"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ABIDING"
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
1st John 2:25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.”
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
The apostle John was writing to help encourage and protect God's people. He wanted them to know the truth of who Jesus was, and how one can know that they are themselves truly saved. This short epistle, when read prayerfully and carefully, can bring one great assurance of their salvation, or show them that they need to be saved.
1. We are called to let what we have heard from God abide in us.
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
God has spoken to us through His Son.
We have received His Son, and His Word.
God calls us to let the Son and let the Word abide in us.
In other words, just simply keep on believing.
Don't be pulled away by anything that contradicts the Word of God.
2. We are promised that if we let God's Word abide in us, than we will also abide in the Son and in the Father.
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
We are told here what happens to those who let God's Word abide in them.
It's quite simple.
You will wind up abiding, or remaining, in the Lord.
And You will wind up remaining in the Father.
This is the consequence and blessing promised to us.
3. We are told of the promise that God has promised us.
1st John 2:25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.”
This is the great promise of God.
God cannot lie.
He has promised us the promise of eternal life.
Eternal life means that you have become united with God.
Eternal life means that you are in communion with God.
Eternal life means that you now know God.
Questions:
1. Do you find or are you experiencing anything that is seeking to draw you away from Christ?
2. Do you know that God will hep you to simply stay with Him, and not be drawn away?
3. Do you know that in your weakness His strength is made perfect?
4. Will you pray right now if you are in some sort of battle or struggle in your faith?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for all that You do for us. Thank You for giving us Jesus. Thank You for giving us Your wonderful Word.
Thank You for the many, many promises that You have given us.
Thank You for the promise that if we let Your Word abide in us, that we will abide in You.
Is there any better place, or person, to abide in than God? No Father, there is no one like You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
