Victory

1 John 3:8 (NIV) “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

Let’s stroll down Christianity 101 for a second or two:

Christ was born of a virgin
Displayed miraculous signs and wonders
Made a lot of Jewish folk really, really mad
Died on the Cross
Rose from the dead

I think that pretty much sums it up!

Now, many people will tell you the story ends there, but that is so untrue. If you were to ask me, the death of Christ is the beginning. No, I am not minimizing His earthy ministry; no, I am not minimizing His persecution; and, no, I am not minimizing His agonizing death. As John so succinctly states in verse 8, Jesus lived and died to defeat Satan, but it is the resurrection that sealed Satan’s fate. Simply put, the devil hasn’t a leg to stand on in terms of our salvation!

Now, let’s put this into our perspective! If you believe Christ died and rose again, then you have a complete victory in Christ. That is the message John brings out in chapter 3. We as Christians will fall and fail from time-to-time, but we are set apart from the world. We do not live in a world of sin; we walk in Light, and that Light guides our path in all things. As Leo stated in yesterday’s message, that victory does not mean you won’t face trials or tribulation; it means you will succeed in them!

Look at it from John’s point of view. He tells us we have victory over sin and we have the agape love of Christ within us. But, he takes that one step further!

1 John 3:21 (NIV) “Dear Friends,…we have confidence before God.”

Lavish

1 John 3:1 (NIV) How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

A love produced in abundance! That is what “lavished on us” really implies. A love so unconditional, we have been redeemed, reconciled and recognized as His children.

Now, that should stir up some passion! This, of course, leads us back to the discussion in the post titled “Light.”

Is my life a reflection of that love?

Doctrine

“The doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven, which was the main teaching of Jesus, is certainly one of the most revolutionary doctrines that ever stirred and changed human thought.”

In this quote, H.G. Wells clearly states the obvious about Jesus. Jesus changed the spiritual and cultural norms for an entire nation, which ultimately rocked the entire world. At the same time, Wells indirectly nails a problem with the world’s acceptance of that doctrine.

You see, he states that the doctrine has changed human thought. On the surface, that seems absolutely fine, but many Christians stop at that point. It remains head knowledge and never reaches the heart! That doctrine is discussed, but never put in action.

I desire a total heart-knowledge of God, and to do so, I must abide in Him always. My abiding, remaining or sojourning in Christ is not a legalistic view, but a freedom to use that doctrine as the framework for my life. In his commentary on 1 John, David Guzik suggests:

“Abiding in this doesn't mean just knowing it, but living in it - the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ must be in our lives, not just our heads; and as we do this, His promise of eternal life will be real for us - remembering that eternal life refers more to a quality of life than a duration of life.”

We have been anointed to reach this type of lifestyle!

1 John 2:27 (MSG) But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you--Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.

I would like to thank Chris for the inspirational teaching on this topic Sunday morning in Frontline. For those at the study, the butterfly certainly paints a wonderful picture for us.

Fellowship

I write to you dear children…fathers…young men…So begin the verses in 1 John 2:12-14 (NIV).

At first glance, it is hard for me to tie these verses to the rest of John’s message. I immediately see the maturing aspect that most Bible scholars point out, but beyond that, it seems to be rather out-of-place. On one side, I see the two tests of obedience and love, and on the other side, I see the “trinity of evil.” One scholar calls it a digression, but it makes little sense to go off on some rabbit trail!

Here is what I think…

This occurs between the three tests in chapter 2: obedience, love and doctrine. In order to change, a person must take ownership in that process, and John clearly shows us three ways that is done. Within this context, the position of these verses seems to indicate that our belief, action and submission is strengthened in fellowship, and it is vital to a successful Christian walk. One cannot walk alone and stay obedient when faced with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life. It takes the accountability and support found in fellowship.

John purposefully mixes up the levels of maturity: children...father...young men.

Notice how the father, being the most mature, is placed between two subordinate levels. It sure looks like the maturity of the father is vitally important to fellowship. As we walk through the trials of life, the maturity in Christ of those around us is important, and it looks like that is established in these verses.

