Friday Devo
Scripture Reading:
1 John 2:28-29
28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.
28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
2:28 abide in him. See notes on John 8:31; 15:4. so that. Maintaining one’s personal relationship with Christ will prevent straying into doctrine or conduct of which one will be ashamed at his coming. When he appears, many will lack confidence and will shrink from him, because he will come in judgment.
2:29 To know that he is righteous is to have placed one’s faith in Christ, not in one’s own moral uprightness.
2:29 To know that he is righteous is to have placed one’s faith in Christ, not in one’s own moral uprightness.
Study Questions:
- Anytime we are talking about living the right way and doing good deeds, it's easy to get our thinking all screwed up. We tend to drift towards a works-based salvation, thinking that if we do better and try harder, God will be more likely to be pleased with us. This is a crucial distinction to make. What Scripture DOES NOT teach is that you can, in any way, earn God's love, forgiveness or acceptance. What it DOES teach, however, is that IF you have made a true commitment to Jesus and made him Lord of your life, there WILL be evidence of that decision. Your life will be different. You will begin to pursue the things of God and your life will show it. And if you spend your life seeking to grow in your faith and relationship with Jesus, you will stand before Jesus one day eagerly awaiting your reward. Are you ever guilty of sliding into thinking you can earn his love through your behaviors? As a true follower of Jesus, are there heart changes that need to be made? Can you truly say you are growing in your relationship with God?
- Ultimately, we will give an account for how we stewarded all he has given us. Not just final judgement before the great white throne, where God will separate the sheep from the goats. The term Jesus uses here is talking about the Bema judgement. This is a different time when all BELIEVERS will give an account of themselves to Christ. This warning from Jesus is to Christians. In ancient times, a "bema" was a raised platform on which judges sat to view athletic games. Their job was to make sure contestants followed the rules and to present awards to the victors. This Bema judgement should motivate us to work OUT (not work for) our salvation with fear and trembling. The purpose is to inspire us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The challenge on Sunday was to LIVE like you're going to STAND before the seat. What does this mean for you and your family? What is God leading you to do with all of this?
Pray:
- That you would let your good deeds flow out of a changed heart.
- That you would live like you'll stand before the seat.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
No Comments