are not just sins that we are conscious of. They are all sins, new and old, known (to us) and unknown. They are sins which God knows and also sins of which the devil knows and accuses us. There is provision in the blood of Christ for all of them; every last one! We should not attempt to deceive ourselves, or hide away in some shadow, but be honest and confess all to God. If we have injured another, we may need to confess before them, but primarily our confession is to God. Oh, how He loves such confession. He not only forgives, but washes away every stain, every effect and every defilement of the awfulness of sin. It is like being made new; not that we should repeatedly sin, but to live in the light and fellowship of Christ, keeping us now and every moment clean. Then, the blood of Christ will wash us brighter and brighter so that we may live purer lives and be in ever closer fellowship with Him.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you for the amazing provision of the blood of Christ which washes me from sin and keeps me clean in your sight.”