I John 3:16-24

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (vv. 17-18) I think I’ve mentioned before that St. Francis of Assisi is credited with the proverb “Preach the gospel, and if necessary use words.” I think this is what John is saying also in these two verses. These verses also take us back to James’ epistle (James 2:14-17).

… for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. (v. 20) Credit to my Study Bible for opening this verse for me. In their interpretation, essentially we are condemning ourselves for too many little things, what they refer to as “an oversensitive conscience”. But God’s love for us is greater than our self-condemnation; with that we can rest more easily! A nice thought to bless my day!

Slava Bohu!

I John 3:10-15

John has used the word “righteous/righteousness” five times in yesterday’s and today’s readings, plus twice more in the last verse of chapter 2 (the immediate precedent to yesterday’s reading) – so seven times over a span of thirteen verses. Which begs the question, “What does it mean to be righteous?” An online definition says “to be morally right or justifiable”, with synonyms good, virtuous, upright, upstanding, decent, etc. Continuing with the same online page, “The word righteous in the New Testament … means observing divine laws or upright, faultless, innocent, and guiltless.” I think we’re back to where we were yesterday – if you make a “practice of sinning”, you are being unrighteous. Righteousness on the other hand calls for confession, repentance, surrender. So where do we stand? John answers for us in verse 10: By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. Righteousness. Love.

Slava Bohu!

I John 3:1-9

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. (v. 9) We (I) often speak of being “born again”. We make that claim because we have accepted Jesus as our (Lord and) Savior; He has forgiven us our sins and brought us to eternal life. But we cannot be “born again” if we continue a “practice of sinning”. So what does John mean by a “practice of sinning”? We commonly accept that we sin every day, countless times every day. We engage in judgment and condemnation instead of acceptance and forgiveness, pride and arrogance instead of humility and gentleness. We maintain our “self-control”, unwilling to surrender our will over to the One who created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. So have we continued a “practice of sinning”?

I went online to try to get a handle on this. Basically the authors that I read pointed to the ubiquity of sin and our constant need for confession, for true repentance. One author writes:

Pride is among the most obvious, daily habit of sin seen in our lives. It’s where we say, “I don’t need you God, I’ve got this on my own …” With such great daily sin, daily confession is necessary. It is by our daily confession that we demonstrate to the world that we abide in Jesus.

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/practice-sinning/

So it’s probably not wrong for us to claim that we are “born again”. But let’s not get smug about it. I don’t imagine that we’ll lose our salvation, but we could be living life more fully!

Slava Bohu!

I John 2:18-29

I tend to notice Trinitarian verses and references when they appear in the epistles, and I saw that today in John’s writing – but with a bit of a challenge. Consider that the Father and the Son are mentioned together in verses 22, 23, and 24. But where is the Holy Spirit? He is mentioned implicitly with “anointed/anointing” comments in verses 20 and 27 (twice). But then Jesus is mentioned alone in verses 27-29 as “Him/He” pronoun references. So the Trinity is all there, but as bits and pieces, not as “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost”. Just that…

And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. (v. 28) I have sometimes imagined what it might be like when Jesus returns. I’ve always pictured a fully universal return, such that every single person on earth will see His coming. And I have found myself imagining my own awe and reverence at His return, having that full “confidence” that John mentions in this verse. But in all my imaginings I have not thought about those people who will …shrink from Him in shame at His coming. But they are around; they are with us every day; and they will indeed “shrink”, since we know that …at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11, NASB). Yes, GLORY!!

Slava Bohu!

I John 2:12-17

The first three verses – to the little children, fathers and young men… Have you ever noticed that nothing in John’s words to the little children in verse 12 is repeated in verse 13, but one of the three items addressed to the young men in verse 14 is a repeat of the same item in verse 13, AND the entire wording to fathers in verse 13 is repeated exactly in verse 14. Why is that? Maybe because fathers are less quick to hear and understand…??!! ?! Actually, a number of writers have suggested that the “titles” to whom John’s words are addressed reflects more on spiritual maturity than on age or family status.

For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life… (v. 16a) John writes “…all that is in the world…”, then he lists three things – ONLY three things. So do these three things reflect all that is “in the world” (i.e., sinful)? “Desires of the flesh” could be our desires for other people – lust, jealousy, enviousness, etc. “Desires of the eyes” could be our desires for other things – money, power, possessions, etc. Finally “the pride of life” could be our own internal spirit – the sinful ways in which we truly feel and put ourselves above other people. Could those three things encompass all that is wrong in this world? Interesting…

Slava Bohu!

I John 2:1-11

The apostle John sets a pretty high (impossible) standard here: …whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. (v. 6) No one will ever achieve to the standard that Jesus set, but He does give us a model for Christian behavior. “Walk the walk and talk the talk.”

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. (v. 7) John very possibly had in mind Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34–35) So there is no “new commandment”. However, John writes in the very next verse, At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in Him and in you… (v. 8a) I’m guessing that John is thinking of all that transpired between the Last Supper and his writing of this letter – the Cross, the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, and more! I think that John is suggesting what is “true in Him”, that while there is no “new commandment”, there is a new understanding of who Jesus is and what He did. That enduring reality of Jesus’ final six weeks on earth and His sending of the Holy Spirit some ten days later ought to put greater emphasis on His “love one another” command.

Slava Bohu!

