1st. John 3:4-10 " Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that HE was manifested to take away our sins; and in HIM is no sin. Whosoever abideth in HIM sinneth not: whosoever sinneth (habitually) hath not seen HIM, neither known HIM. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as HE is righteous. He that committeth sin (habitually) is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the SON of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of GOD doth not commit sin (habitually); for HIS seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin (habitually), because he is born of GOD. In this the children of GOD are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of GOD, neither he that loveth not his brother. "
The Apostle Paul was not the only Apostle to address the need for Christians to examine themselves to determine whether or not they were even truly believers. John also dealt with this issue in today's text where he explains that genuine believers will show evidence of Salvation in their lives. To truly be a child of GOD (vv.1-2) profoundly affects the way we live day-by-day. In this text, John reveals the importance of understanding that a real relationship with CHRIST means a different kind of life ! John did not want his readers to be deceived into thinking that they could claim to be Christians while simultaneously living a life characterized by habitual, unconfessed sin. This is what the Gnostic's were teaching. So John describes three characteristics of a true child of GOD: First, a genuine believer will not habitually practice unconfessed sin (vv.4-6); second, a true believer will continually practice righteousness (vv.6a,7); third, a sincere believer has a permanent new nature (v.9).
Many people today call themselves Christians while showing no interest in the body of CHRIST and the Lordship of CHRIST and thinking that they can live any way they want. GOD forbid (Romans 6:1-2) ! We are not perfect, and we never will be perfect this side of Heaven. Yet at the same time, we must abide in CHRIST and live a life marked by our commitment to JESUS CHRIST. Keep in mind, today's text has nothing to do with "dos" and "don'ts" for Salvation; it simply explains the characteristics of the life of one who truly is saved. This is how we can "examine ourselves" and "prove ourselves." We always need to measure ourselves by GOD's WORD, not our own ideas, feelings, or experiences.MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.com
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