When facing the onslaught of the world, fellowship with others in Jesus is a vital need of every Christian.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (MKJV) “…a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Test

“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining – they just shine.”

What an awesome quote by Dwight Moody! More than that, Moody creates a very accurate illustration of a Christian walk. Think about it for a second!

A lighthouse built upon the rock in the midst of storms and troubles:

• Howling winds
• Crashing waves
• Thick Fogs
• Lost ships
• Desperate sailors

Yet, it continues to shine without regard to outside influences. It knows but one thing – use the light to guide others home.

It doesn’t, however, take the light for granted. Its light must be checked, inspected and tested on a regular basis to ensure it does not dim or falter when it is needed most. Like lighthouses, Christians must also test to see just how that “walk in the light” is going. Luckily for me, 1 John 2:3-11 gives me two of those tests: obedience and love.

I think I need to check my light often!

Walk

1 John 2:6 (NIV) “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

As the sun slowly falls into the blue abyss of the Pacific Ocean, it sends shimmers of light dancing across its surface. The glory of the sunset paints a colorful tapestry across the sky, and its beauty is so breathtaking, the walk along the beach moves in slow motion. I take this in with every breath as the sand caresses my feet.

What an easy walk, but I remember a time…

The sand pulls tightly on my feet as I trudge sweating and gulping for every breath. Three miles down; just two more to go! The sun beats its rays against my back with no regard to the heavy pack I’m carrying. All that water, and I can’t even drink it. Oh, I wish the walk were easier.

These real-life scenarios illustrate my walk with Jesus.

Sometimes it is so easy; I just stroll with my Lord. On the other hand, there are times I struggle mightily to just realize He is there.

Concerns…
Deadlines…
Rejections…
Unforgiveness…
Jealousy…

Yes, the list could go on, but the point is clear. I let my circumstance dictate my walk!

I need to remember His grace is sufficient for me and that I, like Joshua, can be strong and courageous because He is with me. In fact, He has gone before me and blazed the trail. I just need to follow!

Light

A concept so simple, many children easily recognize its attributes.

Good vs. Evil
Truth vs. Deceit
Love vs. Hate
Life vs. Death

1 John 1:5 (NIV) tells us that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.

How is it, then, that many Christians struggle mightily staying in His illumination? I can answer only for myself, and it takes just a little introspection to bring my problem out of the shadows; I do not reflect very well!

In my busy day there are so many instances where I fail to let Christ’s love shine through me. I put God in the background and I take control of the situation. I, with the perfect answer, trap God in a box and the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control of the Spirit is blanketed by my decisions and actions. Instead of reflecting Chris’s perfect love, I, like the moon, pale in comparison. Instead of shinning brightly, I am like the deer caught in the headlights.

Max Lucado wrote a wonderful story, The Sweet Song of the Second Fiddle, that so clearly shows what this lack of reflection looks like. At the same time, the story succinctly paints the picture of how to reflect brightly once again.

Oh, how I pray that Jesus’ light shine through me for all men to see. How I desire to reflect Christ in all areas of my life.

I look forward to playing second fiddle!

Time

With my mother and brother and sisters living out-of-state, I cannot think of a better way to end and begin a year than with my friends at Generations Christian Fellowship: scrumptious culinary delights, friendly games of rummy and cherished moments to remember.

The laughter of genuine happiness
The groan over a card played
The smell of spicy buffalo wings
The glee of children playing hide and seek
The sound of the die rolling across the table
The taste of apple pie and caramel

Yes, the list could go on and on, but time waits on no man…

Speaking of time, I think of all the time I squander and then complain because I don’t have time to take care of the important things. I oftentimes let the pace of my circumstances dictate my actions.

During the message this past Sunday, I talked about stewarding time and talent. Perhaps John F. Kennedy thought of this when he said, “We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.” In order to accomplish this feat, we must truly focus on Jesus and seek His kingdom rather than worrying about stuff that really doesn’t matter.

Perhaps, it is a thing about treasures: Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

“Store your treasures in heaven where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves.”