You Are A Child Of God So Rejoice!

John the Apostle exhibited a unique love for his fellow Christians. In his first epistle, he encouraged the believers because each of them was a child of God.

Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.  1 John 2:29

What does it mean, that all who do right are God’s children? In the days we are living in, the definition of “what is right?” has taken on many meanings.

Here’s the quick meaning of “what is right?” It’s when we do things that are right in the eyes of God. As good as that sounds, what does it look like?

John gave us the answer to that question. First of all, though, he began this chapter by telling us how we can maintain our relationship with God.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 1 John 2:1

Sin Can Set Us Back

Sinning is a deterrent to the child of God from doing what is right. With Jesus though we can get back on the right track. That track is built upon obedience to God’s Word.

But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6

In other words, our actions must back up our profession of faith. Then John turned from a relationship with God to how we must treat other people.

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. 1 John 2:7

Check out this related post called, The Commandment To Love Is Nothing New.

At this point in his life, John was an old wise man who didn’t pull any punches. He said if someone professing Christianity couldn’t love a fellow Christian, there was a problem.

Anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 1 John 2:8

Those Recognized as being a Child of God

So, John made it clear how we can maintain our relationship with God. And what to do if we mess up and sin. Then he made a list pointing to the people he was writing to.

• I am writing to you who are God’s children
• because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.

• I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
• because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.

• I am writing to you who are young in the faith
• because you have won your battle with the evil one.

• I have written to you who are God’s children
• because you know the Father.

• I have written to you who are mature in the faith
• because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.

• I have written to you who are young in the faith
• because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts,
• and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:12-14

After John recognized the saints in this list, look at the first thing he told them.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 1 John 2:15

Check out this related post called, The Wisdom Of God Is Foolishness To Man.

Then he gave a warning about those who will come against the Lord. Many of these “antichrists” started their spiritual journey in the church.

Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 1 John 2:18

Take John’s Warnings Seriously

We must take these warnings John wrote seriously. If we don’t we can lose out in the long run.

So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. 1 John 2:24-25

So, as you stay connected to the Lord you must live in obedience to His Word. Love your fellow Christians. Do not love the ways of the world and be aware of antichrists.

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. 1 John 2:28

Lord, today I do rejoice because I am a child of God. Thank you for giving us these instructions and warnings. Help us to always do what is right.

Check out today’s chapter of 1 John 2.

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