1 John: We Talkin' About Practice?!

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1 John: We Talkin' About Practice?!  (1 John 2:28-3:9)

Scripture References: 1 John 2:28-3:10, Revelation 2, John 3:16, John 3:3-8.

Intro:

• Introduction with Lane Clevenger reading the scripture.
• Explanation of repetition and repackaging in 1 John for deeper understanding.
• John’s purpose: to equip the church to discern true faith from false teaching.
• Three tests of true faith: theological, moral, and social.

Key Points:

• The Importance of Discernment:
  • The church in Asia Minor was being led astray by false teaching.
  • John wants believers to distinguish between genuine Christianity and counterfeits.
  • The three tests help identify true faith: belief, behavior, and love.
• The Test of Obedience:
  • 1 John 2:28-3:10 focuses on the moral test: how believers live.
  • John emphasizes “practice of righteousness” and “abiding in Him.”
  • False teaching (Gnosticism) promoted a separation between spiritual and physical behavior.
• Born of God:
  • Believers are “born of God,” a new identity and reality.
  • This is not based on performance but on God’s grace.
  • Resemblance to God is the result of being born of Him.
  • God’s love is lavished upon us, making us His children.
• The World’s Rejection:
  • The world (system of values apart from God) does not recognize believers because it did not recognize Jesus.
  • John combats Gnostic ideas with emphasis on “what can be known to all.”
• The Appearing of Christ:
  • Jesus’ first and second appearing are significant.
  • Understanding His purpose (cleansing from sin, destroying the devil’s works) should influence our behavior.
  • Believers will be conformed to Christ’s image at His second coming.
• Hope and Purification:
  • “Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.”
  • Genuine hope in Christ has a purifying effect.
  • Sanctification is a “we-He” process; we cooperate with God’s work.
• The Practice of Sin:
  • John addresses the “practice of sinning,” not occasional lapses.
  • Habitual, persistent sin is incongruent with being born of God.
  • Repentance and a change in behavior are signs of true faith.
• Abiding in Him:
  • “Abiding” (making our home in Him) is the answer to overcoming sin.
  • Walking in the Spirit and practicing righteousness are essential.
  • Dualism (separating spiritual and physical) is a false teaching.

Conclusion:

• True faith is marked by obedience and integrity.
• Understanding Christ’s appearing and our future hope should transform our lives.
• Habitual sin is incompatible with being born of God.
• Abiding in Christ and practicing righteousness are essential for believers.

Call to Action:

• Examine your life: are you practicing righteousness?
• Repent quickly and avoid repeating sin.
• Abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit.
• Reject dualism and live integrated lives of faith.
• Remember Christ’s sacrifice and forgiveness at the Lord’s Table.
• Embrace the love of God that makes us His children.