I John 1:1-10

And now, the apostle John… He begins with his clear intent: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands … we proclaim also to you… (vv. 1, 3a) John is establishing his own position here as an apostle – one who has been with Jesus in close companionship and who now wishes to pass on to other believers the truth of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He wants from us. That is his goal in the rest of this letter.

There are so many notable verses in today’s reading. The entire block in verses 5 through 10 is well known and is often quoted, especially verse 7 (which I know as a song) and verse 9 (widely used in confession rites). Both are worth quoting explicitly here: Verse 7, But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. and verse 9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

David likes to point out “so that” verses. Here’s one from today’s reading: …so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (v. 3b) That’s a big “so that” – our fellowship with Almighty God! Glory…!!

Slava Bohu!

Hebrews 13:18-25

Pray for us … in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. (vv. 18a, 19b) I posted earlier this month (December 4) on the possibility of the author of Hebrews being in prison. Back then the NKJV in verse 10:34a had translated “on me in my chains” instead of “on those in prison” (ESV) or “on prisoners” (NASB). So here I again wonder if being “restored” means being released from prison? My Study Bible authors write that the author is just busy with other ministries. I like the prison argument better, especially since the author refers to Timothy’s release from prison in verse 23 and mentions folks in Italy sending greetings in verse 24. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome could have led to many other Christians also being imprisoned.

Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight… (vv. 20-21) We often wonder about God’s will for us; what does He want us to be doing, are we on a correct path for His service, what’s next…?? I think it’s easy for us to forget that He will be equipping us for whatever He wants us to be doing. As I look back at my own life, my economics background and my time in the classroom were perfect “equips” for my position as St. Andrew’s treasurer. My many years of reading through the Bible on my own was a good “equip” for leading others in reading through the Bible. God is constantly equipping us for “whatever’s next”. Still I wonder, what’s next…??!!

Thus ends our reading of Hebrews!

Slava Bohu!

Hebrews 13:9-17

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. (v. 10) My Study Bible suggested that the “altar” in this verse referred to the cross on which Jesus died and only those who profess faith in His redemption have any right to enjoy the fruits of His cross and resurrection. I saw it more literally, that we have an “altar” (which David refers to as a “table”) at our every Communion service and the “foods” that are served at that altar (bread and wine) are reserved for baptized Christians. Those who serve the tabernacle are excluded from our Communion feast.

For the bodies of those animals … are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate. (vv. 11-12a) Again, I saw “camp” and “gate” as referring to the tabernacle in the wilderness or the Temple in Jerusalem. My Study Bible suggested that these references are to the entire city of Jerusalem and that Jesus’ death on Golgotha occurred outside the city. Either works. But then verse 13 continues: Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. Continuing, the “camp” reference here (to me) makes more sense if it relates to the Temple. The author is mainly writing to converted Jews who now believe in Jesus. He is telling them to abandon all forms of Temple worship and gather elsewhere, even so knowing that gathering outside the Temple identifies them as Christians and brings on persecution from the Jewish authorities. I don’t think the author is telling converted Jews to leave Jerusalem.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. (v. 17a) Mostly I think it’s easy enough for us to obey and submit to our leaders, especially our St. Andrew’s and ADOTS and ACNA leaders, in that I believe that they are praying and seeking the Lord as they make decisions. And I believe that they know that they must “give an account” of their activities. But I fear for other denominations and their leaders, some of whom seem to be following “another gospel”, less Biblically solid, and some of which do not even have the apostolic covering and authority that our Anglican leaders enjoy. We are blessed in so many ways!

Slava Bohu!

Hebrews 13:1-8

Another oft-quoted verse: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (v. 8) That’s a comforting thought! These time frames, “yesterday” and “today” may simply be the author’s personal reference in his own life. But “yesterday” may also refer more to Jesus’ life, His pre-incarnate life or His life here on earth. Likewise, “today” could refer to Jesus’ work here on earth through the Holy Spirit or His intersession with the Father in heaven. No matter our interpretation of the exact words, it’s a comforting thought!! Jesus is the same for all time!

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (v. 6) …what can man do to me? There are two psalms that contain this last phrase, Ps 56:11 and Ps 118:6. Jesus also spoke to this topic: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) This phrase, what can man do to me? jumped off the page at me, but I can’t remember ever really being challenged for my faith. Not by supervisors, not by my subordinates, not by students, not by anyone except other Christians when we were discussing Biblical issues (or politics). Three times in the past few years I’ve had major confrontations with other Christians and I’ve had to self-examine my own positions – thankfully, Carol is here to help me reason things out. But as long as I am true to God, man can’t touch me!

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (v. 4) We Christians are at odds with much of society on the issue of homosexuality. To me it’s confusing – not a black-or-white issue, except when it comes down to behavior: …let the marriage bed be undefiled! Herein I take the same position on homosexuality that I do on extra-marital sex – neither is appropriate behavior. God ordained man and woman, husband and wife, for marriage. That’s it. Period. And in taking such a position society calls me/us judgmental. But they’ve got it wrong. God is the one who judges, not me. I have a position on the issue, Biblically founded. Let men and women take their own positions with respect to that “marriage bed”. Individually it’s their call and their response to their Creator. I will love them and pray for them and mourn with them when their “natural instincts” burden their souls. But I cannot affirm the behavior of the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Slava Bohu!